The Confessions of Con Cregan: The Irish Gil Blas, by Charles Lever

Charles James Lever, born in Dublin in 1806, was a novelist and raconteur. He studied medicine in Trinity College, and was appointed in 1833 to the Board of Health in County Clare during a cholera outbreak. 

As a student Lever and his friends had engaged in many pranks, and earned pocket-money singing ballads of their own composing in the streets of Dublin. In 1829 he visited Canada as an unqualified surgeon on an emigrant ship and journeyed into the Canadian backwoods.

Lever draws on these experiences in The Confessions of Con Cregan, a light-hearted novel recounting the adventures of a young Irish emigrant to the New World. Con Cregan’s adventures take him to Canada, as well as New York, New Orleans and further west.

Charles Lever’s lively style made him a popular novelist; he was lauded by Anthony Trollope who said that his novels were “just like his conversation”.

Published by George Routledge and Sons.  No date.

Printed by Woodfall and Kinder, Milford Lane, Strand, London.

Several black and while illustrations.

Good condition with authors name in gilt on front board. Binding intact, except for rear hinge slightly loosening.