title: The Perreaus and Mrs. Rudd: Forgery and Betrayal in Eighteenth-Century London
author:  Donna T. Andrew 
description: In this thoroughly researched examination of a famous 18th-century forgery trial, the authors skillfully interweave legal, economic and social history to place the "Perreau-Rudd affair" into its larger historical context. In 1775, as news of rebellion in the American colonies began to trickle in, London was preoccupied with a high-class scandal the twin brothers Perreau, Robert and Daniel, and Mrs. Rudd, Daniel's elegant mistress, were accused of engaging in a forgery scheme. The brothers pleaded their innocence and then accused Mrs. Rudd of masterminding the crime. Mrs. Rudd claimed that Daniel had forced her to participate in the crime to finance his spendthrift ways. The London press, faced with three upper-crust defendants and a sordid tale of betrayal, found the case irresistible and, the authors explain, "the papers helped to produce a new genre, the sensational criminal trial." The Perreaus and especially Mrs. Rudd used the press to plead their innocence. Why the public fascination? In an era of burgeoning commercial enterprise, the case exposed profound insecurities about the stability of "paper instruments," such as bonds of credit. The authors do a fine job of exploring the economic underpinnings of 18th-century England. Many viewed the case as a Hogarthian morality lesson: financial excess and deceit leading to the gallows (where the Perreau brothers ended up). The case also triggered questions regarding important legal issues, such as the Crown's role in granting pardons and the role of magistrates in offering immunity to criminal conspirators in exchange for their cooperation. The authors have created a first-rate work of historical research, one that will certainly appeal to those interested in either the history of law or the development of public and media fascination with scandal.
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  A Relation of the Apparition of Mrs. Veal  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  http://www.blackmask.com
  
  
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  # A Relation of the Apparition of Mrs. Veal
  
  
  ### Daniel Defoe
  
  
  
  
  
  This page copyright © 2001 Blackmask Online.
  
  
  
  
  
  http://www.blackmask.com  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  ### The Preface
  
  
  This relation is matter of fact, and attended with such circumstances, as may
  induce any reasonable man to believe it. It was sent by a gentleman, a justice
  of peace, at Maidstone, in Kent, and a very intelligent person, to his friend
  in London, as it is here worded; which discourse is attested by a very sober
  and understanding gentlewoman, a kinswoman of the said gentleman's, who lives
  in Canterbury, within a few doors of the house in which the within-named Mrs.
  Bargrave lives; who believes his kinswoman to be of so discerning a spirit, as
  not to be put upon by any fallacy; and who positively assured him that the
  whole matter, as it is related and laid down, is really true; and what she
  herself h