Publications of William Richardson

Note: The following printer, bookseller, or publisher lists are works in progress. They are generated from title page imprints and may reproduce false and misleading attributions or contain errors.

What does "printed by" mean? How to read the roles ascribed to people in the imprints.

In terms of the book trades, the lists below are sorted into up to four groups where: the person is designated in the imprint as having a single role:

  1. "printed by x"; or
  2. "sold by x"; or
  3. "printed for x" or "published by x";

or as having multiple roles in combination (which suggests a likelihood that the person is a trade publisher):

  1. "printed and sold by x"; "printed for and sold by x"; or "printed by and for x" and so on.

Printers (owners of the type and printing presses, and possibly owners of the copyright) may be identified by the words printed by, but printed by does not universally designate a person who is a printer by trade. Booksellers may be identified by the words sold by, but sold by encompasses a number of roles. Booksellers or individuals who owned the copyright are generally identified by the words printed for, but nothing should be concluded in this regard without further evidence, especially since "printed for" could signify that the named person was a distributor rather than a copyright holder. Trade publishers, who distributed books and pamphlets but did not own the copyright or employ a printer—and were not printers themselves—might be identified by the words printed and sold by. Furthermore, works from this period often display false imprints, whether to evade copyright restrictions, to conceal the name of the copyright holders, or to dupe unwitting customers. Ultimately, one must proceed with caution in using the following lists: designations in the imprints may not reliably reflect the actual trades or roles of the people named, and the formulas used in imprints do not consistently mean the same thing.

David Foxon discussed the "meaning of the imprint" in his Lyell Lecture delivered at Oxford in March 1976, with particular attention to "publishers" in the eighteenth-century context:

The fullest form of an imprint is one which names three people, or groups of people:
     London: printed by X (the printer), for Y (the bookseller who owned the copyright), and sold by Z.
In the eighteenth century the printer's name is rarely given, at least in works printed in London, and the form is more commonly:
     London: printed for Y, and sold by Z.
Very often in this period, and particularly for pamphlets, it is further abbreviated to:
     London: printed and sold by Z.
It is this last form which is my present concern. Z is usually what the eighteenth century called 'a publisher', or one who distributes books and pamphlets without having any other responsibility—he does not own the copyright or employ a printer, or even know the author.

D. F. McKenzie coined the term "trade publisher" for these publishers in his Sandars Lectures, also in 1976, on the grounds that their principal role was to publish on behalf of other members of the book trade (Treadwell 100).

Michael Treadwell cautions that "In this period the imprint 'London: Printed and sold by A.B.' normally means 'Printed at London, and sold by A.B.' and must not be taken to mean that A.B. is a printer in the absence of other evidence." Further, "The imprint 'published by' occurs only rarely in Wing and is almost always associated with the name of a trade publisher" (104). While there are exceptions to the rule, it is "certain," he explains, "that anyone who made a speciality of distributing works for others will show a far higher proportion than normal of imprints in one of the 'sold by' forms" (116), which appear in the imprint as "sold by," "printed and sold by," or "published by" (104). Treadwell gives Walter Kettilby as an example of "a fairly typical copyright-owning bookseller" (106)—his role is almost always designated by the phrase "printed for" on imprints.

A final caution: publisher is a word that should be used with some deliberation. Samuel Johnson defines it simply as "One who puts out a book into the world," but "published by" rarely appears on the imprint until later in the eighteenth century, and then primarily associated with newspapers and pamphlets. Treadwell observes that John Dunton names only five publishers among the 200 binders and booksellers in his autobiographical Life and Errors (1705) wherein he undertakes "to draw the Character of the most Eminent [Stationers] in the Three Kingdoms" (100). Treadwell also remarks, however, that "in law, anyone who offered a work for sale 'published' it. In this sense every work had one or more 'publishers', and every bookseller, mercury, and hawker was a 'publisher'" (114).

