Publications of Philip Brooksby

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 the seller and printer roles in combination, or an absence of the printer's name following "London: printed:" or "London: printed,":

  1. "printed and sold by x"; or "printed for and sold by x"; or "printed by and for x"; or "printed: and sold by x"; or "printed, and sold by x";  and so on.

On this last point, trade publishers may seem to have "printed" or "published" the work, though they did not own the copyright. The lists below reflect only the information on the imprint, except where ESTC provides extra information.

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. Booksellers may also be 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 (or what we might call a wholesaler) rather than a copyright holder. Copyright owners may also be identified by the words printed for. 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.

He cautions, "The only way to avoid being misled is to regard any imprint which says a book is printed for a publisher as meaning it is sold by him" (5).

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 Philip Brooksby

  • Advice to batchelors, or, A caution to be careful in their choice. As also, the deserved praise of a careful industrious wife. If thou wilt change a single life, to live free from annoy, chuse then a kind and careful wife, she'll crown thy days with joy. To the tune of, A touch of the times. Or, The country farmer. This may be printed. R.P. London]: Printed by P[hilip]. Brooksby at the Golden-Ball in Pye-Corner, [1672 - 1696. ESTC No. R226968. Grub Street ID 99869.

Printed for Philip Brooksby

  • Brome, Richard. The beggars chorus in the Jovial crew. To an excellent new tune. London]: Printed for P[hilip]. Brooks[by, at the Golden] Ball, in Pye[-Corner], [1670?. ESTC No. R235796. Grub Street ID 106818.
  • The true lovers ioy: or, The reward of constany [sic] being, an amorous diaologue [sic] between a seaman and his love: The maid implores the aid of Charon's boat, that to the gloomy shades her soul migh float; with sighs and groans, much weary and oprest, at length he heard her moan, and gave her rest from all past dangers, and from future harms, she safe arriv'd, and anchor'd in his arms. To a new tune, much in request. London]: Printed for Philip Brooksby in West-Smithfield, [between 1670 and 1696. ESTC No. R185668. Grub Street ID 74647.
  • Dolly and Molly: or, the two country damosels fortunes at London. Dolly and Molly came up to the town to try their fortune, wandring up and down: at length both marcht together to a ball, there Moll a gallant got Doll none at all: but Doll at last in town was richly marry'd, Mol got a clap and shamefully miscarry'd. To an excellent new play-house tune, or, Bacon and beans. With allowance, [sic]. London]: Printed for P[hilip]. Brook by [sic, i.e. Brooksby] at the Golden-ball, in West-Smithfield, [1670 - 1696. ESTC No. R227107. Grub Street ID 100014.
  • Amintors answer to Perthenias complaint: or, The wronged shepherds vindication. This answer to the nymph he doth return, since that he hath more cause than she, to mourn; and so against all women doth exclaim, for having met with some who were to blame: as by this satire you may find it, when he proves that women are more false then men. To a new tune, or sitting beyond a river side, &c. With allowance. London]: Printed for P[hilip]: Brooksby, at the Golden-Ball in West-smithfield, neer the Hospital-Gate, [1672 - 1696. ESTC No. R235039. Grub Street ID 106251.
  • Wit out-witted, or, the cheater cheated. It being an account of John who got Jone with child, and then would have sent her away to Virginia; he having gotten her aboard: but by the help of the master, he himself was trappan'd and Jone set on shore. To the tune of the Devonshire frollick. London]: Printed for P. Brook[s]by in Pye corner, [1672 - 1696. ESTC No. R234132. Grub Street ID 105495.
  • Dolly and Molly. Or, The two country damosels fortunes at London. Dolly and Molly came up to the town, to try their fortunes, wandring up and down; at length both marcht together to a ball, there Moll a Gallant got, Doll none at all, But Doll at last in town was richly marry' [sic], Moll got a clap, and shamefully miscarry'd. To an excellent new play-house tune; or, Bacon and beans. With allowance, Ro. L'Estrange. London]: Printed for P[hilip]. B[rooksby]. and E[dward]. O[liver]. and are to be sold at their shops, in West-smith-field, and on Snow-hill, [1672 - 1696. ESTC No. R176420. Grub Street ID 68958.
