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A Bibliographical Account of The
Gentleman's
Magazine, 1731-1754
by
William B. Todd
Excepting the several numbers examined by Professor Leed only last year in these Studies (XVII, 210-214), the bibliographical history of the Gentleman's Magazine is entirely conjectural, with all editions undefined, early printings unlocated, piracies and counterfeits undetected and—excepting again the work of a few Johnsonians—all textual revision completely unnoticed. The matter last mentioned obviously depends upon a determination of those preceding and may therefore await a later report. Of primary concern now is the citation of data which will assist readers not only in identifying the significant variants which have come to my attention but in spotting others as yet unseen. For this purpose the report is limited to volumes originally printed during the term of Cave's proprietorship, a period extending just short of the date when Johnson withdrew his services but, I believe, just beyond the time when conditions later necessitated some resetting. Within this range there are 24 annual volumes, comprising 312 separate numbers,[1] some printed at least nine times, all occurring in states differing in every set, and many thereafter confused in mixtures of several sets. Short of providing a facsimile of the whole series, together with a description of equal length, the only practicable means of dealing with these infinitely varied combinations is first by a general survey of the problem, then by three groups of tables, each with an appropriate commentary.
The problem is immediately apparent in the first number. Of the original January 1731 title, described the upper part by Carlson,[2] the
For what has already been reported some extenuation is now in order. No doubt Mr. Carlson, the more recent authority, eventually discovered that among the eighteen libraries mentioned in his preface not one contained any edition of the original number earlier than the fourth—not even such venerable institutions as Harvard, Yale, the British Museum or the Bodleian—and thus, it seems, came to rely on the 1806 fabrication (the only one combining the a and b features) which he perhaps examined either in the reading room at Yale or in
Nonetheless a few copies of the earlier issues have recently been identified, and from these and others we may now speculate on such general topics as original conditions of sale, factors affecting reissue, size of total issue, and present state of the volumes examined.
When the Magazine was first issued, at 6d in blue wrappers,[8] its sale at once and for months to come exceeded all expectations. Notices below original imprints announce in March 1731 a second edition of the first number, in May a reprinting of the two earliest numbers, and in July a reprinting now through five numbers. Thereafter all numbers remained available until November 1733, when it was reported that those for 1731 "are reprinting some of them the Fourth time"—a statement
Thus far, through 1733, the original settings appear not to have been held for any later reprint, and the increasing demand for back numbers thus necessitated, at frequent intervals, ever larger issues of new editions. However closely these may resemble original printings, the later editions can easily be differentiated and their occurrence tabulated as follows:
Volume date | 1731 | 1732 | 1733 | 1734 |
First editions | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 |
Regularly numbered reprints | 29 | 12 | 2 | 1 |
Counterfeits without edition label | 24 | 14 | -- | -- |
Counterfeits with edition label | 4 | 3 | 8 | 1 |
---- | ---- | ---- | ---- | |
Totals: | 69 | 41 | 23 | 15 |
Along with this steady expansion it becomes evident, however, both from press figures and headlines, that type is now being retained, perhaps for two or three months at a time, and reimpressed as often as necessary for any number in sudden demand. An "increased and unexpected demand of 3,000 Magazines monthly" is remarked in the Preface to the 1746 volume, where defaulting booksellers were excused on the grounds that "since several months of this year being twice entirely sold, they were obliged to wait for further impressions, which
For an estimate as to the size of the earlier editions Cave provides in the number for November 1734 (p. 620) a single clue, this in a fine-print notice to a disappointed contributor that "our Time is limited, and every page in our Bo6k [sic] is a Guinea Charge to us." At that rate the total issue of each 1734 number must have approximated 9000 copies,[12] a count somewhat more, we may presume,[13] than the combined total of all smaller editions (1-5) of the first number issued before that time. Hence, judging by the number and ratio of copies known to me, the extent of these earlier editions may have been about as follows:[14]
Edition: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Copies: | 3 | 16 | 7 | 28 | 30 |
Issue: | 250 | 1250 | 500 | 2250 | 2500 |
The mere presence of a set, however, is no guarantee of its condition. Though Cave regarded the wrappers as only temporary (GM, 1738, p. ii), he did consider the monthly title, with all its supplementary information, as an essential leaf "which the Binder is therefore by no means to throw away" (1735, p. [786]). Ten years later he was still repeating this injunction (1745, p. [728]), but all to little purpose, for many copies are without these leaves, and some indeed without annual titles as well.
Even more distressing is the pillage of inserted illustrations. For these expensive attractions Cave proceeded very cautiously, venturing at first only a single engraving in the volume for 1735 (facing p. 661), another for 1736 (p. 733) and two folding maps for 1739 (pp. 4, [55]). Then, encouraged no doubt by a favorable response to these efforts, he (or his son) offered five more maps in 1740 (pp. [3], 242, 350, 359, 659), thereafter issued plates for almost every number, and for awhile (June 1752-July 1755) even lavished upon his delighted readers a series of colored illustrations. Yet, excepting the copy later identified as "C", all the sets I have examined now exhibit only remnants of this grand array. Most often the damage was done, I suspect, by the earliest owners, and done so effectively that Samuel Ayscough in his general index of 1789 (reprinted without alteration in 1818) listed only about half the illustrations and, among the colored ones, only two of the seventeen originally included. Possibly it was at his suggestion that, from 1789 onward, the annual volumes, instead of providing occasional "directions" to the binders, regularly incorporate in their own indexes a list of these inserts, and thus preserve a record lost in former years.
