There are three parts, but the other two are uninteresting both as to matter and illustrations.
THE
Birth, Life, and Death
OF
JOHN FRANKS
With the Pranks he played
Though a meer Fool
Printed and Sold in Aldermary Church Yard. London.
From the preface, and its general internal evidence, this Chap-book seems to be recollections of a real person, who was locally famous, and whose actions were traditionally handed down. Only a few of the sayings and deeds of this half-witted jester are worth repeating.
The Preface.
"John Franks, the reputed son of John Ward, was born at Much Eaton in Essex, within three miles of Dunmow. He had no friends to take care of him, but his being such a fool was the cause of his well being; for every one was in love with the sport he made.