See:

  • Terry Belanger, "From Bookseller to Publisher: Changes in the London Book Trade, 1750–1850," in Book Selling and Book Buying. Aspects of the Nineteenth-Century British and North American Book Trade, ed. Richard G. Landon (Chicago: American Library Association, 1978).
  • Bricker, Andrew Benjamin. "Who was 'A. Moore'? The Attribution of Eighteenth-Century Publications with False and Misleading Imprints," in The Papers of the Bibliographical Society of America 110.2 (2016).
  • John Dunton, The Life and Errors of John Dunton (London: Printed for S. Malthus, 1705).
  • John Feather, "The Commerce of Letters: The Study of the Eighteenth-Century Book Trade," Eighteenth-Century Studies 17 (1984).
  • David Foxon, Pope and the Early Eighteenth-Century Book Trade, ed. James McLaverty (Oxford University Press, 1991).
  • Samuel Johnson, Dictionary of the English Language, (printed for J. and P. Knapton; T. and T. Longman; C. Hitch and L. Hawes; A. Millar; and R. and J. Dodsley, 1755).
  • D.F. McKenzie, The London Book Trade in the Later Seventeenth Century (Sandars lectures in bibliography, 1977).
  • Michael Treadwell, "London Trade Publishers 1675–1750," The Library sixth series, vol. 4, no. 2 (1982).

Printed by William Richardson

  • General tables of the moon's distances from the sun and ten principal fixt stars, useful for finding the longitude at sea or land. Published by order of the Commissioners of Longitude. London: printed by William Richardson; and sold by P. Elmsly, 1787. ESTC No. N44801. Grub Street ID 30108.

