Publications of Elizabeth Alsop

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 Elizabeth Alsop

  • Lloyd, Lodowick. The marrow of history: or, the pilgrimage of kings and princes. Truly representing the variety of dangers inhærent to their crowns; and the lamentable deaths which many of them, and some of the best of them, have undergone. Collected out of the best modern histories; and from all those which have been most famous in the Latine, Greek, or in the Hebrew tongue. Shewing, not onely the tragedies of princes at their deaths, but their exploits and sayings in their lives; and by what virtues some of them have flourished in the height of honour; and overcome by what affections, others of them have sunk into the depth of all calamities. A work most delightfull for knowledge, and as profitable for example. Collected by Lodowick Lloyd, one of the gentlemen in ordinary to Queen Elizabeth. And corrected and revived by R.C. Master of Arts. London: printed by E. Alsop, dwelling near the Upper-Pump in Grubstreet, 1653. ESTC No. R200989. Grub Street ID 78456.
  • Plat, Hugh. The jewel house of art and nature: containing divers rare and profitable inventions, together with sundry new experiments in in [sic] the art of husbandry. With divers chymical conclusions concerning the art of distillation, and the rare practises and uses thereof. Faithfully and familiarly set down, according to the authours own experience. By Sir Hugh Plat of Lincolns-Inne, Knight. Whereunto is added, a rare and excellent discourse of minerals, stones, gums, and rosins; with the vertues and use thereof, by D.B. Gent. London: printed by Elizabeth Alsop, and are to be sold at her house in Grubstreet, near the Upper Pump, 1653. ESTC No. R10675. Grub Street ID 59021.
  • Purnell, Robert. Englands remonstrance. Or, a word in the ear to the scattered, discontented members of the late Parliament. Shewing, that self-seekers are self-losers; and that no member ought to feather his own nest, but freely permit every bird to enjoy his own feathers, and every hones man to sit under his own vine, and enjoy the fruits thereof. Likewise, a word to the present assembly at Westminster, and the councel of state at White Hall, in order to their present power, rule, government; and the peoples rights, liberties, and priviledges. By Robert Purnel. London: printed by E. Alsop, 2653. [i.e. 1653]. ESTC No. R207191. Grub Street ID 83607.
  • A declaration of the present proceedings of the French, Danes, and the Hollanders, touching the King of Scots: and a new act and proclamation of the states, to all captains, masters, and officers of ships, throughout all harbours, haven-towns, and cinque-ports, within th dominion of the Netherlands: published by sound of trumpet, and beat of drum throughout the United Provinces, for all officers in general to yeeld obedience thereunto, upon pain of death. Together with their orders and instructions to Admiral De Wit. And a letter sent to the Parliament of England from the generals at sea, concerning the transaction, affairs, and engagement of the enemy. Subscribed, Robert Blake, Rich: Dean, Geo: Monck. Published according to order. London: printed by E. Alsop, 1653. ESTC No. R206928. Grub Street ID 83379.
  • Tromp, Maarten Harpertsz. A letter from Admiral Vantrump to the lords and burgamasters of Amsterdam, touching his late engagement with the English, and the account he renders to them thereof: with the states orders for the building of 60 new frigots; and the levying of the two hundreth penny throughout all Holland, for the maintaining of the war with England. Also, their new orders and instructions to Admiral De Witte, and the Admiralties, requiring them to put out to sea all the ships that are in their harbours. Likewise, the proceedings of the King of Denmark with the English resident; and a list of the ships of war set out to sea by him: with his orders for unlading the English ships detained there, and his design therein. Together with a narrative of the proceedings of the English at Legorn; a fight betwixt them and the Dutch near that place, and the event and successe thereof. Published according to order. London: printed by E. Alsop, 1653. ESTC No. R206947. Grub Street ID 83396.
  • The famous history of Palmendos son to the most renowned Palmerin D'Oliva, Emperour of Constantinople, and the heroick Queen of Tharsus. Wherein is likewise a most pleasant discourse of Prince Risarano, the son of Trineus, Emperour of Almain, and Aurecinda, sister to the Soldane of Persia. With their knightly deeds, and acts of chivalry; their famous adventures, and most worthy resolutions. Newly corrected and amended, and most profitable and delightfull for all sorts of people. London: printed by E. Alsop, and are to be sold at her house in Grubstreet, near the Upper Pump, 1653. ESTC No. R6035. Grub Street ID 126411.
  • The marrow of history: or, the pilgrimage of kings and princes. Truly representing the variety of dangers inhærent to their crowns; and the lamentable deaths which many of them, and some of the best of them, have undergone. Collected, not onely out of the best modern histories; but from all those which have been most famous in the Latine, Greek, or in the Hebrew tongue. Shewing, not onely the tragedies of princes at their deaths, but their exploits and sayings in their lives; and by what virtues some of them have flourished in the height of honour; and overcom by what affections, others of them have sunk into the depth of all calamities. A work most delightfull for knowledge, and as profitable for example. Collected by Lodowick Lloyd, one of the gentlemen in ordinary to Queen Elizabeth. And corrected and revived by R.C. Master of Arts. London: printed by E. Alsop, dwelling near the Upper-Pump in Grubstreet, 1653. ESTC No. R39067. Grub Street ID 121082.
