Publications of George Strahan

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 George Strahan

  • Douglas, James. Lilium Sarniense: or, a description of the Guernsay-Lilly. To which is added the botanical dissection of the coffee berry. With figures. By Dr. James Douglas, Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London; and Fellow of the Royal Society. London: printed by G. Strahan, at the Golden Ball, over-against the Royal Exchange, Cornhill, 1725. ESTC No. T72475. Grub Street ID 295995.

Sold by George Strahan

  • Select translations from the works of Sannazarius, H. Grotius, Bapt. Amaltheus, D. Heinsius, G. Buchanan, and M. Hier. Vida. To which is prefix'd, some account of the authors. By Mr. Rooke. London: printed for J. Millan at Locke's-Head in Shug-Lane, near the upper End of the Hay-Market; and sold by G. Strahan in Cornhill, A. Bettesworth in Pater-Noster-Row, T. Woodward in Fleet-Street, J. Stagg in Westminster-Hall, S. Harding in St. Martin's-Lane, J. Jackson in Pall-Mall, and N. Blandford at Charing-Cross, MDCCXXVI. [1726]. ESTC No. N21772. Grub Street ID 11126.
  • The British compendium: or, rudiments of honour. Containing the origin of the Scots, and sucession of their kings for above 2000 Years: Also, the Titles, Descents, Marriages, Intermarriages, Issue, Posts, and Seats of all the Scottish nobility, with their Robes, and arms, exactly Engrav'd on 80 Copper Plates. To which is added, An Alphabetical List of Second Titles, or those given by Courtesy to Dukes, Marquesses, and Earls eldest Sons: Also, a List of the Peers who have been chose to serve in the several Parliaments of Great Britain since the Union. Together with, An Account of the Knights of the Thistle and Nova Scotia, the Regalia and Arms of Scotland, and the Riding of Parliaments. London: printed by R. Nutt, for A. Bettesworth at the Red Lion in Pater-Noster Row: sold also by G. Strahan and J. Clarke in Cornhill; D. Browne without Temple-Bar; J. Stagg in Westminster-Hall; and J. Jackson in Pall-Mall, [1729]. ESTC No. T78305. Grub Street ID 300169.

