When it first appeared, The English Rogue was declared a forbidden book on account of its gross indecency. Copies were printed secretly and sold furtively at alehouses until 1665 when it was properly licensed. When requested, the author, Richard Head, declined to produce a second volume as it was his belief that the text had been interpreted as autobiographical and his reputation had suffered as a consequence. Francis Kirkman, who had acquired the rights to the work, set about the endeavour himself and wrote the remaining volumes, publishing them in 1671. This is a reprint of the 1928 reissue containing Head's original book and two of Kirkman's added volumes.

When this piece was first published it was ushered into the World with the usual ceremony of a Preface, and that a large one, whereby the Authour intended and endeavoured to possess the Reader with a belief, that what was written was the Life of a Witty Extravagant, the Authours Friend and Acquaintance. This was the intent of the Writer, but the Readers could not be drawn to this belief, but in general concurred in this opinion, that it was the Life of the Authour, and notwithstanding all that hath been said to the contrary many still continue in this opinion. Indeed the whole story is so genuine and naturally described without any forcing or Romancing that all contained in it seems to be naturally true, and so i’le assure you it is, but not acted by any one single person, much less by the Authour, who is well known to be of an inclination much different from the foul debaucheries of the Relations, & if the Readers had read the Spanish Rogue, Gusman; the French Rogue, Francion; and several other by Forraign Wits, and have upon examination found that the Authors were persons of great eminency and honour, and that no part of their own writings were their own lives; they had happily changed their opinion of the Authour of this; but they holding this opinion caused him to desist from prosecuting his story in a Second Part, and he having laid down the Cudgels I took them up, and my design in so doing was out of three considerations, the first and chiefest was to gain ready money, the second I had an itch to gain some Reputation by being in Print, and thereby revenge my self on some who had abused me, and whose actions I recited, and the third was to advantage the Reader and make him a gainer by acquainting him with my experiences. This were the reasons for my engaging in the Second part, and the very same reason induced me to joyn with the Authour in composing and Writing a third and fourth Part, in which we have club’d so equally, and intermixt our stories so joyntly, that it is some difficulty for any at first sight to distinguish what we particularly Writ and now having concluded the Preface, which should never have been begun but that I had a blank page, and was unwilling to be so ill a husband for you, but that you should have all possible content for your money, and withal to tell you that I would not have you as yet to expect any more parts of the book, for although a fifth and last part is design’d, yet i’le assure you there is never a stitch amiss, nor one line Written of it, and if you desire that, you must give me encouragement by your speedy purchasing of what is already Written; and thereby you will ingage

The English Rogue: Described in the Life of Meriton Latroon, a Witty Extravagant' stands as a monumental work in the landscape of English literature, emblematic of the picaresque narrative tradition. This anthology, comprising varied literary styles, weaves through the adventures and misadventures of its protagonist with an audacity and wit that highlight the diversity and dynamism of the human condition. The collection's significance is underpinned by its broad spectrum of themes, ranging from deceit and survival to the intricacies of human moralities, revealing a rich tapestry of life in the 17th century. The work of Richard Head and Francis Kirkman in compiling and contributing to this anthology represents a pivotal moment in literary history, inviting readers into a world that mirrors the complexity and vibrancy of its era. As authors and editors, Head and Kirkman bring forward a corpus that not only entertains but also offers critical insights into the socio-cultural undercurrents of their time. This collection, aligning with the larger cultural and literary movements of the Restoration period, showcases a deep understanding of narrative versatility and human psychology. The anthology stands as a testament to the collective genius of its contributors, whose backgroundsspanning from dramaturgy to novel writingenrich the text with a multiplicity of voices and perspectives. 'The English Rogue' is an essential read for those interested in exploring the depths of narrative form, the evolution of literary styles, and the socio-cultural dialogues of the 17th century. It offers readers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a world where the rogue's journey elucidates broader themes of morality, identity, and survival. This collection is not merely an anthology; it is an invitation to witness the convergence of history, literature, and the human experience through the lens of one of the era's most captivating narratives.