Publications of R. B.

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 R. B.

  • Porter, Joseph. A caution against youthful lusts, in two discourses. Occasion'd by the death of Mr. Thomas Webb, who departed this life July 18th. 1708, and requested ... that youth ... be warn'd to avoid those lusts that he had found more bitter than death. Preached at Bromsgrove in Worcestershire, ... By J. Porter, of Aulcester. London: printed by R. B. for John Marshall; and sold by John Halford, in Bromsgrove, 1708. ESTC No. N26768. Grub Street ID 16140.

Printed for R. B.

  • Manley, Delariviere. Letters written by Mrs. Manley. To which is added a letter from a supposed nun in Portugal, to a gentleman in France, ... London: printed for R. B. and sold by Tho. Harbin, 1713. ESTC No. N19007. Grub Street ID 8432.

Author

  • B., R.. A new balade entituled as foloweth. To such as write in metres, I write of small matters an exhortation, by readyng of which, men may delite in such as be worthy commendation. My verse also it hath relation to such as print, that they doe it well, the better they shall their metres sell. And when we haue doen al that ever we can, let vs neuer seke prayse at the mouth of man. [London]: Imprinted at S. Katherins besyde the towne of London, by Alexander Lacie, [1570?]. ESTC No. S124252. Grub Street ID 143641.
  • B., R.. The boy of Bilson: or, A true discouery of the late notorious impostures of certaine Romish priests in their pretended exorcisme, or expulsion of the Diuell out of a young boy, named William Perry, sonne of Thomas Perry of Bilson, in the county of Stafford, yeoman. Vpon which occasion, hereunto is premitted a briefe theologicall discourse, by way of caution, for the more easie discerning of such Romish spirits; and iudging of their false pretences, both in this and the like practices. At London: Imprinted by F[elix] K[ingston] for William Barret, 1622. ESTC No. S120841. Grub Street ID 140469.
  • B., R.. The victorious proceedings of the Protestant armie in Ireland vnder the command of the Right Honourable Maj. Gen. Iones, in his late expedition against the Irish rebels. Wherein is set forth, severall great overthrowes, given to the said rebels, since the 9. of October last, 1647. As also the manner of the taking of 10. strong castles belonging to the enemy, with the losse of few men, together with all their armes, and ammunition. Being a full and perfect relation of the severall victories obtained from the 9. of October till the 20. of November. 1647. London: printed by B.A. for further satisfaction, [1647]. ESTC No. R204478. Grub Street ID 81428.
  • B., R.. A true and full relation of the late sea fight, betwixt a squadron of ships belonging to the Parliament of England, and the Queene of Swethlands fleet, upon the coast of England, neer Portsmouth, upon Satturday, May 1, 1647. Also, the manner how Vice-Admirall Batten, wit the St. Andrew, Garland, Convertine, and Mary-Rose, met with them towards the coast of France, May the 3. and brought five of the Queene of Swethlands chiefe ships into the Downes. Likewise the instructions of the said Queen to the commanders in chiefe of this fleet, together with their commissions, and their designe. London: Printed for E. Golding, May 10. 1647. ESTC No. R201481. Grub Street ID 78891.
  • B., R.. The sea-men undeceived: or, Certaine queries to a printed paper, intituled, The humble tender and declaration of many wel-affected sea-men, commanders of ships, and members of Trinity-House, to the commissioners of the navy. Wherein are may [sic] objections answered, ver necessary for publick use in these times. By R.B. a seaman, and member of the Trinity-House. Directed to marriners and sea-men in generall, and to all others among whom the fore-mentioned printed papers have been spread. But more especially it is commended to the underwriters of the said paper. Published according to order. Read all or none. London: printed by Matthew Simmons, 1648. ESTC No. R205101. Grub Street ID 81925.
