Publications of Thomas Paine

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 Thomas Paine

  • A continuation of the true diurnall of passages in Parliament, from ... London [England]: printed by T. Paine and M. Simmons, in Goldsmiths Alley in Red-Crosse-Street, the 15. of August., 1642. ESTC No. P1191. Grub Street ID 55037.
  • Du Bartas, Guillaume de Salluste. Foure bookes of Du Bartas: I. The arke, II. Babylon, III. The colonnyes, IIII. The columues [sic] or pyllars: in French and English, for the instruction and pleasure of such as delight in both languages. By William L'Isle of Wilburgham, Esquire for the Kings body. Together with a large commentary by S.G. S. London: Printed by T: Paine, for Francis Egelfielde, and are to be sold at the signe of the Marygold in Paules-Church-yard, 1637. ESTC No. S116416. Grub Street ID 136103.
  • I. S. Clidamas, or The Sicilian tale. VVritten by I.S. London: Printed by Thomas Payne, and are to be sold by Iohn Cowper, at the Holy Lambe, at the east end of Saint Paules Church, 1639. ESTC No. S116311. Grub Street ID 136000.
  • Torriano, Giovanni. The Italian tutor or a new and most compleat Italian grammer. Containing above others a most compendious way to learne the verbs, and rules of syntax. To which is annexed a display of the monasillable particles of the language, by way of alphabet. As also, certaine dialogues made up of Italianismes or neicities of the language, with the English to them. Studied and compiled with much time and labour, and now published for the speede and ease of such as desire to attaine the perfection of the said language; with an alphabet of primative and originall Italian words, underiveable from the Latin. By Gio. Torriano, an Italian and professor of the same within the city of London. London: printed by Tho. Payne, and are to be sold by H. Robinson, at the signe of the Three Pidgeons in Paules Church-yard, for the author, 1640. ESTC No. S122554. Grub Street ID 142089.
  • Saul, Arthur. The famous game of chesse-play. Being a princely exercise; wherin the learner may profit more by reading of this small book, then by playing of a thousand mates. Now augmented of many materiall things formerly wanting, and beautified with a three-fold methode, viz. of th chesse-men, of the chesse-play, of the chesse-lawes. By Jo. Barbier. P. Printed at London: [By T. Paine] for John Jackson, dwelling without Temple-Barre, 1640. ESTC No. S116806. Grub Street ID 136494.
  • Hughes, Lewes. The covenant of grace, and seales thereof; plainely opened by way of question and answer. Whereunto is annexed, godly instructions, shewing how to put every petition of the Lords Prayer into practice, and how to make some spirituall use of the things that wee shall see o heare. Set forth for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Summer Ilands. By Lewis Hughes, sometimes minister of Gods word in the said ilands. Printed at London: By Tho. Payne for N Bourne, dwelling at the South Entrance of the Royall Exchange, 1640. ESTC No. S120924. Grub Street ID 140536.
  • A coppy of the prisoners judgment condemned tody [sic] from Nugate on Mundaie the 13. of Decemb: 1641. VVith the examination of the Bishop of Calcedon, and the rest of the Iesuits condemned to die: and the names of the other prisoners condemned, and the matter for which they suffer vvhereunto is added the names of those who deny the oath of supremacy. Shewed first to the officers of the prison and after to one of the iury that so the truth might be printed. London: printed by Thomas Paine: in Gold-smiths-Alley in Red-Crosse-streete, 1641. ESTC No. R12550. Grub Street ID 60718.
  • The historie of the pitifull life, and unfortunate death of Edward the fifth, and the then Duke of Yorke, his brother: with the troublesome and tyrannical government of usurping Richard the third, and his miserable end. Written by the Right Honorable Sir Thomas Moore, sometimes Lord Chancellor of England. London: printed by Thomas Payne for William Sheares, and are to be sold by Michael Young, at his shop in Bedford-street in Covent-Garden, neere the new Exchange, 1641. ESTC No. R221380. Grub Street ID 95545.
  • Hughes, Lewes. Certain grievances, or, The popish errors and vngodlinesse of the service-book; plainly laid open, with some reasons wherefore it may and ought to be removed; well worthy the serious consideration of the right honorable and high court of Parliament. The fifth time imprinted, corrected, and much enlarged. By Lewis Hughes minister of Gods Word. Whereunto is annexed most strange and fearfull judgements shewed upon churches in times of divine service. Set forth by way of dialogue between a countrey gentleman and a minsiter of Gods Word. Here is also added certain reasons wherefore the Church of Scotland refused the service book. London: printed by T[homas]. P[aine]., 1642. ESTC No. R37915. Grub Street ID 120081.
