That author is well known.

Not satisfied with the feats by which he has won the title of Handcuff King, this man recently dropped from a height of 98 ft. into the harbor at Sydney, Australia, with his hands manacled behind his back, and his eyes blindfolded. A year or so ago his star feat was making an escape from a bag in which he was placed, both hands and feet manacled, and thrown into the water.

I have (Together with my practice) made familiar To me and to my aid, the blest infusions That dwell in vegetives, in metals, stones

Ware in all the wide wurld was a man, and has bin ni to death's dore, evvur brawt bak to life to be so insulted in his own house.