However delapidated, the volumes still serve to exemplify the bibliographical record, and to this we may now direct our attention. The commentary is in three parts applicable (1) to all variants and data presented in Tables I-III, (2) to the numbers for 1731-1733 and relevant Tables IV-V, (3) to the numbers for 1734-1754 and accompanying Table VI.
Tables I-III: General Information
Table I (Register of Copies) lists in nine groups the 175 sets examined
Table II (Order of Woodcuts) records, whenever possible by some mnemonic reference, a succession of eight title-blocks (b-i) employed in original editions from September 1731 through June 1790. Of those re-used, sometimes after a considerable interval, for the reprinting of earlier numbers, the one to be especially noted is the defective wheelbarrow variant (h2), a twice-broken cut occurring in original editions of 1781-1782 before it was diverted to variously labelled 1731-1733 reprints issued, I suspect, about 1786.[21] As sets issued at that late date (N-Q) are all made up of various sheets old and new, certain of the newly prepared material—particularly of gatherings within a number—may have escaped notice. In any event, even if not betrayed by cut (h2), these sheets may be identified by paper of a bluish cast, a variety first used in the Magazine for October 1778.
Table III (Order of Imprints) lists the 24 various readings appearing through February 1760 and occasionally reappearing, though no longer applicable, in the reprinting of earlier numbers. Any such recurrence, however, may be exposed by woodblocks of a kind or state postdating original issue. Thus certain imprints appropriate only for 1731-1732 editions (6B, 7A, 9A) accompany a cut (h2) which, as already noted, does not appear until fifty years later.
Table I: Register of Copies
Sets are ordered according to the edition of the first number, English copies cited in full, American by Library of Congress symbol. Defects are noted only for examined copies.
- First edition (3 copies; see fn. 19)
- A. TxDN.
- B. NSU.
- Also examined: MNS.
- Second edition (16)
- C. W.B. Todd. See fn. 20.
- D. University of London.
- Also examined: Bristol Central Library (2d volume, supplied from another source, is of the I-J sequence); NjP (mixed set). Reported: C-S, IaU, MNS, MsU, N, MjMD, OCl, OU, OkU, TxDaM, WM.
- Third edition (7)
- E. MB (rare book room). January 1731 title excised.
- F. Cambridge University Library.
- Also examined: NN (1731 volume and January titles excised). Reported: CSmH, IU, MoS, OWC.
- Fourth edition (28)
- G. TxU (Griffith). Large paper set, 1731-33, 1735-43, 1745. See fn. 11.
- H. ICU.
- Also examined: Bodleian Library, British Museum (249.c.1); CtY (rare book room). Reported: AzU, CSf, CoU, DLC, GAT, InU, KyBgW, MeU, MiD, MiDB, MtBC, MWiW, NcU, NjNbS, OCU, ODW, PHC, TNV, TxD, UW, V, VLR, VW.
- Fifth edition (35)
- I. John Rylands Library.
- J. ICU.
- K. *CtY (Pottle). Volume title for 1732 excised.
- Also examined: *British Museum (2120.f. 2d volume, supplied from another source, is of the earlier A-F sequence), Manchester Central Library (monthly titles excised), Royal Society, Victoria & Albert Museum; CtY (Franklin), MB (some monthly titles excised), NNC, ViU, TxU (monthly titles excised). Reported: *ArU, CLSU, DSI-M, GEU, IEN, In, LNHT, MHS, MWA, MWC, MdBP, Mi, MoU, NIC, NNA, NPV, NcD, Nh, PPHi, PU, *PWbH, WvU. The starred entries, and probably several others, represent the later fifth edition imprinted E. Cave.
- Sixth edition (30)
- L. CtY (Lewis). Large paper set, cut to normal size. See fn. 11.
- M. MH.
- Also examined: Society of Antiquaries; PBL, PPL, PPL-R (mixed set; see fn. 17). Reported: CLU, CMC, CSt, CtHW, CtNIC, ICN, IGK, KU, LU, MNF, MWelC, MdBG, MdBJ, MiDU, MnHi, NBuG, NNCoC, NjR, ODa, PMA, PSt, RPB, TKL, Vt. Certain of those reported may be of the next sequence.
- Sixth counterfeit edition (7)
- N. Victoria & Albert Museum (Forster).
- O. MBA.
- P. Professor Leo Hughes (U. of Texas).
- Q. Oxford, English Faculty. Anomalous set disregarded in following Tables. See fn. 18.
- Also examined: ViU. Reported: MSM, OrU.
- Facsimile edition, 1806 (18; see fn. 6)
- Examined: Bodleian Library (Douce); CtY (reading room). Reported: CSmH, MA, MdAN, MeB, MeP, MiU-C, NBP, NCH, NRU, NhD, OCl, OOxM, PPAP, PPi, PSC, WaU.
- Other copies reported in Union List of Serials
- Status undetermined: C, CU, CtW, DeU, GU, IEN-M, InI, KyL, M, MiU, MoSW, NNU-H, NR, OC, OCIW, OO, PBm, TxHR, WaS, WBB. Incorrectly recorded or transferred: IC, MH-BA, Me, MoK, NNS, NNUT, NSchU. Lacking earlier vols: DeWI, Ia, MdBE, MiGr.