  • Giles, Mascall. A treatise against superstitious Jesu-worship. VVherein the true sense of Phil. 2. 9, 10. is opened, and from thence is plainly shewed, and by sundry arguments proved, that corporall bowing at the name Jesus, is neither commanded, grounded, nor warranted thereupon. With answers to some of the maine reasons overthrowne. ... Written especially for the benefit of weake seduced persons, that have a zeale towards God, though not according to knowledge. By Mascall Giles minister of Gods Word at Dicheling in Sussex. London: printed by T. P[aine]. and M. S[immons]. for Andrew Kembe at St. Margarets hill in Southwark, 1642. ESTC No. R28636. Grub Street ID 111687.
  • Franck, Sebastian. The forbidden fruit: or, A treatise of the tree of knowledge of good and evill, of which Adam at the first; and as yet all mankinde do eate death. Moreover, how at this day it is forbidden to every one as well as to Adam; and how this tree, that is, the wisdome of the serpent planted in Adam, is that great image, and that many headed beast, mentioned in Daniel, and the apocalyps, whom the whole world doth worship. Lastly here is shewed what is the tree of life, contrary to the wisdome, righteousnesse, and knowledge of all mankinde: with a description of the majestie and nature of Gods word. By August: Eluthenius. Translated out of Latine into English. London: printed by T[homas]. P[aine]. and M[atthew]. S[immons]. for Benjamine Allen; and are to be sold at his shop in Popes head Alley, 1642. ESTC No. R10403. Grub Street ID 58776.
  • Marsh, John. An argument or, debate in lavv: of the great question concerning the militia; as it is now settled by ordinance of both the Houses of Parliament. By which, it is endeavoured, to prove the legalitie of it, and to make it warrantable by the fundamentall laws of the land. I which, answer is also given to all objections that do arise, either directly, or collaterally concerning the same. All which is referred to the judicious reader. By J.M. C.L. London: printed by Tho. Paine, and M. Simmons, for Tho. Underhill, at the Bible in Wood-street, 1642. ESTC No. R18112. Grub Street ID 71877.
  • The proiectors dovvn-fall, or, Times changeling. VVherein the monopolists and patentees are unmasked to the view of the world. The chiefe of which are these; viz. custemers, vintners, refiners of salt, soap boylers, tobacconist, pipe-makers, pinners, patent-farmers, dice squarers, leather-sellers, alias tanners, curriers, chaire-bearers, alias sedan-men and card painters. As also the monopolists and patentees last will and testament in the yeare 1641. London: printed by Thomas Paine in Gold-smiths Alley, 1642. ESTC No. R21300. Grub Street ID 88531.
  • Goodwin, Thomas. Aggravation of sinne: and sinning against knowledge. mercie. Delivered in severall sermons upon divers occasions. By Tho: Goodwin, B.D. London: printed by T. P[aine] and M. S[immons] for John Rothwell, and are to be sold at the Sunne in Pauls Church-yard, MDCXLIII. [1643]. ESTC No. R16273. Grub Street ID 64143.
  • A looking glasse for the sovle, vvorthy to be hung up in every house in this kingdome, and to be looked in daily; for herein is to be seene what sinnes tend to the breach of every one of Gods commandements, whereby every one of us may clearly see, how farre forth wee hav had a hand in pulling downe this heavie judgement of warre upon this nation. And so consequently, what cause wee have to humble our selves, and pray, and seeke Gods face, and turne from our evill wayes. [London]: Licensed and entred according to Order, and printed by Tho: Paine and Math: Symmons, in Goldsmiths Alley, September 19. 1643. ESTC No. R212103. Grub Street ID 87777.
  • Friend to the Coole Conference.. C.C. The Covenanter vindicated from perjurie, vvherin is fully cleared, that it's no perjury, for him to yet doubt, whether the classicall coercive Presbyterian government of churches, be jure divino; albeit hee hath taken the late nationall covenant. Though this puriurie be injuriously charged upon him in a ly-tell'd by Adam Stevert, in his calumnious answer to the Coole conference, most falsely calling it a libell. Replyed to, by a Friend to the Coole conference, concisely clearing diverse materiall things, some of which the reader hath presented to him in a briefe catalogue in the next page. This is licenced, and entered, according to order. London: printed by T. Paine, 1644. ESTC No. R11121. Grub Street ID 59434.
  • Giles Criplegate. The particulars of the rates of church-duties: agreed upon at a generall meeting of the parish. The fourth of November, 1644. London: printed by Tho. Paine in Goldsmiths-Alley, 1644. ESTC No. R181494. Grub Street ID 72064.
