Publications of W. S.

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 W. S.

  • Burrell, William. A sermon preach'd at Horsham in Sussex, at the assizes held there July 28, 1712. ... By William Burrell, ... London: printed by W. S. for Richard Wilkin, 1712. ESTC No. N22796. Grub Street ID 12152.

Printed for W. S.

  • Britcher, Samuel. A complete list of all the grand matches of cricket that have been played In the Year 1799: with a correct state of each innings. And the articles of cricket inserted. By Samuel Britcher, scorer. London: printed by H. L. Galabin, Ingram-Court, Fenchurch-Street, for W. S. Blake, Change-Alley, Cornhill, 1799. ESTC No. T162805. Grub Street ID 201519.

Author

  • S., W.. The true copie of such conference as passed (concerning the comming to the church, hearing of the diuine seruice, and of other contruersies in religion) betvveene VV.S. gent. and L. Euans, in the yeare. 1577. Imprinted at London: by Thomas purfoote, dwelling in Paules Chruchyarde, at the signe of the Lucrece, anno 1577. ESTC No. S94989. Grub Street ID 153091.
  • S., W.. To the faythfull Christians [by] Christ's vnworthie minister that desireth your edification, W.S. Imprinted at London: By William White, 1607. ESTC No. S3056. Grub Street ID 147357.
  • S., W.. The country-mans commonwealth. Containing diuers golden sentences, very vsefull and profitable both to read and practise. London: Printed by T[homas] H[arper] for Richard Harper, and are to bee sold at his shop in Smithfield at the [..], 1634. ESTC No. S110761. Grub Street ID 130742.
  • S., W.. The true Christians plaine way to heaven. Wherein is showed the great afflictions which God imposeth upon his children, in this life: and the assurance of their delivery out of the same: [be]ing very profitable and comfortable for all those who are in any crosses or afflictions. [W]hereunto is added prayer for morning and evening, and graces before and after meat. By W.S. London: printed for Edward Blackmore, and are to be sold at the signe of the Angell in S. Pauls Church-yard, 1641. ESTC No. R214744. Grub Street ID 89920.
  • S., W.. Newes from France: or, A true discovery of the practices of divers of our English fugitives there. Wherein maliciously they would engage the French King to give assistance to His Majesty against his high court of Parliament. With the King of France's answer to their malignant counsels. Sent in a letter from Paris to a person of good account in this city, and by him published. Whereunto is added a true copy of the Londoners last petition to the high court of Parliament for peace. London: printed for Iohn Matthewes, [1642]. ESTC No. R1419. Grub Street ID 62234.
  • S., W.. A covenant to walk with God in an holy stedfastness to maintain the peace of our spirits with God in Christ. Solemnly entred into by certain persons resolving to live according to, and in the power of the life of Christ in them. London: printed by John Field for Philemon Stephens, 1646. ESTC No. R2148. Grub Street ID 89961.
  • S., W.. Exceeding good newes from South-Wales. Of the surrender of Tinby Castle upon mercy, on Wednesday the 17 of May, 1648. With the taking of Collonel Powel, and divers gentlemen, offficers and souldiers, to the number of five hundred and seventy. Also, good newes from the north, of the compleat condition of Major Generall Lambert, who is upon the borders of Cumberland and Westmerland. Together, with an exact and true relation, of the relief of Dover Castle, by the Lord Generall Fairfaxes forces, where were taken prisoners of the enemy 300 men, and 400 horse, the rest being beaten back to Sandwitch. Imprimatur G.M. London: printed by J.C., MDCXLVIII. [1648]. ESTC No. R204845. Grub Street ID 81716.
  • S., W.. The worlds observation for keeping their masse days, and festivall dayes (so called) fathomed and found groundless, or without a bottome, so needs must fall that hath not whereon to stand, for what is there to uphold it but papists traditions, heathenish manners or customes of nations which are vaine? and they that observe lying vanities, forsake their own mercy. London: printed for M.W., 1659. ESTC No. R213987. Grub Street ID 89320.
  • S., W.. An ansvver to a letter of enquiry into The grounds and occasions of the contempt of the clergy. London: printed for Nath. Ranew, and J. Ro., at the Kings Arms in St. Pauls Church-yard, A.D. 1671. ESTC No. R236586. Grub Street ID 107339.
  • S., W.. An answer to a letter of enquiry into The grounds and occasions of the contempt of the clergy. London: printed for Nath. Ranew, and J. Robinson, at the Kings Arms in St. Pauls Church-yard, 1671. ESTC No. R17231. Grub Street ID 66229.
  • S., W.. An answer to a letter of enquiry, into The grounds and occasions of the contempt of the clergy. London: printed for Nath. Ranew, and J. Robinson, at the Kings Arms in St. Pauls Church-yard, 1671. ESTC No. R224378. Grub Street ID 98036.
  • S., W.. The poems of Ben. Johnson Junior. Being a miscelanie of seriousness, wit, mirth, and mysterie. In Vulpone. The dream. Iter bevoriale. Songs, &c. Composed by W.S. Gent. London: printed for Tho. Passenger at the three Bibles about the middle of London Bridge, 1672. ESTC No. R37195. Grub Street ID 119438.