Table II: Order of Woodcuts
Though most title-blocks pass through various stages of recutting or deterioration, this account records only those states which fix the chronology of certain reprints. Except for state bi the dates cited below represent the period used in first editions.
Order | Dates | Description |
a | 1731 Jan-Aug | No block, title completely in letterpress. |
b | 1731 Sept-1732 Apr, June-Sept | Block, two figures in archway, small circle before right door. |
b1 | ?1731 Oct- | Upper part of towers gouged. Reused only for late reprintings of the May, Sept, Dec 1731 numbers. |
c | 1732 May, Oct-Nov | Cut with more cross-hatching, no circle before right door. This block is more easily distinguished by the line immediately below it, now with broken n in Monthly. |
d | 1732 Dec-1733 Apr; 1733 Aug-1741 Apr | Dog with long curled tail, two figures in archway. As in c a broken n below cut. In May 1734 the n is replaced with perfect letter; in Jan 1736 the entire line is deleted. |
e | 1733 May-July; 1734 Sept-1746 Mar | Equestrian figure in center. Beginning in 1734 this is used interchangeably with d or as the alternate cut in a duplicate setting. |
e1 | 1746 Apr-1751 Nov | Top of left tower broken off. |
e2 | 1751 Dec-1753 Feb | Lower corner left tower also broken off. |
f | 1753 Mar-1764 Sept | Female, long robed, in center. |
g | 1764 Oct-1767 June; 1782 Nov-1790 June | Dog with short perpendicular tail, two figures in archway. Within the later period the number for April 1783 was issued without block. |
h | 1767 July-1768 Feb | Man with wheelbarrow, woman to the side. |
h1 | 1768 Mar-1778 Sept; 1779 July-1781 July | Across block a diagonal break, touching wheel of barrow. |
h2 | 1781 Aug-1782 Oct | Second break, cutting across left window. |
i | 1778 Oct-1779 June | Wagon, four pedestrians, and dog. Eventually superseded by two old cuts, first h 1-2, then g. |
Table III: Order of Imprints
The first two imprints are given at length, the others limited to initial and surname with further reference 'A' for Author, 'B' for Booksellers, 'P' for Persons, 'S' for Pamphlet Shops. Peculiar imprints occurring only in counterfeits are designated by number and letter.
Order | Dates | Imprint |
1 | 1731 Jan-Feb | Printed for the Author, and sold by A. Dodd without Temple Bar, and M. Smith at the Royal Exchange, MDCCXXXI. (Price 6d.) |
2 | 1731 Feb | Printed [&c. as in 1 except:] Exchange, R. Raikes, at Gloucester, W. Dicey, at Northampton, J. Abree at Canterbury, and T. Gent at York. MDCCXXXI. (Price 6d.) |
3 | 1731 March-May | A; A. Dodd, A. Smith |
4 | 1731 June | A; B |
5 | 1731 July-Aug | R. Newton; B. |
6 | 1731 Sept | R. Newton |
6A | Counterfeits dated '1701'. The damaged block used with this imprint date (b1) appears only with imprints 17 or 21 [Sept-Dec 1734, Oct 1749-Dec 1752]. | |
6B | Counterfeits dated 'MDCCXXXI.' This and other fakes cited below, all occurring with damaged block (h2), were printed ca. 1786. | |
7 | 1731 Oct-Dec | F. Jefferies |
7A | Counterfeits dated 'MDCCXXXIII', with cut (h2). | |
8 | 1732 Jan | F. Jefferies, T. Dormer |
9 | 1732 Feb-June | F. Jefferies; B. |
9A | Counterfeit 'New' edition, with cut (h2). | |
9B | Counterfeit 'Second' edition 'MDCCXXXI, noted only for an October 1731 reprint. | |
10 | 1732 July, Sept-Oct | F. Jefferies [& 14 other booksellers]; B |
11 | 1732 Aug | F. Jefferies [& 14 booksellers] |
12 | 1732 Nov | F. Jefferies [& 12 booksellers] |
13 | 1732 Dec-1733 Jan | F. Jefferies; S; B |
14 | 1733 Feb-July | A; F. Jefferies; S; B |
15 | 1733 Aug-Oct | A; F. Jefferies; B; P |
16 | 1733 Nov--1734 Oct | F. Jefferies; B; P |
17 | 1734 Sept--1735 Sept, Dec | A; F. Jefferies; B. In first several months used interchangeably with 16. |
18 | 1735 Oct-Nov | A; F. Jefferies, S. Birt; B |
19 | 1736 Jan--1738 May | E. Cave; B |
20 | 1738 June--1745 Dec | E. Cave, jun; B. Between Feb 1739 and Sept 1754 imprints 20 and 24 occasionally cite total volumes available, a number hereafter given as subscript. |
1746 Feb-Aug | ||
1748 Feb-Nov | ||
1749 Jan-Sept |
21 | 1746 Jan, Sept--1748 Jan, Dec | E. Cave, jun. |
1749 Oct--1752 Dec | ||
22 | 1753 Jan-Dec | E. Cave |
23 | 1754 Jan-Apr | Henry and Cave |
24 | 1754 May--1760 Feb | D. Henry and R. Cave. See note for imprint 20. |
--- |
Tables IV-V: Analysis of Numbers 1731-1733
Within the first several years the variation is of such complexity that it is expedient to consider separately two kinds of evidence. Accordingly the tables pertain, IV to issue-sequences immediately recognized by title-points, V to supplementary data identifying the state of numbers now lacking titles.