Author

  • Richardson, William. A Christian directory, or a certain, sure, and safe guide to heaven; the one thing needful. ... By William Richardson, for the use and benefit of his hearers of the morning-lecture at Pinners-Hall, and St. John's Clerkenwell, London. [London]: Printed in the year, 1711. ESTC No. T211984. Grub Street ID 239360.
  • Richardson, William. God's call of his ministers, in a sermon preach'd in the Parish-Church of St. Mary White-Chappel, on Sunday the 16th of Septemb. 1711. By William Richardson, ... London: printed by J. Applebee, for Geo. Strahan, and John Phillips: and sold by John Morphew, [1711?]. ESTC No. N7152. Grub Street ID 51723.
  • Richardson, William. God's call of His ministers, in a sermon preach'd in the parish-church of St. Mary White-Chappel, on Sunday the 16th of September, 1711. By William Richardson, lately a Dissenting-Preacher in Pin-Maker's-Hall, and St. John's, Clerkenwel, London, but now Canonically Ordain'd a Presbyter of the Church of England. London: printed by J. Applebee, for George Strahan, at the Golden-Ball, and J. Philips, at the Black-Ball, in Cornhill; and sold by J. Morphew, near Stationer's-Hall, MDCCXI. [1711]. ESTC No. T11970. Grub Street ID 171083.
  • Richardson, William. God's call of his ministers, in a sermon preach'd in the parish-church of St. Mary White-Chappel, on Sunday the 16th of Septemb. 1711. By William Richardson, lately a Dissenting Preacher in Pin-Maker's Hall, and St. John Clerkenwel, London; but now Canonically Ordain'd a Presbyter of the Church of England. London: printed by J. Applebee, for Geo. Strahan, at the Golden-Ball, and J. Philips, at the Black Bull in Cornhill: and sold by John Morphew, near Sationers-Hall, [1711]. ESTC No. N8076. Grub Street ID 52984.
  • Richardson, William. A recantation sermon preach'd by Dr. Richardson, In St. Mary White-Chappel, on Sunday the 16th of this instant Septemb. 1711. Who was lately a Preacher to a great Presbyterian Congregation at St. Jones's Clerkenwell, and one of the Lecterors at Pin-Makers-Hall. In which are contain'd the reasons of him, and five more Presbyterian ministers, and also Fifty Families of the same Opinion, why they all left the Presbyterian perswasion, and inbraced the Religion of the Church of England. The Text is in the Hebrews Chap. V. Vers. 4. and 5. and no man taketh this Honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. also Christ glorisied not himself to be made an high Priest; but he that said unto him, Thou and my Son, to day have I begotten thee. Lastly, You have a particular account how they were all converted to the said faith and Worship of the Church of England. by the Reverend Dr. Wilton, Minister of White-Chappel. London: printed for John Williams, near St. John's-Street, 1711. ESTC No. T137012. Grub Street ID 185083.
  • Richardson, William. Episcopacy vindicated, in a letter to Mr. W. Clark a Dissenting Teacher. To which is prefix'd Mr. Clark's first Letter to Mr. Richardson, upon his Conversion; and Mr. Richardson's Answer. By William Richardson lately a Dissenting Teacher, but now a Presbyter of the Church of England. London: printed for George Strahan at the Golden Ball over against the Royal Exchange in Cornhill, 1712. ESTC No. T64365. Grub Street ID 289422.
  • Richardson, William. Malice defeated: or, an account of the tryal and accusation, of the Reverend Mr. Richardson, before the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of London at Fulham, on Wednesday the 3d of September. Shewing the unjust Prosecution and Revenge of a surious malicious Party, set on Foot by a Whiggish Presbyterian Gang; because he had Embrac'd the Church of England: With the Depositions and Affidavits taken therein. London: printed by J. Read in White-Fryers, near Fleet-Street, [1712]. ESTC No. T137009. Grub Street ID 185079.
  • Richardson, William. God's call of his ministers, in a sermon preach'd in the Parish - Church Of St. Mary White-Chappel, On Sunday the 16th of Septemb. 1711. By William Richardson, lately a Dissenting Preacher in Pia-Maker's Hall, and St. John Clerkenwel, London; but now Canonically Ordain'd a Presbyter of the Church of England. London: printed by J. Applebee, for Geo. Strahan, at the Golden-Ball, and John Phillips, at the Black Bull in Cornhill: and sold by John Morphew, near Stationers-Hall, [1712?]. ESTC No. T137011. Grub Street ID 185082.
  • Richardson, William. God's portion or man's duty, the best New-Year's gift. A sermon preached to young people in St. Ann's church near Aldersgate. January 3. 1713. By Wil. Richardson, A. M. Chaplain to the Right Honourable Robert Earl of London-Derry, and Lecturer to St. Ann's Society. London: printed by J. Bradford, in Nevel's Alley in Fetter-Lane, 1713. ESTC No. T136686. Grub Street ID 184832.
  • Richardson, William. The serpents head bruised. Or a full defence of Mr. Richardson from the aspersions that have been lately cast upon him, in order to ruin his reputation: in a letter addressed to the archbishops and bishops, and the whole Body of the Clergy. In which are Inserted, Not only the Testimonials of the Lord Bishop of London and Dr Gnoch, &c. but the Certificates of the Dissenters themselves, (viz.) the Professor of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh, and Dr. Williams, and other Eminent Presbyterian Teachers here in England: With a true Copy of an Affidavit made before the Lord Chief Justice Parker, and a true Account of his Tryal at the Pallace in Fulham. By William Richardson A. M. late a Dissenting Teacher, and now a Minister of the Church of England, and Chaplain to the Earl of London-Derry. London: printed for J. Baker at the Black-Boy in Pater-Noster-Row, [1713?]. ESTC No. T137010. Grub Street ID 185081.