  • B., R.. A door of salvation opened unto all men: or A short treatise, discovering that all man-kinde as they are considered under the fall of Adam, have an equal and a like respect with almighty God, and that by Jesus Christ he hath prepared eternal salvation for all, and afforded unto all, means sufficient to bring them thereunto. In which also, sundry objections, grounds of reason, and texts of scripture, for the contrary opinion are alleadged and answered. By R.B. London: printed for Wil. Larnar, and are to be sold at the sign of the Blackmore near Bishops-gate, 1648. ESTC No. R208726. Grub Street ID 84955.
  • B., R.. The coppy of a letter from Paris; dated the last of December. Being a true relation of the manner of the blocking up of that city by the forces of the King. As likewise, an edict of Parlement, giving power to the people to raise armes for the defence of that city. With many other passages of note, as by this edict and letter, doth more at large appeare. London: printed for Edward Griffin, 1648. [i.e. 1649]. ESTC No. R205577. Grub Street ID 82285.
  • B., R.. The country-mans catechisme: or, the Churches plea for tithes. Wherein is plainely discovered, the duty and dignity of Christs ministers, and the peoples duty to them. By R. B. B.D. Fellow of Trin. Col. Camb. London: printed for R. Royston, at the Angell in Ivy-Lane, 1652 [i.e. 1651]. ESTC No. R205806. Grub Street ID 82439.
  • B., R.. A word of information & advice touching tythes, and other the goods appropriate (as yet left) to Church-men. Wherein is given a hint of the light and knowledg of God and his mind touching these things, as they have been from the beginnging almost till now. Humbly presented by R.B. of N.W. to the governors of this commonwealth. [London: printed for Giles Calvert, and are to be sold at his shop at the black spread Eagle at the West end of Pauls, 1652]. ESTC No. R207078. Grub Street ID 83505.
  • B., R.. Paideia Thriamous. The triumph of learning over ignorance, and of truth over falsehood. Being an answer to foure quæries. Whether there be any need of universities? Who is to be accounted an hæretick? Whether it be lawfull to use coventicles? Whether a lay-man may preach? VVhich were lately proposed by a zelot, in the parish church at Swacie neere Cambridge, after the second sermon, October 3. 1652. Since that enlarged by the answerer, R.B. B.D. and fellow of Trin. Col. Camb. London: printed for R. Royston at the Angel in Ivie-lane, 1653 [i.e. 1652]. ESTC No. R206793. Grub Street ID 83268.
  • B., R.. The triumph of faith over death, or, The just man's memoriall: compris'd in a panegyrick and sermon, at the funerall of the religious, most learned Dr. Combar, late master of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge, and deane of Carlile delivered in Trinity Colledge chappell, by R.B. B.D. the 29. of March, 1653. London: printed by J.G. for R. Royston, at the Angel in Ivy-lane, 1654. ESTC No. R17491. Grub Street ID 67951.
  • B., R.. A mirrour of mercy and iudgement. Or, An exact true narrative of the life and death of Freeman Sonds Esquier, sonne to Sir George Sonds of Lees Court in Shelwich in Kent. Who being about the age of 19. for murthering his elder brother on Tuesday the 7th of August, was arraigned and condemned at Maidstone, executed there on Tuesday the 21. of the same moneth 1655, [sic]. London: printed for Thomas Dring, and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the George in Fleetstreet, neere Cliffords-Inne, 1655. ESTC No. R32573. Grub Street ID 115280.
  • B., R.. Two excellent discourses physical and philosophical. Viz. The exhibiting the cure of diseases by signature, &c. Also a vindication of the souls prerogative. By R.B. London: Printed [by James Cottrel] for Simon Waterson at the Globe in Pauls Church-yard, 1657. ESTC No. R201015. Grub Street ID 78481.
  • B., R.. An antidote against swearing to which is annexed an appendix concerning an assertory and promissory oath in reference to the stature of the two now flourishing sister universities : also a short catalogue of some remarkable judgments from God upon blasphemers, &c. / by R Boreman ... London: Printed for R. Royston .., 1662. ESTC No. R18222. Grub Street ID 72468.
  • B., R.. Autokatakritos: or Hypocrisie unvail'd, and Jesuitisme unmaskt. In a letter to Mr. R. Baxter, by one that is a lover of unity, peace, and concord, and his well-wisher. London: printed for R. Royston, bookseller to the Kings most excellent Majesty, at the Angel in Ivie-lane, 1662. ESTC No. R19692. Grub Street ID 77265.