  • S., W.. The wonder of Suffolk: being a true relation of one that reports he made a league with the devil for three years to do mischief; and now breaks open houses, robs people daily, destroys cattel before the owners faces, strips women naked, &c. and can neither be shot nor taken; but leaps over walls fifteen foot high, runs five or six miles in a quarter of an hour, and sometimes vanishes in the midst of multitudes that go to take him. Faithfully written in a letter from a sober person, dead not long since, to a friend in Ship-yard near Temple-Bar, and ready to be attested by hundreds that have been spectatoes of, or sufferers by his exploits, in several parts of Suffolk. With allowance. London: printed for D.M., 1677. ESTC No. R214745. Grub Street ID 89921.
  • S., W.. Matchiavel junior: or The secret arts of the Jesuites, whereby they riffle and disorder heretical kingdoms [and] states, raise factions, foment rebellions and sow discord between princes and subjects: together, with the great use they make of malecontents and desperate persons for carying on so glorious and meritorious a work. London: printed for John Kidgell, at the Golden-Ball near Grays-Inn-Gate, in Holhorn [sic], MDCLXXXIII. [1683]. ESTC No. R8567. Grub Street ID 128725.
  • S., W.. A letter to Mr. Settle, occasioned by his late famous recanting and Plot-ridiculing Narrative. [London]: Printed and sold by N[athaniel]. T[hompson]. at the entrance into the Old-Spring-Garden near Chearing-Cross, 1683. ESTC No. R8321. Grub Street ID 128508.
  • S., W.. Two letters from two gentlemen lately come from Ireland, and landed in Scotland, to a person of quality of Ireland now in London; giving an account of some affairs relating to the present state of Ireland. Licensed and entred according to order. London: printed for Ric. Chiswell, at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Church-Yard, 1689. ESTC No. R235787. Grub Street ID 106811.
  • S., W.. Two letters from two gentlemen lately come from Ireland, and landed in Scotland. To a person of quality of Ireland now in London; giving an account of some affairs relating to the present state of Ireland. Licensed and entred according to order. London: printed for Ric. Chiswell at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Church-Yard, 1689. ESTC No. R225605. Grub Street ID 98757.
  • S., W.. Two letters from two gentlemen lately come from Ireland, and landed in Scotland, to a person of quality of Ireland now in London; giving an account of some affairs relating to the present state of Ireland. Licensed and entred according to order. London: Printed for Ric. Chiswell, at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Church-Yard, 1689. ESTC No. R18625. Grub Street ID 75006.
  • S., W.. Good news from Ireland, or a true and faithful account of a late signal victory gain'd by our English forces over the rebels at Newry. Together with an account of the revolt of six of the Irish troops; and many other remarkable passages. Belfast, January 22. 1690. [London]: Printed for Rich. Janeway in Queens-Head-Alley in Pater-Noster-Row, 1690. ESTC No. R226366. Grub Street ID 99411.
  • S., W.. Two discourses, the first, a Christian's exhortation, against the fears of death: the second, a brief and clear declaration of the resurrection of the dead. With suitable meditations and prayers touching life and death. Recommended as proper to be given at funerals. By W. S. London: printed for Tho. Bever, at the Hand and Star, next to the Middle Temple-Gate, near Temple Bar, 1690. ESTC No. R229960. Grub Street ID 102348.
  • S., W.. A ne[w] prognostication, for the year of our Lord, 1697. Being the first after bissextile, or leap year. And from the creation of the world. 5646. Containing the moveable feasts: the eclipses: the four quarters of the year: the changes of the moon, with the disposition o the weather. And the whole known fairs of Scotland. With several other things worthy of the noticing. Serving most fitly for the most part of the kingdom of Scotland, but more especially for our city of Glasgow, where the pole-artick is elevated 56. deg. 6. min. By a well-wisher in astrology, W.S. Glasgow: printed by Robert Sanders, for the year, 1697. ESTC No. R172223. Grub Street ID 66173.
  • S., W.. A family jewel, or the womans councellor: containing, I. An exact method of preventing or curing all diseases, and grievances incident to children, ... V. The art of japanning and painting in oil. London: printed and sold by A. Baldwin, 1704 [1705]. ESTC No. N8295. Grub Street ID 53202.
  • S., W.. Mysterious nothing, a poem; with an Allegory of life and futurity. By the author of Contempt on revenge. [One line in Latin from Perseus]. Philadelphia: Printed [by Benjamin Franklin] for the author, in the year 1736. Price, three pence. ESTC No. W6680. Grub Street ID 355723.
  • S., W.. Immanuel: or, an humble attempt to defend the honor of Christ as the God man mediator. In some cursory observations on part of the Rev. Mr. Elliot's work. Entitled Divine revelation the only test of sound doctrine, &c. By W. S. Rochester: printed and sold by T. Fisher; sold also by S. Crowder, in Pater-Noster-Row, and W. Harris, in St. Paul's Church-Yard, London, MDCCLXXIII. [1773]. ESTC No. T70947. Grub Street ID 294578.