Publications of William Mears

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).

Sold by William Mears

  • Wood, William. A survey of trade. In four parts. ... Together with considerations on our money and bullion. ... London: printed by W. W. and sold by W. Mears; and Tho. Corbett, 1719. ESTC No. T146689. Grub Street ID 193304.
  • The laws of Jamaica, pass'd by the governours, council and assembly in that island, and confirm'd by the Crown. To which is prefix'd an account of Jamaica. London: printed by W. W. and sold by W. Mears; and Tho. Corbett, 1719. ESTC No. N34045. Grub Street ID 22474.

Printed for William Mears

  • Dancourt, M. The country house. A farce. As acted at both theatres with great applause. London: printed for W. Meares at the Lamb, and Jonas Browne at the Black Swan, without Temple-Bar, MDCCXV. [1715]. ESTC No. T34240. Grub Street ID 264574.
  • Ravenscroft, Edward. Ignoramus: or, the English lawyer. A comedy. As it is now acted at the Thetre-Royal in Drury-lane. London: printed for W. Meares, and J. Brown, 1716. ESTC No. N7530. Grub Street ID 52468.
  • Bullock, Christopher. The per-Juror. As it is acted at the Theatre in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields. London: printed for William Mears at the Lamb, Jonas Brown at the Black Swan, and F. Clay at the Bible without Temple-Bar, 1717. ESTC No. N11164. Grub Street ID 1157.
  • Heroick friendship. A tragedy. By the late Mr. Otway. London: printed for W. Mears at the Lamb without Temple-Bar, and R. King at the Queen's-Head in Pater-Noster-Row, 1719. ESTC No. T36170. Grub Street ID 266136.
  • Bradley, Richard. A philosophical account of the works of nature. Endeavouring to set forth the several gradations remarkable in the mineral, vegetable, and animal parts of the creation. Tending to the composition of a scale of life. ... With many curious cutts. By Richard Bradley, ... London: printed for W. Mears, 1721. ESTC No. T27550. Grub Street ID 259463.
  • Henley, John. Apotheosis. A funeral oration; sacred to the memory of the most noble John Duke of Marlborough. As it was spoken on the day of his interrment. Form'd upon the Manner of the Antients. By Mr. Henley. London: printed for Will. Mears, at the Lamb without Temple-Bar, M.DCC.XXII. [1722]. ESTC No. T22249. Grub Street ID 245371.
  • Henley, John. Apotheosis. A funeral oration; sacred to the memory of the most noble John Duke of Marlborough. As it was spoken on the day of his interrment. Form'd upon the manner of the antients. By Mr. Henley. London: printed for W. Mears; and T. Payne, 1722. ESTC No. N16339. Grub Street ID 6012.
  • Osbaldeston, Richard. A sermon preach'd at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in York, ... at the Assizes held there March 7. 1723. By Richard Osbaldeston, ... London: printed for W. Mears: and sold by Francis Hildyard, and Richard Francklin, booksellers in York, 1724. ESTC No. N37316. Grub Street ID 25278.
  • Lowth, William. A commentary upon the prophecy of Daniel, and the twelve minor prophets. By William Lowth, ... In two volumes. ... London: printed for William Mears, 1726. ESTC No. N28199. Grub Street ID 17427.
  • Townsend, Benjamin. The complete seedsman: shewing, the best and easiest method for raising and cultivating every sort of seed belonging to a kitchen and flower-garden. With necessary instructions ... By Benj. Townsend, ... To which is added, a catalogue of the seeds, plants, ... to be foun in a seedsman's shop. Recommended by R. Bradley, F.R.S. London: printed for W. Mears. And sold by Mrs. Arabella Fuller. Of whom may be had the plants and seeds mentioned in this tract, 1726. ESTC No. T192478. Grub Street ID 226968.
  • Cibber, Colley. Love makes a man; or, the fop's fortune. A comedy. Acted at the Theatre Royal in Drury-Lane, by Her Majesty's servants. By C. Cibber. London: printed for A. Bettesworth, in Pater Noster Row; W. Mears, without Temple-Bar; G. Harris, in St. James's-Street; T. Saunders, in Little-Britain; and J. Clarke, under the Royal-Exchange, M.DCC.XXVI. [1726]. ESTC No. N11278. Grub Street ID 1275.
  • Haywood, Eliza. Frederick, Duke of Brunswick-Lunenburgh. A tragedy. As it is acted at the Theatre-Royal in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields. By Mrs. Eliza Haywood. London: printed for W. Mears at the Lamb without Temple-Bar, J. Brindley at the King's Arms in New-Bond-Street; and sold by the booksellers of London and Westminster, 1729. ESTC No. T82803. Grub Street ID 303370.
  • Haywood, Eliza. Frederick, Duke of Brunswick-Lunenburgh. A tragedy. As it is acted at the Theatre-Royal in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields. By Mrs. Eliza Haywood. London: Printed for W. Mears at the Lamb without Temple-Bar, J. Brindley at the King’s Arms in new Bond-Street; and sold by the booksellers of London and Westminster, 1729. ESTC No. T82804. Grub Street ID 303371.
  • W., J.. Dotage. A poem, inscrib'd to a gentleman within a few years of his grand-climacterick. By J. W. London: printed for W. Mears without Temple-Bar, J. Brindley in New Bond-Street, and sold by the booksellers of London and Westminster, [1729]. ESTC No. N16862. Grub Street ID 6363.
  • Budgell, Eustace. Liberty and property: a pamphlet highly necessary to be read by every Englishman, ... in a letter to a member of the House of Commons. By Eustace Budgell Esq;. London: printed for W. Mears;... and sold by the booksellers of London and Westminster, 1732. ESTC No. T40869. Grub Street ID 269883.
  • The lives of the princes of the illustrious House of Orange, continued down to the present time. Collected from the best authorities, both printed and manuscript. Illustrated with copper plates and a genealogical table. London: printed for W. Mears, at the Lamb on Ludgate-Hill, M.DCC.XXXIV. [1734]. ESTC No. N10376. Grub Street ID 385.