Table IV successively records, for each number, three features of the title:
- 1. A blank for original edition, a hyphen for an unlabelled reprint, a "2", "3" or "N" etc. for "Second", "Third", "New" or other edition so identified.
- 2. Within parentheses, a letter indicating the woodblock (as described in Table II), together with a superscript figure for cuts in later state.
- 3. After parentheses, a number identifying the imprint (as defined in Table III), together with a letter for variant states and, when this is given, a subscript figure representing the number of volumes cited, in the imprint, as then available.
Among these varying features the imprint alone may indicate earliest dates of issue. Thus, in the absence (a) of a woodblock, it would appear that imprint 3, used originally from March to May 1731, establishes within that period the issue of second editions similarly imprinted. So also imprint 5, in July-August 1731, determines the issue of second and third editions of identical reading.
Once the earliest block (b) appears, two criteria are available, and time of issue therefore established, usually, by the conjunction of these two. Hence the fourth edition earliest number could not have appeared before February 1732 since the cut (b), though extending from September 1731 to April 1732, is not associated with imprint 9 before February.
Upon the juncture of two or more points, however, any discrepant factor must necessarily fix the date. Thus while the two "fifth" editions earliest number would seem to be of the sequence (d)-(e), displaying in order the "dog" (1732) and "equestrian" (1733) block, this order is reversed by imprint sequence 15 and 22, occurring respectively in 1733 and 1753. Thus again the counterfeit "sixth" edition, though also seemingly
In checking the variants of a certain number it will be noted that, excepting the first two, the "edition" sequence, if any, is quite disorderly. For July 1731 early accumulated sets exhibit three different "first" editions: A-F the original setting (a) 5; G-H a second setting -(b)9, prepared apparently about the same time as the G-H fourth edition first number [4(b)9]; and I-J a third setting -(e) 17, issued it would seem about a year after I-J fifth edition first number [5 (e) 15]. Then in K-P comes a typographical arrangement appropriate only for 1746 [(e1) 2015], now in the July reprint improperly labelled "fifth" edition; in February, however, correctly described as "sixth" edition; but then, when used three years later for an August number [-(e1) 2018], passed off as another "first" edition—here as the second of three "firsts" following an actual second edition. Apparently in some instances the reprint arrangement is that of the title then being used for first editions; in others, an imitation of the copy now being reprinted; in others still, a combination arbitrarily devised.
Since these irregularities diminish with each passing year, it is convenient to reduce the 16 copy-sequences, in 1732 to 7, in 1733 to 4, and in later years (as noted Table VI) to 1. Throughout, however, notes have been appended to signify other peculiarities either in form or setting.
Table IV: Identity and Order of Issues 1731-1733
1st Ed. | Number Issued | Copy cited | 1731 January | February | March | April | May |
1 | Jan. | A | (a)1 | (a)1 | (a)3 | (a)3 | (a)3 |
B | (a)1 | (a)2 | " | " | " | ||
2 | March | C | 2(a)3 | 2(a)3 | " | " | " |
D | 2(a)3 | " | " | " | " | ||
3 | July | E | 3(a)5 | 3(a)5 | 2(a)5 | 2(a)5 | " |
F | 3(a)5 | " | " | " | 2(a)5 | ||
4 | Feb., | G | 4(b)9 | 4(c)9 | 3(b)9 | 3(b)9 | 2(c)9 |
H | 4(b)9 | " | " | " | " | ||
5 | Aug., | I | 5(e)15 | " | " | " | -(e)17 |
1733 | J | 5(e)15 | 5(d)16 | -(e)17 | 5(e)17 | " | |
'5' | 1753 | K | 5(d)22 | 6(e1)2015 | " | " | " |
6 | 1742 | L | 6(e)2011 | " | -(d)208 | 4(d)20 | -(b1)17 |
M | 6(e)2011 | " | " | " | 2(c)9 | ||
'6' | 1786 | N | 6(h2)2011 | " | 3(b)9 | N(h2)9A | N(h2)9A |
O | 6(h2)2011 | " | -(d)208 | " | " | ||
P | 6(h2)2011 | " | " | " | " |
Notes. Jan: Title of certain 4th editions (e.g., Bodleian) as for GH but initial signature under n of no. Copies N-P a reissue, with new title (and conjugate to this, a new annual title), of original L-M 6th edition.
Feb: B a later issue of A with variant imprint.
Apr: B an earlier state of A with title verso contents entries for pages 168-176 misplaced between 157 and 158. N-P reissues with new titles, N,P of JK 5th edition stock, O of LM 4th edition. Judging by original imprint of 4th edition, this would appear to be the reprinting advertised Jan 1750 in the preface to the 1749 volume.
May: N-O apparently of a new setting; P new title only, otherwise a reissue of unlabelled I-K edition.
N.B. In these two-page openings space is allowed below each sequence for owners to register the points in their own copies.