  • The beginning, progress, and end of man. London: printed by E[lizabeth]. Alsop for T[homas]. Dunster, 1654. ESTC No. R176521. Grub Street ID 69018.
  • Artemidorus, Daldianus.. The interpretation of dreams, digested into five books, by that ancient and excellent philo[so]pher, Artimedorus. Compiled by him in Greek; and translated afterwards into the Latine[,] the Italian, the French, and Spanish tongues: and now more exactly rendred into English. It being a work of great esteem in all ages, and pleasant and profitable to peruse, for all conditions of people whatsoever. London: printed by Elizabeth Al[s]op, dwelling in Grubstreet, near the Upper Pump, 1656. ESTC No. R33122. Grub Street ID 115766.
  • Ford, Emanuel. The most pleasant history of Ornatus and Artesia. Shewing, the tyrannical and wicked reign of Thϯn King of Phrygia; who having slain his lawful soveraign, usurped the kingdom, and grievously opprested the people, was afterwards murthered by one of his own servants. Wit the manner of his son Lenon's falling in love with the beautiful Artesia, his several strange and unheard of plots contrived to attain his desires, and the miseries she endured thereby; till by the prudence, valour and fortitude of Ornatus, she was set at liberty. Also, how by the assistance of th King of Armenia, and the policy of Phylastes, Ornatus recovered the kingdom (to which he was right heir) and afterwards he and Artesia (being royally married together) crowned king and queen of Phrygia. London: printed by E. Alsop, dwelling near the Upper Pump in Grubstreet, 1656. ESTC No. R233537. Grub Street ID 105049.
  • W. C, Gent. The renowned history of Fragosa King of Aragon; and his three sonnes: or, the mirrour of magnamity, and Cupid's conquest. Shewing, the strange adventures, heroical exploits, and admirable atchievements [sic], of the three magnanimous princes; Dorosa, Feraro, and Pleudippo. Together with the worthy presidents of love, in the three vertuous and unparalel'd ladies; Albina, Flermia, and Lucibella. Right pleasant for the aged to drive away melancholly, and profitable for youth, to behold the often variations of the fickle world. In two parts. Written, by W.C. Gent. London: printed by E. Alsop, over against the Upper Pump in Grubstreet, 1656. ESTC No. R20322. Grub Street ID 80353.
  • Tombes, John. Anti-pædobaptism, or, The third part being a full review of the dispute concerning infant baptism : in which the arguments for infant baptism from the covenant and initial seal, infants visible church membership, antiquity of infant baptism are refelled [sic] : and the writings of Mr. Stephen Marshal, Mr. Richard Baxter ... and others are examined, and many points about the covenants, and seals and other truths of weight are handled / by John Tombes. London: Printed by E. Alsop, 1657. ESTC No. R28882. Grub Street ID 111911.
  • Ford, Emanuel. The most famous, delectable and pleasant history, of Parismus the most renowed Prince of Bohemia. The first part. Containing his most noble and triumphant battles fought against the Persians: together with his love to Laurana, the Kings daughter of Thessaly; and of his strange adventures in the desolate island. London: printed by E. Alsop for John Andrews at the White Lion in the Old Baily, 1657. ESTC No. R215072. Grub Street ID 90183.
  • Helmont disguised, or, The vulgar errours of impericall and unskillfull practisers of physick confuted more especially as they concern the cures of the feavers, stone, plague and other diseases : in a dialogue between philiatrus, and pyrosophilus : in which the chief rarities of physick is admirably discoursed of / by J. T. ... London: Printed by E. Alsop, for N. Brook and W. Leybourn .., 1657. ESTC No. R2900. Grub Street ID 112021.
  • Ford, Emanuel. The famous history of Montelion knight of the oracle, and son to the most renowned Persicles, King of Assiria. Shewing, his strange birth, unfortunate love, perilous adventures in arms; and how he came to the knowledge of his parents. Interlaced with much variety of pleasant and delightfull discourse. London: printed by E. Alsop, and are to be sold by John Andrews, at his Shop in Pie-Corner over against the Church-Gate, 1658. ESTC No. R234934. Grub Street ID 106164.
  • The weekly account. Faithfully representing, the most remarkable passages in Parliament; and proceedings of the armies, in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Together with other foreign intelligence; and the chief occurrences and affairs now on foot in several parts of Europe. London [England]: Printed by E. Alsop at the Upper Pump in Grubstreet, [1659]. ESTC No. P1322. Grub Street ID 55144.
