Paul Vaillant II (1716–1802)

VAILLANT (PAUL) II, bookseller in London, 87 Strand. Son of Paul I and grandson of François, the founder of the business. Apprenticed to his cousin Nicholas Prevost, bookseller, on November 3rd, 1730. Admitted freeman of the Company of Stationers on February 7th, 1737–8. In 1739 he went to Paris to superintend the famous edition of Cicero edited by the Abbé Olivier. In 1750 he succeeded to the business of his uncle Isaac (q. v.). He went to Paris again in 1759 to arrange for a new edition of Tacitus by the Abbé Brotier. In that year he was elected Sheriff of London, and was present at the execution of Earl Ferrers at Tyburn. He served the offices of Under Warden, Upper Warden, and Master of the Company of Stationers in the years 1768, 69, 70, and was known as the "Father" of the Company. Published a general catalogue of his stock in 1762. Died February 1st, 1802. An interesting booklet on the Vaillant family has been published by the Rev. W. B. Vaillant, M.A. Oxon., of Weybridge, from which and from notes supplied by him the above notices have been compiled. The firm during the eighteenth century issued a beautifully engraved trade card, embodying the sign of the Ship. [A. Heal's Collection.]