Copy | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
A | (a)4 | (a)5 | (a)5 | (b)6 | (b)7 | (b)7 | (b)7 |
B | " | " | " | " | " | " | " |
C | " | " | " | " | " | " | " |
D | " | " | " | " | " | " | " |
E | " | " | " | " | " | " | " |
F | -(a)5 | " | " | " | 2(a)9B | 2(b)9 | -(b)8 |
G | 2(c)9 | -(b)9 | 2(b)9 | 3(c)9 | " | " | 2(b)9 |
H | " | " | " | (b)6 | 3(e)14 | (b)7 | -(b)8 |
I | -(e)17 | -(e)17 | -(e)17 | 3(c)9 | " | " | 3(d)9 |
J | " | " | " | -(e)17 | " | 3(d)14 | " |
K | -(e1)17 | 5(e1)2015 | " | " | 4(d)7 | 4(e)20 | " |
L | " | " | " | -(b1)6A | " | " | 4(b1)21 |
M | 2(c)9 | " | -(e1)2018 | " | " | " | " |
N | -(e2)14 | " | -(h2)6B | " | -(h2)6B | 3(d)14 | -(h2)6B |
O | " | " | " | " | " | -(h2)6B | " |
P | " | " | " | -(h2)6B | " | " | " |
Notes. Aug: A-F in variant states, the earliest with page 362 misnumbered 359, catchword that page reading August, and without supplemental leaf following that page. L title as for I-K but initial signature under bl of blank.
Oct: A-E in several states, page 453 unsigned, signed 'Iii', or correctly 'Kkk'.
Nov: O-P a reissue, with new title, of K-M 4th edition.
Dec: A-E title verso in two states, note below contents first in 6 lines, later in 9 lines. F variant is, except for imprint, apparently of same setting as A-E.
Jan.1731 editions | Typical copies | 1732 January | February | March | April | May |
1-2 | C | (b)8 | (b)9 | (b)9 | (b)9 | (c)9 |
1-2 | D | " | " | " | 2(c)9 | " |
3-4 | F | -(b)9 | -(b)9 | " | 2(b)9 | -(b)9 |
5 | J | 4(d)16 | -(e)19 | -(e)15 | 3(e)17 | 2(c)9 |
6 | L | " | -(d)16 | 2(d)209 | " | -(d)209 |
6 | M | 5(e2)23 | " | -(e)15 | " | " |
'6' | N | " | -(b)9 | (b)9 | 2(b)9 | (c)9 |
Jan.1731 editions | Typical copies | 1733 January | February | March | April | May |
1-6 | C,M | (d)13 | (d)14 | (d)14 | (d)14 | (e)14 |
6 | L | 2(d)16 | 5(e)15 | -(d)14 | -(d)14 | " |
'6' | N | " | " | -(e2)14 | -(d)14 | " |
1732 Notes
Jan: F variant is, except for imprint, of same setting as C-D. A second edition, not represented among typical sequences, is found in Yale copy (rare book room): title 2(b)9, initial signature under iv of forgiving. M 5th edition apparently a reissue of JL 4th; N partially reset, as noted in Table V.
Feb: F and N are two later settings of 1st edition, with '(Price 6d.)' in imprint, and variant signature positions as noted Table V.
Apr: CDF, though each with different title, appear to be of identical setting in text.
May: CD and F, with two different titles, are otherwise seemingly of an identical setting. Press figure *, page 754 of first edition, is missing in Copy I.
1733 Notes
Jan: 1st edition copies occasionally with variant imprint 14. Signature G highly variant, p. 43 first news item reading having committed abundance (M copy, leaf integral), having committed 65 (C, a cancel; D, integral), had committed 65 (J, integral, a late issue with cross-reference to subsequent numbers pp. 99, 154). 2d edition occasionally has (as in copies F,K) signature on 1st page of text, there under nt of Argument.
Mar: L edition a later setting, as noted Table V. N issue, Princeton copy, partly of mixed (or reset?) sheets.
Apr: L edition a later setting, as noted Table V. N possibly a reissue of 1st edition.
May: C copy of earlier state (impression?) with p. 224 misnumbered 481 and catchword that page incorrectly "Futurity."
1732 June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
(b)9 | (b)10 | (b)11 | (b)10 | (c)10 | (c)12 | (d)13 |
" | " | " | " | " | " | " |
" | " | -(b)11 | " | " | " | " |
2(d)9 | -(e)17 | -(e)19 | 2(e)17 | 2(d)16 | " | 2(d)16 |
" | " | " | " | " | 5(e)2010 | " |
" | " | -(e2)2423 | " | " | " | " |
(b)9 | (b)10 | -(b)11 | (b)10 | (c)10 | (c)12 | (d)13 |
1733 June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
(e)14 | (e)14 | (d)15 | (d)15 | (d)15 | (d)16 | (d)16 |
" | " | " | -(e)17 | -(e)17 | -(d)16 | -(d)19 |
" | " | -(h2)7A | " | " | " | " |
1732 Notes
June: 1st edition later issue (copy I) has imprint 10.
Aug: F variant has imprint date corrected to 1732 and, as noted Table V, is of different impression with signature on 2d text leaf. Of JL issue some copies (e.g. Yale, Franklin room) have been noted with variant imprint 10.