  • Ford, Emanuel. The most famous, delectable, and pleasant history of Parismus, the most renowned Prince of Bohemia. The first part. Containing, his most noble atchievements, and triumphant battles fought against the Persians: his love to the beautiful Princess Laurana, the Kings daughte of Thessaly; the great dangers he passed in the [I]sland of Rocks; and of his strange adventures in the Desolate Island. London: printed by E. Alsop, and Rob. Wood, for Francis Grove on Snow-Hill, and William Gilbertson, at the signe of the Bible in Guilt-Spur-street, without Newgate, 1661. ESTC No. R233534. Grub Street ID 105046.
  • Curtius Rufus, Quintus. The life and death of Alexander the Great. In X. books. Written by Quintus Curtius Rufus, and translated out of Latine into English by Rober [sic] Codrington, Esq;. London: printed by E. Alsop and Robert Wood, and are to be sold at the signe of the Bishops Head in St. Pauls Church-yard, 1661. ESTC No. R24905. Grub Street ID 108643.
  • Ford, Emanuel. The most famous, delectable, and pleasant history of Parismus, the most renowned prince of Bohemia containing the adventurous travels and noble chivalry of Parismenos the knight of fame, with his love to the beautiful and fair Princess Angelica, the Lady of the Golden Tower. London: Printed by E. Alsop for Francis Grove .. and William Gilbertson .., 1661. ESTC No. R30462. Grub Street ID 113309.
  • Ford, Emanuel. The famous history of Montelion knight of the oracle. Son to the true mirrour of princes, the most renowned King Persicles of Assyria. Shewing his strange birth, unfortunate love, perilous adventures in armes; and how he came to the knowledge of his parents. Interlaced with much variety of pleasant and delightful discourse. London: printed by E. Alsop, and Robert Wood, and are to be sold by Francis Grove on Snow Hill, William Gilbertson in Gilt-spur-street, and Charles Tyus on London Bridge, 1661. ESTC No. R37847. Grub Street ID 120029.
  • Ford, Emanuel. The most pleasant history of Ornatus and Artesia shewing the tirannical and wicked reign of Theon, King of Phrigia ... London: Printed by E. Alsop for R. Wood for Thomas Vere and William Gilbertson, 1662. ESTC No. R30463. Grub Street ID 113310.
  • Ford, Emanuel. The famous history of Montelion, knight of the Oracle. Son to the true mirrour of princes, the most renowned King Persicles of Assyria. Shewing his strange birth, unfortunate love, perilous adventures in armes; and how he came to the knowledge of his parents. Interlaced with much variety of pleasant and delightful discourse. London: Printed by E. Alsop, and Robert Wood for S.S. and are to be sold by Francis Coles in the Old Baily, and Charles Tyus, 1663. ESTC No. R7607. Grub Street ID 127859.
  • W. C, Gent. The history of the most renowned Fragosa King of Aragon. Together with the strange fortunes, and historical deeds, performed by his three sons; and the worthy president of love in his fair daughter Flermia. Right pleasant for the aged to drive away melancholly thoughts; and profitable for the young to behold the often variations of the fickle world. Written by W.C. The first part. London: printed by E. Alsop, and Robert Wood, by the assignes of Thomas Clark, and are to be sold by [F. Coles, W. Gilbertson, and] Charles Tyus on London Bridge, 1663. ESTC No. R25324. Grub Street ID 109022.
  • Trigge, Thomas. Calendarium astrologicum: or An almanack for the year of our Lord, 1664. being bissextile, or leap-year. Containing the state of the year, Eclipses, high-water, weather, terms, with their returns, &c. As also, diverse excellent rules for country-men, (that are astrologically inclined) teaching them how to improve horses, andother lesser animals, both in colour and kind, from the time of their generetion. Vnto which is added a description of the most eminent roads in England, from town to town, and the certain time of any mart or fair, happening in any o them. By Thomas Trigge, gent. student in physick and astrologie. London: printed by D[avid]. Maxwell[, E. Alsop, and R. Wood] for the Company of Stationers, 1664. ESTC No. R34318. Grub Street ID 116850.

Printed for Elizabeth Alsop

  • Joyfull nevves from the King, being a perfect relation of the proceedings of the Kings Majesty with the Commissioners, and their advancing from Durham, towards the city of Yorke, and so towards London. Also, the Scots salutation to the English convoy, upon their departure from England, and the placing of garrisons in Newcastle and Tinmouth Castle by Major General Skippon. Together, with the number of ordnance left therein, and the advance of the Scottish horse into France. Appointed to be printed, and published according to order of Parliament. Feb. 5. London: Printed for Elizabeth Alsop, 1647. ESTC No. R201331. Grub Street ID 78769.
  • A brief anatomie of women: being an invective against, and apologie for the bad and good of that sexe. London: printed for E. Alsop, 1653. ESTC No. R207228. Grub Street ID 83637.