'The Distresses of a Modest Man' was published in The Hive of Ancient and Modern Literature, (Solomon Hodgson, Newcastle, 1799). This amusing eighteenth-century tale recounts the catalogue of disasters and misfortunes that befell a 'modest man' when he takes up an invitation to dine with his neighbour, Sir Thomas Friendly. You will have to read the story to find out how Xenophon is involved.

I came across the story while working on Luke Clennell: Bewick Apprentice.

The illustrations are adaptations and enlargements of four contemporary wood engravings. 'The dinner' shown here was engraved by Thomas Bewick for The Hive.

Edition details
Published in October 2000.
Printed on a Wharfedale Press on Zerkall mould made paper in a limited edition of 300 copies. Hand sewn and bound in paste-paper boards. 16 pp 250 x 164 mm., £50 ($95)