James Leake I (fl. 1724? – 1764)
James Leake I, bookseller and publisher in Bath, 1724?–1764.
A Dictionary of the Printers and Booksellers who were at work in England, Scotland and Ireland from 1726 to 1775, by Henry Plomer et al. (1932)
LEAKE (JAMES) I, bookseller and publisher in Bath, 1724(?)–1764. Son of John Leake, of London (see N. & Q. 12 S. XI. 224–5). Began business as a publisher in Bath about the year 1724, when his name is found in the imprint to Dr. George Cheyne's Essay of Health and Long Life. He followed this up with Guidot's Treatise on the Bath Waters in 1725. For many years he shared with Frederick the position of leading bookseller in Bath, and his name is usually found in the imprints of the most notable books published there. On April 23rd, 1721, the Bath Abbey Registers record the marriage by license of James Leake to Hannah Hammon, or Hammond, possibly a daughter or sister of one of the two Hammonds, booksellers of Bath between 1695–1721. Leake may possibly have succeeded to their business. He died on May 29th, 1764, aged 79,and was succeeded by his son, James Leake, junior. One of the visitors to Bath left this unflattering description of James Leake: "He is the Prince of all the Coxcomical fraternity of booksellers; and not having any learning himself, he seems to be resolved to sell it as dear as possible to others." [Letter from the Earl of Ossory to Councillor Kemp, Hist. MSS. Comm.]