1733 Notes
Oct: LN setting occasionally misbound, 1st signature under s of Troops.
Nov: LN with title similar to CM but, as noted Table V, of variant text setting.
Dec: 1st edition later issue has 'N.B.' note verso of title. The Supplement first appears in this volume, initial signature under at of that.
Table V: Text Points 1731-1733
The edition of copies lacking titles is here determined by the position of signature letter in the first (and, if necessary, the second) signed gathering. For each number this account records, in order, a page reference (which, however, may be applicable only to original setting); citation of several copies already identified by title, or by the present means, in Table IV; notice in italics, by caret, or by punctuation mark, of the point in text above initial letter of the signature. Certain variants not identified here may be cited in notes to the preceding Table.
- 1731
- Jan. Page 9
- A-B affairs
- C-D relating
- E-F relating
- G-H that
- I-J which
- K whichV
- L-P Spleen
- Feb. [51]
- A-B conceptions
- C-D conceptions
- E-F conceptions
- G-H assistance
- I-J or
- K-P could
- Mar. [97]
- A-D them
- E-F Christians.V
- a
- G-I Christians.
- J-K Christians.
- L-M Christians.V
- VW---
- Apr. [145]
- A-D or
- E-F earth
- G-I purest
- J-K purest
- L-M the
- May. [189]
- A-E MARLBOROUGH
- F MARLBOROUGH
- G-H invested
- I-K invested
- L invested
- N-O benumbed
- June [235]
- A-E contains
- F containsV
- G-H an
- I-J anV
- K-L VIndolence
- N-P unreasonable
- July 277
- A-F his
- G-H Measures
- I-J VMeasures
- K-P dominions
- 1731
- Aug. Page 319
- A-F enlarge
- G-H Respects
- I-K Readers
- M preventV
- N-P to
- Sept. 365
- A-F be
- G Vin
- J-K before
- L-O inV
- Vin
- P inV
- tremble
- Oct. 413
- A-E willingly
- Town
- F-G Vthan
- H-J than
- K-M willingly
- N-P willingly
- from
- Nov. 461
- A-E better
- F-G better
- Anguish,
- J better
- K-M better
- Anguish,
- Dec. 509
- A-F have
- G London
- I-K reject
- Vof
- L-M reject
- division
- N-P or
- 1732
- Jan. 551
- CDF forgiving
- JLM Vare
- N Vforgiving
- Feb. 595
- CD Attention
- F Attention
- J Government
- LM Government
- N Attention
- 1732
- Mar. Page 641
- CDFN Notice
- JM the
- L Orators
- Apr. 687
- CDFN Object
- JLM Hurt
- May 731
- CDFN Institution
- J Institution
- LM InstitutionV
- June 781
- CDFN never
- JLM Persons
- July 833
- CDFN Match
- JLM a
- Aug. [881]
- CD large
- FN Support
- JL powerfulV
- M Assistance
- Sept. [935]
- CDFN Reasons
- JLM griev'd
- Oct. 987
- CDFN much
- JLM against
- Nov. 1037
- CDF Vof
- LM of
- Dec. 1089
- CDFN one
- JLM Reply
- 1733
- Jan. Page 1
- CM Consequence
- LN them
- Feb. 57
- CM as
- LN and
- Mar. 113
- CM demn'd
- VNow
- L in
- N demn'd
- Stalks
- Apr. 169
- CM beV
- L obliged
- May 225
- [all] People
- June 281
- [all] receive
- July 337
- [all] beV
- Aug. 393
- CLM VAffair
- N notV
- Sept. 449
- CM Notice
- LN Notice
- Oct. 505
- CM Work
- LN cruel
- Nov. 561
- CM of
- LN greatV
- Dec. 617
- CM Tobacco
- LN trade
- Suppl. [671]
- [all] that
Table VI: Analysis of Numbers 1734-1754
In the first three years both woodblock and imprint went through numerous changes (a-e for the one, 1-16 for the other), all disclosing in one combination or another a number of variants easily classified and ordered. Over the next twenty-one years, however, these features change much less frequently (d-f, 17-24), and any one combination may persist for a considerable period: (d) 19, for example, extending over 25 months without interruption, and (e1) 21 lasting once for 17 and once again for 26 months. As these points become stabilized it is therefore necessary to introduce new variables, these preferably of a kind exhibiting, in editions now of greatly enlarged issue, reimpressions from standing type.
Whatever its extent, no list of points will encompass every contingency. Press-figures, the most convenient index, have occurred only once before, in May 1732, and then as a single asterisk dropped in the course of printing. Figures again appear several times in 1734, there signifying all sorts of confusion,[22] but then disappear forever. Broken headline types, cited last year by Mr. Leed to differentiate certain 1742 variants, provide no clue as to the order of printing and—as I have already determined—fail to distinguish the revised impressions of 1745-1746.