Printed by and for, or by/for and sold by William Mears

  • Toland, John. Tetradymus Containing I. Hodegus; ... II. Clidophorus; ... III. Hypatia; ... IV. Mangoneutes: ... By Mr. Toland. London: printed: and sold by J. Brotherton and W. Meadows, J. Roberts. W. Meres, W. Chetwood, S. Chapman, and J. Graves, 1720. ESTC No. T139630. Grub Street ID 187478.
  • Defoe, Daniel. The history and remarkable life of the truly honourable Col. Jacque, commonly call'd Col. Jack, who was born a gentleman, put 'prentice to a pick-pocket, was six and twenty years a thief, and then kidnapp'd to Virginia. Came back a merchant, married four wives, and five [sic] of them prov'd whores; went into the wars, behav'd bravely, got preferment, was made colonel of a regiment, came over, and fled with the Chevalier, and is now abroad compleating a life of wonders, and resolves to dye a general. London: printed, and sold by J. Brotherton, at the Royal-Exchange; T. Payne, near Stationers-Hall; W. Mears, at the Lamb, and A. Dodd, at the Peacock without Temple-Bar; W. Chetwood, in Covent-Garden; J. Graves, in St. James's-Street; S. Chapman, in Pall-Mall, and J. Stagg, at Westminster-Hall, MDCCXXIII. [1723, i.e. 1722]. ESTC No. N33025. Grub Street ID 21547.
  • Defoe, Daniel. The fortunes and misfortunes of the famous Moll Flanders, &c. who was born in Newgate, ... Written from her own memorandums. London: printed for, and sold by T. Edlin; W. Chetwood; and W. Mears; J. Brotherton; C. King, and J. Stags, 1722. ESTC No. N31966. Grub Street ID 20845.
  • Defoe, Daniel. The fortunes and misfortunes of the famous Moll Flanders, &c. who was born in Newgate, And during a Life of continu'd Variety for Threescore Years, besides her Childhood, was Twelve Year a Whore, five times a Wife (whereof once to her own Brother) Twelve Year a Thief, Eight Year a Transported Felon in Virginia, at last grew Rich, liv'd Honest, and died a Penitent. Written from her own memorandums. London: printed for, and sold by W. Chetwood, at Cato's-Head, in Russel-Street, Covent-Garden; and T. Edlin, at the Prince's-Arms, over-against Exeter-Change in the Strand; W. Mears, at the Lamb without Temple-Bar; J. Brotherton, by the Royal-Exchange; C. King, and J Stags, in Westminster Hall, MDCCXXII. [1722]. ESTC No. T70315. Grub Street ID 294074.
  • Curll, Edmund. An historical account of the life and writings of the late eminently famous Mr. John Toland. Containing, I. A faithful Extract of his Works, and an Account of his Travels in Germany, Holland, &c. II. An Account of the Controversies wherein he was engaged, and a particular Enquiry into his Principles; His Philosophick Resignation to the Divine Will, and his Notions of Futurity at the Time of his Decease. III. An exact Catalogue of his Writings, published both with, and without his Name, and of the Manuscripts he left behind him. By one of his most intimate friends. In a letter to the Lord ****. London: printed: and sold by J. Roberts in Warwick-Lane; W. Mears, at the Lamb without Temple-Bar; J. Brotherton in Cornhill; J. Graves in St. James’s-Street; and W. Chetwood in Covent-Garden, M.DCC.XXII. [1722]. ESTC No. T130557. Grub Street ID 179651.
  • Defoe, Daniel. The history and remarkable life of the truly honourable Col. Jacque, commonly call'd Col. Jack, who was born a gentleman, put 'prentice to a pick-pocket, was six and twenty years a thief, and then kidnapp'd to Virginia. Came back a Merchant; was Five times married to Four Whores; went into the Wars, behav'd bravely, got Preferment, was made Colonel of a Regiment, came over, and fled with the Chevalier, is still abroad compleating a Life of Wonders, and resolves to dye a General. London: printed and sold by J. Brotherton, at the Royal-Exchange; T. Payne, near Stationers-Hall; W. Mears, at the Lamb, and A. Dodd, at the Peacock without Temple-Bar; W. Chetwood, in Covent Garden; J. Graves, in St. James's-Street; S. Chapman, in Pall Mall, and J. Stagg, at Westminster-Hall, MDCCXXIII. [1723]. ESTC No. T69662. Grub Street ID 293612.
  • Burnet, Gilbert. An abridgment of Bishop Burnet's History of his own times. By the reverend Mr. Thomas Stackhouse. London: printed: and sold by J. Smith, next the Fountain-Tavern, and Tho. Edlin, in the Strand; W. Mears, at the Lamb without Temple-Bar; and J. Jackson, at the Prince's Arms in the Pall-Mall, M.DCC.XXIV. [1724]. ESTC No. T110438. Grub Street ID 162966.
  • Toland, John. The theological and philological works of the late Mr. John Toland, being a system of Jewish, gentile and Mahometan Christianity, ... London: printed and sold by W. Mears, 1732. ESTC No. T130415. Grub Street ID 179561.

