Publications of Thomas Corbett

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 Thomas Corbett

  • The medleys for the year 1711. To which are prefix'd the five Whig-Examiners. London: printed by J. D. [i.e. John Darby] and are to be sold by Tho. Corbett, at the Corner of Fleet-Bridge, next Ludgate-Hill, 1714. ESTC No. T124283. Grub Street ID 174515.
  • Zype, Frans van den. Fundamenta medicinæ, scriptoribus, tam inter antiquos quam recentiores, præstantioribus, deprompta; Quorum Nomina Pagina sequens exhibet In Usum Artis Medicae Tyronum. Cui Subnectitur Appendix, Praescribendi Methodum in quibusdam Morbis exhibens. Autore Joanne Groenvelt M. D. Coll. Med. Lond. Secundm dictata D. Zypæi, M. D. Et Medicinae Professoris Eruditissimi in Academiâ Lutetianâ. Londini: prostant venales apud Tho. Corbett, ad Angulum Vici vulgò dicti Ludgate-Hill, juxtà Fleet-Bridge, MDCCXV. [1715]. ESTC No. T114019. Grub Street ID 165858.
  • 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.
  • Hansel, John George. Medicina brevis: or, a short account of the primary causes of most diseases: their signs, symptons, can cure: with a succinct account of the original cause of plagues, and pestilential distempers: and the best experimental remedies for their cure. The second edition. By John-George Hansell, Chymic. & Pharm. London: printed for R.P. and sold by Tho. Corbett, at Addison's Head without Temple-Bar; R. Creake, in Jermyn-Street, against St. James's Church; J. Stone on Ludgate-Hill, and T. Atkins against St. Clement's Church in the Strand, Booksellers, MDCCXXI. [1721]. ESTC No. N72272. Grub Street ID 52065.