Printed for George Strahan

  • Leslie, Charles. A discourse proving the divine institution of water-baptism: wherein the Quaker-arguments against it, are collected and confuted. With as much as is needful concerning the Lord’s supper. By the author of, The snake in the grass. London: printed for C. Brome, at the Gun, at the west-End of St. Paul’s. W. Keblewhite, at the White Swan, in St. Paul’s Church-Yard. And G. Strahan, at the Golden Ball, over-against the Royal Exchange, in Cornhill, 1700. ESTC No. R470510. Grub Street ID 359239.
  • Dennis, John. Liberty asserted. A tragedy. As it is acted at the New Theatre in Little Lincoln's-Inn-Fields. Written by Mr. Dennis. London: printed for George Strahan at the Golden Ball, against the Royal Exchange, in Cornhill; and Bernard Lintott at the Middle-Temple-Gate in Fleetstreet, 1704. ESTC No. N11004. Grub Street ID 997.
  • Altham, Roger. A sermon preach'd before the Honourable House of Commons, at the Church of St. Margaret Westminster, on Wednesday, Jan. 16. 1711/12. Being the Fast - Day for a General Peace. By Roger Altham, D. D. Rector of St. Buttolph's without Bishop-Gate. [London]: Printed for Geo. Strahan at the Golden-Ball, over against the Royal-Exchange, Cornhil, MDCCXII. [1712]. ESTC No. N23111. Grub Street ID 12471.
  • The prince's cabala: or mysteries of state. Written by King James the First, and some noblemen in his reign, and in Queen Elizabeth's. With Isocrates's discourse to a prince, on kingly government. Translated from the Greek. London: printed for R. Smith and G. Strahan at the Royal Exchange, J. Brown without Temple-Bar, J. Graves next Whites's Chocolate-House in St. James's-Street; and sold by R. Burleigh in Amen Corner, 1715. ESTC No. N20717. Grub Street ID 10099.
  • Sclater, William. An original draught of the primitive church in answer to a discourse entituled, An enquiry into the constitution, discipline, unity, and worship, of the primitive church, that flourish'd within the first Three Hundred Years after Christ. By a presbyter of the Church of England. London: printed for Geo. Strahan, at the Golden-Ball against the Royal-Exchange, and J. Bowyer, at the Rose in Ludgate-Street, 1717. ESTC No. N11034. Grub Street ID 1028.
  • Cheyne, George. An essay on the gout, with an account of the nature and qualities of the Bath waters. Intended for the benefit of Richard Tennison, Esq; By Geo. Cheyne, M. D. & F. R. S. London: printed for G. Strahan, at the Golden Ball, over against the Royal Exchange in Cornhill; W. Mears, at the Lamb without Temple-Bar, and H. Hammond, at the Bath, 1721. ESTC No. N2008. Grub Street ID 9487.
  • Cheyne, George. An essay of health and long life. By George Cheyne, M. D. F. R. S. London: printed for George Strahan, at the Golden Ball over-against the Royal Exchange in Cornhill; and J. Leake, Bookseller at Bath, 1725. ESTC No. N12573. Grub Street ID 2571.
  • A true, authentick, and impartial history of the life and glorious actions of the Czar of Muscovy: from his birth to his death. ... The whole compiled from the Russian, High Dutch and French languages, state papers, and other publick authorities. London: printed for A. Bettesworth in Pater-Noster Row, G. Strahan, W. Meadows in Cornhill, J. Stagg in Westminster-hall, J. Graves in St. James’s-Street, S. Chapman in Pall-Mall, R. Frankling in Covent-Garden, J. Harding in St. Martin’s-Lane, T. Edlin in the Strand, and J. Jackson near St. James’s House, [1725?]. ESTC No. N14081. Grub Street ID 3983.
  • Cheyne, George. An essay of health and long life. By George Cheyne, ... London: printed for George Strahan; and J. Leake, Bath, 1725. ESTC No. N2157. Grub Street ID 10928.
  • Sclater, William. An original draught of the primitive church. In answer to a discourse, entituled, An enquiry into the constitution, discipline, unity, and worship, of the primitive church, that flourish'd within the first Three Hundred Years after Christ. By a presbyter of the Church of England. London: printed for Geo. Strahan, at the Golden Ball against the Royal-Exchange, and J. Bowyer at the Rose in Pater-Noster-Row, M.DCC.XXVII. [1727]. ESTC No. T64635. Grub Street ID 289621.
  • Haywood, Eliza. The agreeable Caledonian: or, memoirs of Signiora di Morella, a Roman lady. Who made her escape from a monastery at Viterbo, for the love of a Scots nobleman. Intermix'd with many other entertaining histories ... Part II. London: Printed for R. King, at the Prince’s-Arms in St. Paul’s Church-Yard; and sold by G. Strahan and W. Meadows, in Cornhill; T. Green, near Charing-Cross; J. Stone, near Gray’s-Inn; J. Jackson, in Pallmall; and J. Watson, over-against Hungerford-Market, in the Strand, M.DCC.XXIX. [1729]. ESTC No. N29532. Grub Street ID 18660.
  • Newton, Richard. The grounds of the complaint of the principal of Hart-Hall, concerning the obstruction given to the incorporation of his society, by Exeter-College and their Visitor, As lately set forth In a Letter to Dr. Holmes, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and Visitor of the said Hall, More fully Represented and Justified; in answer to the misrepresentations of Dr. C-re, dean of Christ-Church, in his pretended Vindication of the Conduct of the Lord Bishop of Exeter, and of the Society of Exeter-College, in Relation to the said Hall. By R. Newton D. D. Principal of Hart-Hall. London: printed for G. Strahan, in Cornhill, and J. Roberts, in Warwick-Lane, M.DCC.XXXV. [1735]. ESTC No. N17960. Grub Street ID 7433.
  • Nicolson, William. The Irish historical library: pointing at most of the authors and records in print or manuscript, which may be serviceable to the compilers of a general history of Ireland. By William, Lord Bishop of Derry. London: printed for G. Strahan; W. Mears; T. Woodward; F. Clay, and D. Browne; C. Davis; and T. Osborne, 1736. ESTC No. N16819. Grub Street ID 6326.

Printed by and for, or by/for and sold by George Strahan

  • A description historical and geographical of Flanders, principal places on the Rhine, Savoy, and Catalonia, &c· Also, an account of the several revolutions of those places either by conquest or treaties: particularly, from the Treaty of Munster, 1648. By A.B. Gent. With maps of those countries, the present seat of the war in Italy; with descriptions of the incampments of the Germans, French and Spaniards. London: printed, and are to be sold by D. Browne, at the Black Swan and Bible without Temple-Bar; and G. Strahan at the Golden-Ball against the Exchange in Cornhil, 1701. ESTC No. N72186. Grub Street ID 52015.
  • A full vindication of the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Edinburgh, and the other administrators of the charities there, from the calumnies ... of Mr. George Barclay, in his defamatory libel, publish'd in the Flying-Post no.3181. ... London: printed and sold by G. Strahan, 1712. ESTC No. N31571. Grub Street ID 20464.
  • Glanvill, John. Poems: consisting of originals and translations. By John Glanvill, Esq;. London: printed and sold by G. Strahan; J. Clark; J. Roberts; and N. Blandford, 1726. ESTC No. N21049. Grub Street ID 10436.
  • Millar, Robert. The history of the propagation of Christianity, and overthrow of paganism. Wherein The Christian Religion is confirmed. The Rise and Progress of Heathenish Idolatry is considered. The Overthrow of Paganism, and the spreading of Christianity in the several Ages of the New Testament Church is Explained. The present State of Heathens is enquired into; and Methods for their Conversion offer'd. By Robert Millar, M. A. Vol. I. London: printed and sold by G. Strahan in Cornhill; S. Chandler, J. Clark, and R. Hett in the Poultry; T. Sanders in Little-Britain; J. Mac-Euen in the Strand; L. Stokie and T. Green at Charing-Cross; and J. Stag in West-Minster-Hall, MD.CC.XXVI. [1726]. ESTC No. T112621. Grub Street ID 164596.