  • B., R.. The redemption of time: or, A word to the wise; perswading and earnestly entreating them, as they tender the salvation of their souls to all eternity, to mind the time past, present, and to come, before it be too late; drawn from those pathetical words of Moses, O that men were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their later end. Deut. 32. 29. London: printed for Tho. Clarke, at the south-entrance of the Royal Exchange, 1663. ESTC No. R224302. Grub Street ID 97981.
  • B., R.. The life of Dr. Thomas Morton, late Bishop of Duresme. Begun by R.B. secretary to his Lordship, and finished by J.N. D.D. his Lordships chaplain. York: printed by Stephen Bulkley, and are to be sould by Francis Mawbarne, 1669. ESTC No. R37053. Grub Street ID 119302.
  • B., R.. A preparation for Christmass, or The pious soul sighing out a oblation of praise and wonder on that miracle of divine love the incarnation of her saviour. To which is added a hymn on the same occasion. R.B. London: printed for G. Widdows at the Green Dragon in St. Paul's Church-Yard, 1674. ESTC No. R218349. Grub Street ID 93016.
  • B., R.. A word in season: or, A letter from a reverend divine to a justice of the peace in London. Licensed, May the 4th 1679. London: printed for R.G., in the year, 1679. ESTC No. R5135. Grub Street ID 125606.
  • B., R.. A school of divine meditations, relating to the frailty of man. Shewing the certainty of death, and the uncertainty of life. Also, a description of an impenitent sinner at the hour of death; with some holy rules of a pious life, in order to eternal happiness. Also, some divine cautions, how they may avoid that great mistake of taking morral parts for spiritual duties. Whereunto is added, certain prayers and graces, very useful and profitable for all private families. By that reverend divine Mr. R.B. Licensed and entred according to order. [London]: Printed for Jonah Deacon, at the sign of the Angel, in Guiltspur-Street, without Newgate, [1683]. ESTC No. R172535. Grub Street ID 66382.
  • B., R.. A caveat for sinners, or, a warning for swearers, blasphemers, and adulterers. Shewing, the vengeance of the almighty, inflicted upon several, whose habital custom to the afore-mentioned and horrid sins, rendred them the objects of God's vvrath; as you may hear by the sequel. Very necessary to be placed up in the houses of every good Christian, that they may avoid the like crimes. Written by that reverend divine, Mr. R.B. London: printed for J. Deacon, at the sign of the Rainbow, a little above St. Andrews church in Holborn, 1683. ESTC No. R213163. Grub Street ID 88670.
  • B., R.. The true London prophet. Or, Comical remarkes, and predictions for the future part of this year, 1699. Infalibly fortelling what will certainly happen (whither the stars will or no) both in court, city and countrey, betwixt this and Whit-Sunday next, to which is added a discovery of many pritty intrigues that will be used among the noble society of distilers, and other traders. Also some brief touches upon the humours, and conversations of the town beau's, and city misse's, with varity of other merry and pleasent circumstances respecting these times. Being very diverting to all, and hurtful to none. London: printed for the author, next door to the sign of the want of Money in Dull-Trade-Yard, [1699]. ESTC No. R208924. Grub Street ID 85143.
  • B., R.. The hell-Fire-Club: kept by a society of blasphemers. A satyr. Most humbly inscrib'd to the Right Honourable Thomas Baron Macclesfield, Lord High-Chancellor of Great Britain. With the King's order in council, for suppressing immorality and prophaneness. London: printed for J. Roberts, at the Oxford-Arms in Warwick-Lane, and A. Dodd at the Peacock without Temple-Bar, [1721]. ESTC No. T116627. Grub Street ID 168291.
  • B., R.. Twenty fables in prose. With reflections on fables. By R. B. London: printed for J. Robinson; and W. Owen, 1747. ESTC No. T179605. Grub Street ID 216319.
  • B., R.. Sailors' letters. Letters from a midshipman in the Royal Navy, to his friend and brother officer, in various parts of the world, from the year 1768 to the year 1777. [Plymouth]: Nettleton, printer, Plymouth, [1800?]. ESTC No. T70866. Grub Street ID 294509.