Author

  • Mears, William. A true and exact catalogue of all the plays that were ever yet printed in the English tongue; with the authors names against each play (alphabetically digested) and continu'd down to April, 1714. London: printed for W. Mears, at the Lamb without Temple-Bar, 1714. Where may be had great Variety of Plays, very cheap, viz. at 6 s. and 9 s. per Dozen, 1714. ESTC No. T225908. Grub Street ID 247634.
  • Mears, William. A catalogue of modern books in divinity, history, law, philosophy, mathematicks, poetry, &c. [London]: Printed for, and sold by W. Mears at the Lamb without Temple-Bar, 1722. Of whom may be had, ready Money for any Library of Books, 1722. ESTC No. T6449. Grub Street ID 289520.
  • Mears, William. A true and exact catalogue of all the plays that were ever yet printed in the English tongue; with the authors names against each play ... and continued down to October 1713. London: printed for W. Mears, 1713. ESTC No. T195614. Grub Street ID 229253.
  • Mears, William. Books lately printed for, and sold by W. Mears without Temple-bar. [London: printed for William Mears, 1714]. ESTC No. N69952. Grub Street ID 50752.
  • Mears, William. A true and exact catalogue of all the plays that were ever yet printed in the English tongue; with the authors names against each play (alphabetically Digested) and continued down to October, 1713. [London]: Printed for W. Mears at the Lamb without Temple-Bar, 1713. Where may be had great Variety of Plays, 1713 [1715]. ESTC No. T6448. Grub Street ID 289510.
  • Mears, William. A compleat catalogue of all the plays that were ever yet printed in the English language. Containing the dates, and the number of plays written by every particular author: An Account of what Plays were Acted with Applause, and of those which were never Acted; and also of the Authors now living. two separate Alphabets. London: printed for W. Mears at the Lamb without Temple-Bar, 1719. ESTC No. T165452. Grub Street ID 203710.
  • Mears, William. A catalogue of modern books in divinity, history, law, philosophy, husbandry, poetry, &c. [London]: Printed for, and sold by W. Mears at the Lamb without Temple-Bar, 1722. ESTC No. N47907. Grub Street ID 32548.
  • Mears, William. A compleat catalogue of all the plays that were ever yet printed in the English language. Containing the dates and number of plays written by every particular author: An Account of what Plays were Acted with Applause, and of those which were never Acted; and also the Authors now Living. In Two separate Alphabets. Continued to this present year, 1726. London: printed for W. Mears, at the Lamb without Temple-Bar, M.DCC.XXVI. [1726]. ESTC No. T72069. Grub Street ID 295624.