  • Richardson, William. The liberties of the laity not infringed by the sacred dignity of the Christian priesthood. Containing some gentle animadversions on a late rhapsody. With a short appendix. By a layman. [One line from Philippians]. Newport [R.I.]: Printed and sold by J. Franklin, at the printing-office under the town-school-house, 1753. ESTC No. W13592. Grub Street ID 322937.
  • Richardson, William. Essays on several divine and moral subjects: particularly on the Christian temper and conduct. - Sober mindedness. -The Fear of God. -A Future State. -Marriage. -The Middle State. -The Imitation of Christ. -Degrees in Glory. -Religion. On the Sabbath. -Affliction. -Contentment. -A Pacific Disposition. -The Late Earthquakes. -The Advent and Crucifixion. -Moderation. Abradates and Panthea. By William Richardson of Blencowe, Vicar of Dacre in Cumberland. London: printed: and sold by J. Hodges, at London-Bridge; T. Ashburner, in Kendal; and W. Charnley, in Newcastle upon Tyne, MDCCLVI. [1756]. ESTC No. T103787. Grub Street ID 157394.
  • Richardson, William. Virtue the support and vice the ruin of a nation. A sermon. preach'd ... in the parish church of Dacre, in Cumberland. February 17th. 1758. By W. Richardson ... Kendal: printed by Thomas Ashburner, 1758. ESTC No. N36930. Grub Street ID 24884.
  • Richardson, William. Essays on several divine and moral subjects: particularly on the Christian temper and conduct. - Sober-mindedness. ... The second edition: to which is prefix'd, a letter to a religious lady, ... By William Richardson ... London: printed for J. Wilson and J. Fell; and sold by J. Fell in Whitehaven; T. Ashburner in Kendale [sic]; and W. Charnley, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1762. ESTC No. T167201. Grub Street ID 205330.
  • Richardson, William. Richardson's catalogue. A large and curious collection of English and foreign portraits, topography and historical prints, by ancient and modern masters; drawings, books, and books of prints, now selling, with the prices affixed to each, At Mr. Richardson's print warehouse,. London: printed in the year, printed in the year M,DCC,XCI. [1791]. ESTC No. T13089. Grub Street ID 179960.
  • Richardson, William. Lewis Theobald. A Portrait of this useful critick is among the desiderata of those Gentlemen who cultivate the formes ornees of literature, and embellish the plays of Shakspeare with a series of characteristick prints, engraved and published by the ingenious Mr. S. Harding, of Pall-Mall. [London]: [Pubd. by Wm. Richardson Castle St. Leicester Fields, 1794]. ESTC No. T33037. Grub Street ID 263699.
  • Richardson, William. Coins and medals. A catalogue of a collection of gold, silver, and copper, coins and medals of all countries in Europe; including a capital series of two hundred and forty-six Popes, ... which will be sold by auction, by Mr. Richardson, ... on Saturday, April 13, 1799, ... [London]: Printed by T. Burton, Gate-Street, Lincoln's-Inn Fields, [1799]. ESTC No. T30892. Grub Street ID 261731.
  • Richardson, William. Portraits, india drawings, &c. A Catalogue of a Genuine and valuable collection of English and Foreign Portraits, India Drawings, &c. Comprising the choicest works of Bartolozzi, Blooteling, Delaram, Drevet, Elstrack, Faithorne, Hogarth, Hollar, Loggan, Lombart, Masson Nantuiel, the Passes, Sherwin, Smith, Vertue, Vandycke, &c. &c. including several, rare and curious, of Charles the First and Second, Cromwells, the Orange and Palatine Families, &c. Among the Foreingers are many relating to English History, particularly those mentioned by Burnet, Clarendon, Granger, &c. The Collection in general is in perfect Preservation, and the finest Impressions; which will be sold by auction, By Mr. Richardson, at his house, No. 31, the Corner of Villers-Street, in the Strand, on Monday, February 18, 1799. And the Eighteen following days, at Twelve O'Clock. To be viewed three Days previous to the Sale. Catalogues, Price Three Shillings and Sixpence each, may be had of Mr. Clarke, Book-Seller, Bond-. [London]: Printed by T. Burton, Gate-Street, Lincoln's-Inn Fields, [1799]. ESTC No. T13081. Grub Street ID 179885.
  • Richardson, William. Prints, capital drawings, and elegant illustrated books. A catalogue of a valuable and genuine collection of prints, capital drawings, and elegant illustrated books; ... which will be sold by auction, by Mr. Richardson, ... on Monday, March 24, 1800, ... [London]: Printed by T. Burton, No. 31, Little Queen-Street, [1800]. ESTC No. T44472. Grub Street ID 272899.
  • Richardson, William. British portraits. A Catalogue of a Genuine and Extensive Collection of English Portraits Consisting of the Royal Families, Peers, Gentry, Clergy, Lawyers, Military, Literary, Artists, Actors, Writing-Masters, Musicians, Female Sex, Phenomena, Convicts, Monsters, &c. From Egbert the Great to the Present Time; Comprising the Choicest [illigible] of Delaram, Elstrack, Faithorne, [illigible] Loggan, Lumley, the Pass's, Place, Smith, [illigible] White, &c. And nearly the whole that have been engraved after Sir Joshua Reynolds, and other Modern Artists, most of them Proofs, many Private Plates, and Unique Prints, not to be found in any other Collection, with Biographical and Genealogical Remarks. By an Eminent Collector, During the last Forty Years. The Collection is in perfect Preservation, and the [illigible] [illigible] with Sixty Solander Port-[illigible] Uniformly [illigible] and Print-[illigible] with Sliding [illigible] Which Will be Sold by Auction, By Mr. Richardson, At his House, . [London]: T. Burton, printer, Little Queen-Street, [1800]. ESTC No. T13082. Grub Street ID 179895.
  • Richardson, William. William Richardson, imports directly from the manufacturers, and has constantly on hand, a large assortment of lustrings, broadcloths--cassimeres, and linens, for sale, at no. 65, Cornhill, Boston. [Boston: s.n, 1800?]. ESTC No. W3665. Grub Street ID 347382.