Certain other evidence, though also ineffective for rapid reimpressions of the 1745-1746 type, does provide, usually, a ready means for ordering the variants. Apart from the two points now considered (woodblock and imprint), this may be discovered in three other features: (3) last entry to left of woodblock, ordinarily recording the most recent periodical issued in London; (4) last entry to right of woodblock, noting papers—but not by name—printed elsewhere; (5) ornamental block heading first page of text, hereafter identified by central figure. With some exceptions all five points remain in a certain combination, or in a typographical skeleton, only from
A resetting precisely defined by these means appears in the January 1741 number:
Points 1-2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
(d)2010 | Englishman | Sherborn | head | [Copy C] |
(e)2011 | Champion | Sherborn | cherub | [Copy G] |
The several 1742 variants identified by Mr Leed are also susceptible to this approach. These are listed in his sequence, but with key letters reordered, if necessary, to account for the point latest occurring in the combination (signified by an asterisk) and the date of that occurrence (entered to the right).
January 1742 (three editions) | |||||
A. | (e)2011 | Hyp Doctor | Sherborn | sun | |
C. | * (e1)20 | Whitehall Ev Post | Cambridge | vase | [April 1746] |
B. | (e)2011 | *Champion | Sherborn | cherub | [May 1742] |
February 1742 (one edition partially reimpressed[24] and, as now determined, a second setting)
A1-2. | (e)2011 | Hyp Doctor | Sherborn | sun | |
B. | (e2)2011 | *World | Glasgow | rose | [Jan. 1753] |
Less significant but still differentiated are the two numbers next cited.
March 1742 (one edition twice partly reimpressed[25])
A1. | (e)2011 | Hyp Doctor | Sherborn | sun |
A2-3. | (e)2011 | Hyp Doctor | Sherborn | *cherub [April 1742] |
A1. | (e)2011 | Westminster Journal Sherburn | sun |
A2. | (e)2011 | Westminster Journal *Birmingham | sun [November 1742] |
August | [1] none | [2] (August 1742) |
September | [1] (August 1742.) | [2] September 1742.) |
For certain numbers in 1734-1736 the several variables occasionally reveal, in the two leaves to which they apply, a duplicate setting simultaneously printed of these leaves only. This situation may arise whenever, in half-sheet imposition, there is an extra two-leaf fold which, if unduplicated, would occupy only half a forme. Thus in the three successive 1734 collations given below an alternate setting should not be expected in August (with two doubletons, probably imposed together), but may be found both in September[26] (with three) and in October[27] (with only one).
August | September | October |
π2 3D-3H4 3I-3K4 | π2 3L2 3M4 3N2 3O-3S4 | 3T2 3U-3Z4 3A-3C4 |
1734 | ||||
September | (e)17 | York 2 News | bowl | |
(d)16 | Gen. Ev. Post | sun | ||
October | (d)16 | Gen. Ev. Post | sun | |
(e)17 | York 2 News | bowl | ||
November[29] | (e)17 | The Prompter | sun | |
(d)17 | The Pramsteer | bowl | ||
1735 | ||||
September[30] | (d)17 | D. Gazetteer | head | |
(e)17 | D. Gazetteer | vase | ||
November[31] | (e)18 | D. Gazetteer | vase | |
(d)18 | D. Gazetteer | head | ||
1736 | ||||
March | (d)19 | Lon D. Post | lyre | |
(e)19 | D. Gazetteer | head |
In Supplements, where the only point is the ornament above caption title first page of text, this point alone will suffice, for no ornament can be used more than once in a duplicate setting. Thus the Supplement for 1750 exhibits in C and P copies respectively, a head and urn. At first glance it would appear that this number, like the one for August 1734, is not subject to duplication, since there are two quarter-sheets[32] which could be combined: 12 2-34 42 5-64. However, it must be remembered that the annual title and preface fold is printed with this extra number, and was here doubtless imposed with gathering 4, leaving 1 as an odd doubleton to be set twice.
With due reference to the several matters cited above, the following Table denotes, throughout by the symbol τ, some thirty-seven variants from the main impression as represented by "C" and equivalent copies. Among other variants yet undisclosed an appreciable number, I suspect, may be identified and ordered by the criteria now established.
Table VI: First Editions, 1734-1736
Last entry to right of title block is invariably Barbados.
Month 1734 | Title block, imprint & last entry to left | First text page | First signed page, signature position | |
[†]Jan | (d)16 | Auditor | sun | 5 and |
[†]Feb | " | What d'ye call't | flower | 61 I.V |
Mar | " | " | " | 117 Prince |
[†]Apr | " | " | sun | 173 allow'd |
May | " | " | " | 229 others |
June | " | Gen. Ev. Post | " | 285 among |
July | " | " | bowl | 341 Laws |
Aug | " | " | " | 401 Attempts |
[†]Sept | (e)17 | York 2 News | " | 461 surely |
[†]Oct | (d)16 | Gen. Ev. Post | sun | [519] VHence |
[†]Nov | (e)17 | The Prompter | " | 577 artfully |
[†]Dec | " | " | " | 637 Chandler |
[†]suppl | ---- | ---- | bowl | [709] Standing |
1735 | ||||
Jan | (e)17 | The Prompter | head | 5 it |
Feb | " | Week. Oracle | cherub | 61 Plan |
Mar | " | Old Whig | " | 117 contrived |
Apr | " | " | bowl | 173 Choice |
May | " | " | " | 229 Lordships |
June | " | " | " | 285 enormous |
[†]July | (d)17 | D. Gazetteer | cherub | 341 have |
Aug | " | " | " | 453 have |
[†]Sept | " | " | head | 509 standing |
Oct | (d)18 | " | vase | 569 no |
[†]Nov | (e)18 | " | " | 629 Courts |
Dec | (e)17 | " | " | 689 "That |
suppl | ---- | ---- | head | [741] relating |
1736 | ||||
Jan | (d)19 | D. Gazetteer | head | 5 Power |
Feb | " | " | " | 61 Address |
[†]Mar | " | Lon. D. Post | lyre | 117 certainly |
Apr | (e)19 | York News | " | 177 was |
May | (d)19 | Lond D. Post | " | 237 all |
June | " | " | " | 301 Affairs |
July | " | " | " | 365 VPreheminence |
Aug | " | " | " | 433 Crown |
Sept | " | " | sun | 497 such |
[*]Oct | " | " | lyre | 561 Michaelmas. |
Nov | " | " | cherub | 629 have |
Dec | " | " | " | 693 K. |
suppl | ---- | ---- | lyre | [753] upon |
Last entry right of block: 1737 Jan-May, Barbados; 1737 June-1739 Jan, Jamaica &c; 1739 Feb-Mar, Sherbon; 1739 Apr-Dec, Sherborn.
