Publications of Thomas Davies

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 Davies

  • The exhibition of the Royal Academy, M.DCC.LXXVI. The eighth. London: printed by T. Davies, printer to the Royal Academy, [1776]. ESTC No. T33779. Grub Street ID 264273.
  • Reynolds, Sir Joshua. A discourse, delivered to the students of the Royal Academy, on the distribution of the prizes, December 10, 1776. By the president. London: printed by Thomas Davies, Printer to the Royal Academy, MDCCLXXVII. [1777]. ESTC No. T31955. Grub Street ID 262704.
  • Secundus, Johannes. Kisses, being a poetical translation of the Basia of Joannes Secundus Nicolaïus; accompanied with the Latin text: to which is prefixt an essay on the life, and writings of Secundus. Ornamented with an entire new frontispiece representing the Origin of Kisses, and a Portrait of Secundus from a Painting by Scorellius. London: printed by T. Davies, in Russel-Street, Covent-Garden, Bookseller to the Royal Academy; and sold by J. Bew, in Paternoster-Row, M,DCC,LXXVIII. [1778]. ESTC No. N4805. Grub Street ID 32661.

Printed for Thomas Davies

  • Bancks, John. The history of the life and reign of William III. King of England, Prince of Orange, and hereditary Stadtholder of the United Provinces. Containing A Series of memorable Efforts, Military and Political, made from the Year 1672 to the End of 1701, for maintaining the Liberties of Europe, particularly of his Native Country, and the British Monarchy, against the Encroachments of Popery and Arbitrary Power, under the Banners of France. Introduced with A brief Account of the History and Genealogy of his Family. By the author of the Critical review of the life of Oliver Cromwell. London: printed for Charles Marsh and Thomas Davies, both in Round Court in the Strand, MDCCXLIV. [1744]. ESTC No. T73188. Grub Street ID 296526.
  • The Auditor. London [England]: printed for T[homas]. Davies, in Russel-Street, Covent-Garden, [1762- ]. ESTC No. P2498. Grub Street ID 56164.
  • Boston, Thomas. Crook in the lot; or, the sovereignty and wisdom of God displayed in the afflictions of men. Being the substance of several sermons on Eccles. vii. 13. Consider the Work of God: For who can make that straight which he hath made crooked? and Proverbs xvi. xix. Better it is to be of a humble Spirit with the lowly, than to divide the Spoil with the proud. By the late Reverend and learned Mr. Thomas Boston, Minister of the Gospel at Ettrick in Scotland. [London]: Glasgow printed 1752. London. Re-Printed 1768: for T. Davies. Sold by Mr. Watts, Bookseller, on Windmill-Hill, Upper Moorfields; Mr. Hanee, at Gravesend; Mr. Woodgate, at Chatham; Mr. Goslings, at Sheerness; Mr. Lepine, at Canterbury; Mr. Philips, taylor, in Princess-Street, Bristol; Mr. Parsons, at Bridgewater; Mr. Winsom, on Portsmouth-Common; Mr. Hogg, jun. at Painswick; Mr. Thomas Brooks, at Chippenham; and Mr. Mills, Bookseller, at Bath, [1768]. ESTC No. T184675. Grub Street ID 220990.
  • Baretti, Giuseppe Marco Antonio. An appendix to the account of Italy, in answer to Samuel Sharp, Esq; by Joseph Baretti. London: printed for T. Davies, In Russel-Street, Covent - Garden; and L. Davis and C. Reymers, In Holborn, MDCCLXVIII. [1768]. ESTC No. N16347. Grub Street ID 6019.
  • St. John, Henry, Viscount Bolingbroke. A dissertation upon parties: in several letters to Caleb D'Anvers, Esq; written by the Right Honourable Henry St. John, ... To which is prefixed, the life of the author. London: printed for T. Davies, 1771. ESTC No. T138517. Grub Street ID 186380.
  • Reynolds, Sir Joshua. A discourse, delivered to the students of the Royal Academy, on the distribution of the prizes, December 10, 1771. By the president. London: printed for Thomas Davies [by William Griffin], Bookseller to the Royal Academy, MDCCLXXII. [1772]. ESTC No. N762. Grub Street ID 52555.
  • St. John, Henry, Viscount Bolingbroke. A dissertation upon parties: in several letters to Caleb D'Anvers, Esq; written by the Right Honourable Henry St. John, late Lord Viscount Bolingbroke. To which is prefixed, the life of the author, by Dr. Goldsmith. London: printed for T. Davies, in Russel-Street, Covent-Garden; and T. Cadell, in the Strand, MDCCLXXV. [1775]. ESTC No. T9605. Grub Street ID 315534.
  • St. John de Crvecoeur, J. Hector. Letters from an American farmer: describing certain provincial situations, manners, and customs, not generally known; And conveying some idea of the late and present interior circumstances of the British Colonies in North America. Written, for the information of a friend in England. by J. Hector St. John, A Farmer in Pennsylvania. London: printed for Thomas Davies, in Russell-Street, Covent-Garden and Lockyer Davis, in Holborn, M.DCC.LXXXIII. [1783]. ESTC No. N143. Grub Street ID 4180.

