Edward Dando

Edward Dando.
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.