Edward Dando (c. 1803 – 1832) was a thief who overate at food stalls and inns, then revealed that he had no money to pay. He was particularly fond of oysters, once eating 300 in a sitting (cartoon pictured). Dando began his thefts in about 1826 and was arrested at least as early as 1828. Most of his activity was in London or Kent. He would often leave a house of correction, go on an eating spree the same day, be arrested straight away, and be put back in prison. He was put in solitary confinement at least once after he stole the rations of fellow prisoners. In August 1832, Dando caught cholera in prison and died. His death, like his exploits, was widely and sympathetically reported in the press. His name entered the public argot as a term for one who eats excessively and does not pay. He was the subject of numerous poems and ballads. William Makepeace Thackeray wrote a short story loosely based on Dando, which was made into a play. Charles Dickens also wrote about Dando, comparing him to Alexander the Great.
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Dando
_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:
902:
Arab–Byzantine wars: Led by Ibrahim II of Ifriqiya, Aghlabid forces captured the Byzantine stronghold of Taormina, concluding the Muslim conquest of Sicily. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim_conquest_of_Sicily
1774:
British scientist Joseph Priestley liberated oxygen gas, corroborating the discovery of the element by German-Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen
1892:
Belgian carillonneur Jef Denyn hosted the world's first carillon concert at St. Rumbold's Cathedral in Mechelen. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carillon
1911:
Harriet Quimby became the first woman to earn an Aero Club of America aviator certificate. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Quimby
_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:
hither and thither: 1. To here and to there, one place after another; in different directions. 2. (figuratively) In a disorderly manner. 3. (intransitive, archaic) To move here and then there; to move in different directions. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hither_and_thither
___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:
I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you. --Paul Reubens https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Paul_Reubens