John Rastell is most likely to be recognised today for his connection to Thomas More, whose son-in-law and friend he was. In A Bibliography of John Rastell E.J. Devereux shows that he was much more than this - a lawyer, explorer, humanist, trust servant of the crown, and, most importantly, printer of some sixty books.

First published in 1524-5, this charming collection of amusing (sometimes scurrilous) anecdotes was greatly celebrated in Tudor England, and is even name-checked by Shakespeare. Now re-edited for the first time from all four surviving original editions, and including rediscovered 'lost' passages, this is the fullest ever edition of a classic work