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[iv], 439, [1], +[4 ad] pp. (8vo) 19x12 cm (7½x4¾") old full calf with later rebacking, morocco spine label. Third Edition.

"The London Spy (its title doubtless modelled on the French work translated as The Turkish Spy, 1687–94) was published in eighteen monthly parts, beginning in November 1698. In lively prose, with occasional songs and verses, it graphically described the seamy side of London life, with racy anecdotes and character sketches, and established Ward's name and style. It was followed by over 100 identifiable satires in prose and verse, many of them reissued singly, sometimes in revised form, as well as appearing in at least a dozen partial collections of Ward's writings between 1700 and 1718. The London Spy itself was reprinted complete five times in Ward's lifetime." - ODNB.