  • The dumb lady; or, no, no, not I; I'le answer. To the tune of, the Doubtful virgin, or the new Borey, or Will you be a man of fashion. London]: Printed for P[hilip]. Brooksy [sic, i.e. Brooksby] at the Golden-Ball in Pye-Corner, [1672 - 1696. ESTC No. R227118. Grub Street ID 100026.
  • The Hasty damosel. Or, her worthy praise of her beloved William, a seaman. The maid would fain a husband gain, to give her true content; her mother she most willingly at length did give consent. Tune of, The seamans departure, or doubting virgin. This may be printed, R.P. London]: Printed for P. Brooksby at the Golden Ball in Py-corner, [1672 - 1696. ESTC No. R11889. Grub Street ID 60120.
  • The cuckcoo [sic] of the times. Since cuckcoo is but what mans born to, certain the cuckcoo therefore hopes to please your mind, the fault's not in the woman, but his fortune: and says it comprehends ev'n all mankind. To the tune of, The wandring Jews chronicle. London]: Printed for P. [Brooksby, at the Golden-Ball, near] the Hospi[tal-gate in West-Smithfield, 1672 - 1696. ESTC No. R228098. Grub Street ID 100828.
  • Mr. Lillies new prophecy, of the white-Easter, and its effects, with an account of the new blazing-star: being a full account of a strange comet lately seen in the heavens, its shape, place in the zodiack, motion, their time of continuance, and probable portents or matters thereby signified to happen in the world. London: printed for Phillip Brooksby ..., 1673. ESTC No. R179724. Grub Street ID 71018.
  • The modish whore; or, wee'l raise up our honour again. Being a pleasant description and account of the devices, tricks, and contrivances, of all the misses, whores, bawds, pimps, punks, and pandars about the town. Together with an account by what ways and means they become so rich, and from whence their profit doth arise. Also some few marks and tokens, by which you may known them, and the places where they resort. To a rare new tune. London]: Printed for Phillip. Brooksby, at the Golden-Ball near the hospitalgate in West-Smithfiele [sic], 1675. ESTC No. R233472. Grub Street ID 104997.
  • Shadwell, Thomas. The delights of the bottle. Or, the town-galants declaration for women and wine. Being a description of a town-bred gentleman, with all his intregues, pleasure, company, humor, and conversation. ... To a most admirable new tune, every where much in request. London]: Printed for P. Brooksby, and R. Burton, and are to be sold at their shops in West-Smith-field, [1675 - 1696. ESTC No. R14042. Grub Street ID 62091.
  • The love sports of wanton Jemmy. London: Printed for Phil, Brooksby, [1675-80]. ESTC No. R233278. Grub Street ID 104849.
  • Hough, Roger. The young-man's duty: or Good council for young-men. Shewing the happiness of being good betimes. With an alarm from the eternal God to drowne saints and secure sinners. As also the young-mans objections answered, and the old-mans doubts resolved. By Roger Hough. London: printed by W[illiam]. L[eybourne]. and T[homas]. J[ames]. for Phillip Brooksby, next door to the Ball, in West-smith-field, near the Hos-pital-Gate, 1677. ESTC No. R178262. Grub Street ID 70063.
  • The night-vvalkers; or, The loyal huzza. Since treason never wanted a pretence, sure vertues chiefest guard is innocence; but I'le not trust her with it at this time, for fear I make my innocence a crime: imposing man may vertue backward draw, therefore I'le guard her with a loud huzza. To the tune of, On the bank of a river, &c. London]: printed for P[hilip]. Brooksby; near the Hospital-gate; in West-Smithfield, 1682. ESTC No. R227515. Grub Street ID 100418.
  • The quarrelsome lovers: or, The succesless vvoeing. Being a most pleasant song by way of dialogue between Robin and Susan. Love grows inraged, denial and disdain makes passion rise which love cannot restrain, sweet Venus combate here is layed aside, and Sue resolves she uppermost will ride, Robin no longer dare with her ingage, but plies his heels to bear him from her rage. To a pleasant new tune called Old Tony, or let Oliver now be forgotten. London]: Printed for Phil. Brooksby at the sign of the Golden Ball in West Smithfield, [between 1682 and 1695. ESTC No. R182306. Grub Street ID 72532.
  • The wonderful discovery: or, the murtherers brought to light. London]: Printed for P Brooksby, near the Hospital gate, in West-Smithfield, [1682?. ESTC No. R228949. Grub Street ID 101565.
