This work is a "fictitious narrative with some scraps of truth" attributed to Thomas Dangerfield (1650-1685) (cf. DNB). Dangerfield was an English criminal and conspirator who became a notable informer in the Popish Plot (1678-1681), a conspiracy which alleged that Catholics were conspiring to assassinate English king Charles II. The resulting anti-Catholic panic led to the executions of at least 22 men. Dangerfield was called as a supporting witness on several occasions during the height of the panic, but because his criminal past was so well known to the courts, his evidence was largely discounted. However, the titular character in Don Tomazo, whose life is based on Dangerfield's, is portrayed quite glamorously:

"Tomazo's rambles are told in a genial mock-heroic manner by a witty and inventive narrator. Frustrated by his father's severity, the boy robs him and heads off to Scotland with Jemmy, hoping for riches. The reality turns out to be rather different...Not to be defeated, Tomazo proceeds to out-rogue the English rogue in a career which - mingling Dangerfield's pedestrian crimes with fantastic exploits - takes in forgery, theft, coining, soldiering, whoring, spying, and piracy...Tomazo's luck never deserts him: when captured as a spy in Antwerp he is saved by the intervention of a Catholic priest and when he is arrested in England for coining it is Mrs Cellier who procures his release. Notably, the narrative ends without describing the events of the Popish Plot." [McElligott, Jason. Fear, Exclusion and Revolution, 2006, page 116-117]

The book label of one Robert W. Downing appears on the front pastedown. Downing or another owner annotated the final page of the text with the note "Read Octo[be]r 1742."

ESTC: R12136.

Octavo, [16], 224 pages. In Very Good condition. Bound in three-quarter polished calf. Paneled spine with gilt rules on ridges and blind-stamping to panels; black morocco label with gilt titling. Scuffing to front board; mild wear and rubbing to extremities. Text block edges stained red. Small bookplate to front pastedown and a note on page 224 stating 'Read Octo[be]r 1742'. Marbled boards and endpapers. Signatures: A-P?. Rare. Shelved in Case 3.