Author

  • Davies, Thomas. A genuine narrative of the life and theatrical transactions of Mr. John Henderson, commonly called the Bath Roscius. London: printed for T. Evans, in Pater-noster-Row; and sold by S. Leacroft, Charing-Cross, MDCCLXXVII. [1777]. ESTC No. T73122. Grub Street ID 296461.
  • Davies, Thomas. A genuine narrative of the theatrical transactions of Mr. John Henderson, the Bath Roscius. London: printed for T. Evans; and sold by S. Leacroft, 1777. ESTC No. N64722. Grub Street ID 46699.
  • Davies, Thomas. The characters of George the First, Queen Caroline, Sir Robert Walpole, Mr. Pulteney, Lord Hardwicke, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Pitt, reviewed. With royal and noble anecotes: and a sketch of Lord Chesterfield's character. London: printed for T. Davies, in Russel Street: and T. Cadell, in the Strand, MDCCLXXVII. [1777]. ESTC No. T30444. Grub Street ID 261328.
  • Davies, Thomas. A genuine narrative of the life and theatrical transactions of Mr. John Henderson, commonly called the Bath Roscius. London: printed for J. Ireland, 1778. ESTC No. N18196. Grub Street ID 7671.
  • Davies, Thomas. A genuine narrative of the life and theatrical transactions of Mr. John Henderson, commonly called the Bath Roscius. London: printed for J. Ireland, 1778. ESTC No. T72406. Grub Street ID 295932.
  • Davies, Thomas. Memoirs of the life of David Garrick, Esq. Interspersed with characters and anecdotes of his theatrical contemporaries. The whole forming a history of the stage, which includes a period of thirty-six years. By Thomas Davies. London: printed for the author, and sold at his shop in Great Russell-Street, Covent-Garden, M.DCC.LXXX. [1780]. ESTC No. T72057. Grub Street ID 295611.
  • Davies, Thomas. Memoirs of the life of David Garrick, Esq. Interspersed with characters and anecdotes of his theatrical contemporaries. The whole forming a history of the stage, which includes a period of thirty-six years. By Thomas Davies. Vol. I. London: printed for the author, and sold at his shop in Great Russell-Street, Covent-Garden, M.DCC.LXXX. [1780]. ESTC No. T72058. Grub Street ID 295612.
  • Davies, Thomas. Memoirs of the life of David Garrick, Esq. Interspersed with characters and anecdotes of his theatrical contemporaries. The whole forming a history of the stage, which includes a period of thirty-six years. By Thomas Davies. Vol. I. Dublin: printed by Joseph Hill, for J. Williams, W. Hallhead, E. Cross, C. Jenkin, L. Flin, W. Gilbert, T. Walker, W. Wilson, L. White, J. Beatty, and R. Burton, Booksellers, MDCCLXXX. [1780]. ESTC No. T66307. Grub Street ID 291050.
  • Davies, Thomas. Memoirs of the life of David Garrick, Esq. Interspersed with characters and anecdotes of his theatrical contemporaries. The whole forming a history of the stage, which includes a period of thirty-six years. By Thomas Davies. Vol. I. London: printed for the author, and sold at his shop, in Great Russell-Street, Covent-Garden, M.DCC.LXXXI. [1781]. ESTC No. T65970. Grub Street ID 290782.
  • Davies, Thomas. Dramatic micellanies [sic]: consisting of critical observations on several plays of Shakspeare: with a review of his principal characters, and those of various eminent writers, as represented by Mr. Garrick, and other celebrated comedians. ... By Thomas Davies, ... In three volumes. ... London: printed for the author, and sold at his shop, 1783-1784. ESTC No. T90854. Grub Street ID 310695.
  • Davies, Thomas. Dramatic miscellanies: consisting of critical observations on several plays of Shakspeare: with a review of his principal characters, and those of various eminent writers, as represented by Mr. Garrick, and other celebrated comedians. ... By Thomas Davies, ... In three volumes. ... Dublin: printed for S. Price, H. Whitestone, W. Wilson, R. Moncrieffe, L. White, [and 6 others in Dublin], 1784. ESTC No. T145031. Grub Street ID 191824.
  • Davies, Thomas. Memoirs of the life of David Garrick, Esq. Interspersed with characters and anecdotes of his theatrical contemporaries. The whole forming a history of the stage, which includes a period of thirty-six years. By Thomas Davies. London: printed for the author, and sold at his shop Shop in Great Russell-Street, Covent-Garden, M.DCC.LXXXIV. [1784]. ESTC No. T72056. Grub Street ID 295610.
  • Davies, Thomas. Dramatic miscellanies: consisting of critical observations on several plays of Shakespeare: ... as represented by Mr. Garrick, ... With anecdotes of dramatic poets, ... By Thomas Davies, ... In three volumes. London: printed for the author, and sold at his shop, 1785. ESTC No. T136456. Grub Street ID 184676.
  • Davies, Thomas. A genuine narrative of the life and theatrical transactions of Mr. John Henderson, commonly called the Bath Roscius. Dublin: printed for T. Jackson, 1785. ESTC No. T184860. Grub Street ID 221132.