author

active 1816-1830 John Badcock

Best known by the pen names Jon Bee and John Hinds, this lively early 19th-century writer covered the sporting world of boxing, horse racing, and the stable with a sharp eye for London life. His books mix slang, spectacle, and practical know-how, and his real identity still isn’t fully known.

1 Audiobook

Real Life In London, Volumes I. and II.

Real Life In London, Volumes I. and II.

by active 1816-1830 John Badcock, Pierce Egan

About the author

An English sporting writer active between 1816 and 1830, he published under the pseudonyms Jon Bee and John Hinds. Although later reference works list him as John Badcock, the person behind the name has never been clearly identified.

His writing ranged widely across the sporting culture of the day. Under Jon Bee, he produced works on boxing, horse racing, slang, and the social life of London, including Slang, a Dictionary of the Turf, the Ring, the Chase and Living Picture of London. Under John Hinds, he turned to horses and stable management, writing books such as The Veterinary Surgeon and Conversations on Conditioning.

What makes him especially interesting now is the mix of color and mystery. His books preserve the language and energy of Regency-era sport and city life, while scattered clues in the work suggest a connection with Devon or Cornwall.