  • The last lamentation, of the languishing squire: or, Love overcomes all things. To the tune of Billy and Molly: or, Jockey's jealousie. Licensed according to order. London]: Printed for P.] Brooksby, J. Deacon, J. Blare, J. Black [sic], [1683 - 1696. ESTC No. R228324. Grub Street ID 101013.
  • The coy cook-maid, who was courted importunately by Irish, Welch, Spanish, French, and Dutch, but at last was conquered by a poor English taylor. Tune of, There was a brisk lass, &c. This may be printed, R.P. London]: Printed for P. [Brooksby], in Py-corner, [between 1685 and 1688. ESTC No. R234431. Grub Street ID 105778.
  • The Devonshire damsels frollick: being an account of nine or ten fair maidens, who went one evening lately, to wash themselves in a pleasant river, where they were discovered by several young men being their familiar acquaintances who took away their gowns and petticoats with their smocks and wine with good chear; leaving them a while in a most melancholly condition. To a pleasant new play-house tune: or, Where's my shepherd? This may be printed. R. P. London]: Printed for P[hilip]. Brooksby. at the Golden Ball in Pye-corner, [1685?. ESTC No. R215997. Grub Street ID 90939.
  • The late Duke of Monmouth's lamentation. The tune of, On the bank of a river, or; Now now the fights done. London]: Printed for P[hilip]. Brooksby at the Golden-Ball in Pye-Corner, [1685?. ESTC No. R15950. Grub Street ID 63840.
  • The life and travels of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: with a description of the years of his ministry: as also a description of the wise men of the east, and likewise of the star that guided them; with a just account of the travels of the Virgin Mary. London]: Printed for P. Brooksby; at the Golden-Ball, near the Hospital-Gate, in West-smith-field, [1685-88. ESTC No. R222945. Grub Street ID 96868.
  • An epitaph upon His late Majesty, King Charles the II. London]: Printed for P[hilip]. Brooksby, at the Golden-Ball, in Pye-Corner, 1685. ESTC No. R11342. Grub Street ID 59639.
  • Great Britains earnest desires for the Princess Marys happy arrival. Being the protestants firm hope and resolution of the preservation of laws and liberties. Tune of, Grim King, &c. London]: Printed for P. B[rooksby]., [ca. 1688. ESTC No. R188153. Grub Street ID 76163.
  • Flora's fair garland deckt and adorned with the most delightful new songs: Crafty Joan, or, the gallant fitted in his kind, the West-Country farmers choice: the young-man's request, or, the chaste country lasses resolution: an excellent new song of Flora's innocent mirth, for the delight of her beloved Stephen: the careless vvife, or, the husband put to his trumps: a confusion to sorrow: a new song in praise of the mugg: love and loyalty, crowned with joy ... city and country. London]: Printed by J[ohn]. M[illet]. for Philip Brooksby, at the Golden-Ball in Pye-corner, 1688. ESTC No. R177138. Grub Street ID 69370.
  • The bountifull brewers: who pays the King's taxes out of the poor mens purses, rather than diminish their own golden stores. To the tune of An Orange. Licensed according to order. London]: Printed for P. Brooksby. J. Deacon., J. Blare., and J. Back, [ca. 1690. ESTC No. R176322. Grub Street ID 68905.
  • An answer to the maiden's tragedy: or, the lamentation of a young man, near Wolverhampton, for the death of a young maiden; which of late has been a great grief and trouble to him, for his unkindness to her. To the tune of, Russel's farewel. London]: Printed for P[hilip]. Brooskby [sic, i.e. Brooksby], J[oshua]. Deacon, J[ohn]. Blare, and J[ohn]. Back, [1690?. ESTC No. R227899. Grub Street ID 100695.
  • The maiden's moan, or, Her sad and sorrowful complaint for want of a husband. Let not my wishes be withstood, young men some pity shew; you know that I am flesh and blood alas! as well as you. To the tune of, A touch of the times. Or, The countrey farmer. This may be printed, R.P. London]: Printed for P. [Brooksby] at the Golden Ball in Pye-corner, [ca. 1690. ESTC No. R188531. Grub Street ID 76444.
  • Wits publick wealth: or, a choice collection of ingenious sayings, sentences, rules, observations, questions, and answers. And other curious entertainments, on various subjects. Suited to the capacities of young people; and very necessary to help their wit in discourse on any subject. With allowance. London: printed by T. J. for Phil. Brooksby, 1745. ESTC No. N25017. Grub Street ID 14365.