Printed for Thomas Corbett

  • Rawlins, Gershom. Great Britain's happiness under the wise and just government of a Protestant king. A sermon preach'd before the second regiment of His Majesty's foot guards, at the camp in Hide-Park, upon Sunday, Sept. 18. 1715. ... By Gershom Rawlins, ... London: printed for Thomas Corbet; and sold by R. Burleigh, 1715. ESTC No. T199570. Grub Street ID 231635.
  • Lovell, Edward. Justice and mercy equal supporters of the throne; Or, The Duty of the Magistrate to employ his Sword against the Stubborn and Rebellious. In Vindication of his Majesty's most Excellent Administration from the unreasonable Clamours of unruly and seditious Men, for some seasonable Instances of Justice exercis'd on the Rebels. A sermon Preach'd in the Church of St. Mary Rotherhith, being the Anniversary of his Majesty's happy Accession to the Throne. By Edward Lovell, M. A. Rector of the said Parish. Publish'd at the earnest Request of several Gentlemen of the Parish. London: printed for Tho. Corbett at the Corner of Ludgate-Hill next Fleetbridge; and sold by J. Roberts in Warwick-Lane, 1716. ESTC No. T1438. Grub Street ID 190824.
  • The self-flatterer: or, the art of complimenting one's self, discovered in some serious animadversions on a merry paper ... intitled, The humble address of the grand inquest for the body of the Island of Barbadoes, &c. London: printed for T. Corbet; and sold by S. Popping; and E. Harrison, 1720. ESTC No. N26412. Grub Street ID 15781.
  • The heidelberg catechism: containing the principles of the Christian religion, for which the Protestants in the palatinate have been long persecuted by the Jesuits. Being a Summary of the same Orthodox Principles, which are taught by the Church of England, and by the Calvinists in the Churches and Schools of Prussia, Poland, Hungary, Transylvania, Holland, Swisserland, &c. With an Humble Dedication to the King of Great Britain. London: printed for T. Corbett at Addison's-Head next the Rose-Tavern without Temple-Bar, and sold by J. Roberts in Warwick-Lane, M.DCC.XX. [1720]. ESTC No. T115698. Grub Street ID 167391.
  • Bradley, Richard. Precautions against infection; containing many observations necessary to be consider'd, at this time, on account of the dreadful plague in France: As also for Preserving a good State of Health among the People of Great-Britain. By R. Bradley, F.R.S. London: printed for Thomas Corbett at Addison's Head, next the Rose-Tavern without Temple-Bar, [1722?]. ESTC No. N20377. Grub Street ID 9778.
  • Thibault, Governor of Talmont.. The life and adventures of Pedrillo del Campo. Intermix'd with several entertaining and delightful novels. Written originally in French, by Mons. Thibault, G.D.T. From thence translated into English, by Ralph Brookes, M.D. London: printed for Thomas Corbett, at Addison's-Head, next the Rose-Tavern, without Temple-Bar, MDCCXXIII. [1723]. ESTC No. T130918. Grub Street ID 179986.
  • Bullock, Christopher. The cobler of Preston. And the adventures of half an hour. As they are acted at the Theatre-Royal in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields. Written by Mr. Christopher Bullock. London: printed for T. Corbett: and sold by Mr. Graves; Mr. Meadows; and Mr. Stagg, 1723. ESTC No. N2963. Grub Street ID 18716.
  • The history of Herod and Mariamne; collected and compil'd from the best historians, and serving to illustrate the fable of Mr. Fenton's tragedy of that name. London: printed for Thomas Corbet, at Addison's Head, next to the Rose-Tavern, without Temple-Bar; and sold by T. Payne, near Stationers-Hall, [1723]. ESTC No. T110347. Grub Street ID 162887.
  • Memoirs of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester; (as they relate to the story of Mr. Phillips's tragedy of that name; and proper to be bound up with it.) ... London: printed for Thomas Corbett; and sold by T. Payne, 1723. ESTC No. N34618. Grub Street ID 22951.
  • Haywood, Eliza. A spy on the conjurer: Or, A collection of surprizing and diverting stories, with merry and ingenious letters. By way of memoirs of the famous Mr. Duncan Campbell, demonstrating the astonishing foresight of that wonderful deaf and dumb man. The whole being moral and instructive. Written to my Lord -------- by a Lady, who, for twenty years past, has made it her business to observe all transactions in the life and conversation of Mr. Campbell. Revised by Mrs. Eliza Haywood. London: Printed for Tho. Corbet, at Addison's-Head without Temple-Bar, M.DCC.XXIV. [1724]. ESTC No. T75684. Grub Street ID 298314.
  • An essay on the amendment, and reduction, of the laws of England. For the ease of the subject, the advancement of justice, and regulating the profession of the law. [London]: In the Savoy: printed by E. and R. Nutt, and R. Gosling (assigns of Edward Sayer, Esq;) for Tho. Corbett, 1724. ESTC No. N30349. Grub Street ID 19316.
  • Law quibbles. Or, a treatise of the evasions, tricks, turns and quibbles, commonly used in the profession of the law, to the prejudice of clients, and others. ... To which is added, An essay on the amendment and reduction of the laws of England. [London]: In the Savoy: printed by E. and R. Nutt, and R. Gosling (assigns of Edward Sayer, Esq;) for Tho. Corbett at Addison's Head without Temple-Bar; and sold at the bookseller's shop at the corner of Searle-Street, Lincolns-Inn-Fields, 1724. ESTC No. T94182. Grub Street ID 313788.
  • The attorney and solicitor's companion: or, compleat affidavit-man. Containing, the laws, statutes, rules, and orders, of our courts, relating to affidavits; ... To which are added, some curious depositions and interrogatories in the most extraordinary cases, ... [London]: In the Savoy: printed by E. and R. Nutt, and R. Gosling (assigns of Edw. Sayer, Esq;) for Tho. Corbet, 1725. ESTC No. N15950. Grub Street ID 5650.
  • Breval, John Durant. The strolers. A farce, acted at the Theatre-Royal in Drury-Lane, by His Majesty's Company of comedians. London: printed for Tho. Corbet at Addison's Head without Temple-Bar, 1727. ESTC No. T52946. Grub Street ID 279942.
  • Haywood, Eliza. The disguis'd prince: or, the beautiful Parisian. A true history. Translated from the French. London: printed for T. Corbett; and sold by J. Roberts, 1728. ESTC No. T130654. Grub Street ID 179741.
  • Haywood, Eliza. The disguis'd prince: or, the beautiful Parisian. A true history. Translated from the French. London: printed for T. Corbett, at Addison's-Head, next the Rose-Tavern, Temple-Bar; and sold by J. Roberts, in Warwick-Lane, M.DCC.XXVIII. [1728]. ESTC No. N28530. Grub Street ID 17752.
  • Law quibbles: or, a treatise of the evasions, tricks, turns and quibbles, commonly used in the profession of the law, to the prejudice of clients, and others; Necessary to be perus'd by all Attornies, and those who are or may be concern'd in Law-Suits, Trials, &c. to avoid the many Abuses, Delays, and Expences, introduc'd into Practice. With An essay on the amendment and reduction of the laws of England. The third edition, corrected. To which is added, A new propos'd act of Parliament, for a thorough regulation of the practice of the law. And also, the contents of divers late statutes, relating to Vexations Arrests, Attornies and Solicitors, Bribery, Forgery and Perjury, &c. [London]: In the Savoy: printed by E. and R. Nutt, and R. Gosling, (assigns of Edw. Sayer, Esq;) for T. Corbett, at Addison's Head without Temple-Bar, 1729. ESTC No. N12287. Grub Street ID 2296.
  • Philips, Erasmus. The creditor's advocate, and debtor's friend. Shewing how the effects of the debtor are spent in law, and other Charges, that may be saved for the Creditor, in like manner as is practiced in Holland. Setting forth the inconveniency the debtor lies under, as the Laws now subsist, in surrendring up his Effects to one Creditor only, in prejudice to the rest, without gaining his Liberty, if confined, which induces many to go to foreign Parts with their Effects, and set up the Woollen and other Manufacturies Abroad, to the great Prejudice of this Nation. As also setting forth the inconsistency of the escape warrant act, high Fees taken from poor Prisoners by the Courts of Justice and the Officers thereof; and the Inconveniency of not taking Bail in the Judges Chamber out of Term as well as in Term; and the great expence of a Habeas Corpus, by Fees taken in the Inferior Courts, &c. By Mr. Philips. London: printed for T. Corbet, at Addison's Head, without Temple-Bar, MDCCXXXI. [1731]. ESTC No. T118239. Grub Street ID 169793.

Printed by and for, or by/for and sold by Thomas Corbett

  • Bullock, Christopher. The adventures of half an hour: a farce. [London: printed and sold by Tho. Corbett, 1716]. ESTC No. T86003. Grub Street ID 306267.
  • Horneck, Anthony. Several sermons upon the fifth of St. Matthew; being part of Christ's Sermon on the mount. By Anthony Horneck, ... To which is added, the life of the author, by Richard late Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells. ... London: printed, and sold by Tho. Corbett, 1717. ESTC No. N22358. Grub Street ID 11720.

Author

  • Corbett, Thomas. Viri celeberrimi Johannis Hollier, M.D. necnon cujusdam generosi nuper defuncti, ... Being a catalogue of the libraries of Dr. John Hollier, and another gentleman deceas'd. ... to be sold ... at Thomas Corbet's shop, ... on Tuesday the 2d day of May, 1727, ... [London: printed by Henry Woodfall, 1727]. ESTC No. T16305. Grub Street ID 201742.