  • Englands monarch, or A conviction and refutation by the common law, of those false principles and insinuating flatteries of Albericus, delivered by way of disputation, and after published, and dedicated to our dread soveraigne King James, in which he laboureth to prove by the civill law, our prince to be an absolute monarch; and to have a free and arbitrary power over the lives and estates of his people. Together with a generall confutation (and that grounded vpon certaine principles taken by some of their owne profession) of all absolute monarchy. London: printed by Thomas Paine, anno Dom. 1644. ESTC No. R10980. Grub Street ID 59307.
  • De La March, John. A revelation of the time, and fall of the English hierarchy of prelates. VVith the number of the yeares of the Christian churches pilgrimage, under the antichristian-government; revealed to end, anno Dom. 1650: in parralell with the drying up of the euphraticall Jordan. Wherein is shewed, how all that, which is thereby typified concerning England; hath been fulfilled, and is still in fulfiilling [sic]. By J. De la March, one of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster. [London]: Printed by T[homas] Paine, for Ben: Allen, 1645. ESTC No. R215996. Grub Street ID 90938.
  • Angliæ speculum: or Englands looking-glasse. Devided into two pats [sic], by C. VV. Mercer. London: Printed by Tho: Paine, MDCXLVI. [1646]. ESTC No. R200657. Grub Street ID 78149.
  • Walwyn, William. A word in season: to all sorts of vvell minded people in this miserably distracted and distempered nation. Plainly manifesting, that the safety and well-being of the common-wealth under God, dependeth on the fidelity, and stedfast adherence of the people, to those whom they have chosen, and on their ready compliance with them. Also that the destruction and bondage of the common-wealth in generall, and of every good minded man in particular cannot be avoided, if the people, through want of consideration, shall give eare to any other counsels or counsellers. Published by authority. London: printed by Thomas Paine. and are to be sold by Edward Blackmoore, at his shop in Pauls Church-yard at the signe of the Angell, 1646. ESTC No. R200831. Grub Street ID 78314.
  • Walwyn, William. A prediction of Mr. Edvvards his conversion and recantation. By William Walvvin. London: printed by T[homas] P[aine] for G. Whittington and N. Brookes, at the signe of the Angell in Cornhill, below the Exchange, 1646. ESTC No. R208197. Grub Street ID 84474.
  • Younge, Richard. A soveraigne antidote against all grief. As also the benefit of affliction; and how to husband it so, that the weakest Christian (with blessing from above) may be able to support himselfe in his most miserable exigents. Together with the victory of patience. Extracted ou of the choisest authors, ancient and moderne, both holy and humane. necessary to be read of all that any way suffer tribulation. The third impression againe inlarged. By R. Younge, of Roxwell in Essex. London: printed by T[homas]. Paine for Nath. Web, and William Grantham, at the Grey-hound in Pauls Church-yard, 1647. ESTC No. R186984. Grub Street ID 75430.
  • A letter from an officer of quallitie of the Parliaments army in Munster, to an honourable member of the House of commons. VVherein is shewed the late further great victories God hath given to the Lord Inchiqvin against the rebells in that province. London: printed by T[homas]. Paine, August 26. 1647. ESTC No. R179539. Grub Street ID 70910.
  • A petition presented to the Honourable House of Commons, the 22. of August, 1648. of one hundred forty odd feild officers, and fifteen hundred commission officers and others, many of them being citizens of quality. With the names of the persons who presented the petition who were twice called into the House, by the Serjeant at Armes with the mace. The speech which Lievt. Col. Beecher made to the Speaker at the delivering of the said petition. And the noble answer which Mr. Speaker gave to the gentleman, and the gallant sence of the House upon their petition. With the names of the gentlemen who are intrusted with the managing of the same. London: printed by T. P[aine]., 1648. ESTC No. R205155. Grub Street ID 81964.

Printed for Thomas Paine

  • A publication of Guiana's plantation Newly undertaken by the Right Honble. the Earle of Barkshire (Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter) and company for that most famous river of the Amazones in America. Wherein is briefly shewed the lawfulnesse of plantations in forraine countries; hope of the natives conversion; nature of the river; qualitie of the land, climate, and people of Guiana; with the provisions for mans sustenance, and commodities therein growing for the trade of merchandise: and manner of the adventure. With an answer to some objections touching feare of the enemie. London: printed by William Iones for Thomas Paine, and are to bee sold in Trinitie Lane at the signe of the Horse-shooe, 1632. ESTC No. S119063. Grub Street ID 138709.
  • Scotlands thanks-giving for the returne of their armie. Together vvith a true copie of a letter from Dublin of their last proceedings, sent to Iohn Bibie drum-major for the Tower and Citie of London. London: printed in the same yeare, the Scots armie did retire. Printed for T. Paine and M. Simmons, 1642. ESTC No. R17313. Grub Street ID 66803.