Month 1737 | Title block, imprint & last entry to left | First text page | First signed page, signature position | |
Jan | (d)19 | Lond D. Post | head | 5 Wisdom |
[†]Feb | " | Com. Sense | " | 69 should |
Mar | " | " | lyre | 133 ordain'd |
Apr | " | " | " | 197 Historians |
May | " | " | " | 261 unintelligible |
June | " | " | " | 325 See |
July | " | " | " | 375 SeeV |
Aug | " | " | " | 459 Condition |
Sept | " | " | " | 523 will |
Oct | " | " | " | 583 the |
Nov | " | " | " | 647 mittedV |
Dec | " | " | " | 711 Inconveniencies |
suppl | ---- | ---- | head | [771] theV |
1738 | ||||
Jan | (d)19 | Com. Sense | vase | 5 Character |
[*]Feb | " | " | sun | 61 to |
Mar | " | " | vase | 117 went |
Apr | " | " | " | 173 whenV |
May | " | " | cherub | 229 ChargesV |
[*]June | (d)20 | " | vase | 285 liputianV |
July | " | " | sun | 333 unjust |
Aug | " | " | " | 389 since |
Sept | " | Old C. Sense | cherub | 445 givenV |
Oct | " | " | " | 501 Profusion |
Nov | " | " | " | 557 theV |
Dec | " | " | " | 613 redress |
[†]suppl | ---- | ---- | vase | [665] ofV |
1739 | ||||
[†]Jan | (d)20 | Old C. Sense | head | 5 Entertainment, |
Feb | (d)208 | The Citizen | " | 57 have |
Mar | " | " | " | 113 Seckendorf |
Apr | " | " | " | 169 de |
May | " | " | " | 225 missioners |
June | " | Com. Sense | " | 281 him |
July | " | " | vase | 337 vourableV |
Aug | " | " | " | 393 Experience, |
Sept | " | " | " | 449 Occasion |
Oct | " | " | " | 505 to |
Nov | " | " | " | 561 perished, |
Dec | " | " | " | 613 and |
suppl | ---- | ---- | head | [665] our |
Last entry right of block: 1740 Jan-1741 Feb, 1741 Sep-1742 June, 1742 Oct, Sherborn; 1741 Mar-June, Country Oracle; 1741 July-Aug, Country Ora; 1742 July-Sep, Colchester; 1742 Nov-Dec, Birmingham.
Month 1740 | Title block, imprint & last entry to left | First text page | First signed page, signature position | |
Jan | (d)209 | Com. Sense | head | [5] Lords, |
Feb | " | " | vase | 45 SeaV; |
Mar | " | " | cherub | 101 to |
Apr | " | " | " | 157 there |
May | " | " | " | 213 the |
June | " | " | " | 269 inV |
July | " | Champion | " | 325 Commissaries |
Aug | " | Eve. Post | " | 365 Vhis |
Sept | " | " | " | 421 Blefuscudians |
Oct | " | " | " | 477 willV |
Nov | " | Englishman | " | 533 Peril |
Dec | " | " | " | 581 their |
suppl | ---- | ---- | head | [629] notV |
1741 | ||||
[†]Jan | (d)2010 | Englishman | head | 9 whichV |
Feb | " | " | 2 row orn | 57 Consideration |
Mar | " | " | 1 row orn | 117 both |
Apr | " | " | sun | 173 Vas |
May | (e)2010 | " | " | 233 Shaftsbury |
June | " | " | " | 285 Allemannu,V |
July | " | Com. Sense | " | 345 mitV |
Aug | " | Hyp Doc-/tor | " | 397 Constitution, |
Sept | " | Hyp Doc-tor | " | 453 but |
Oct | " | Hyp Doctor | " | 509 layV |
Nov | " | " | " | 563 without |
Dec | " | " | " | 619 mendation |
suppl | ---- | ---- | " | [671] Author |
1742 | ||||
[†]Jan | (e)2011 | Hyp Doctor | sun | 5 misled |
[†]Feb | " | " | " | 61 toV |
[†]Mar | " | " | " | 117 SenateV |
Apr | " | Constitutionalist | cherub | 173 Law.V |
May | " | Champion | " | 233 the |
June | " | " | " | 289 Proxies |
July | " | Westminster/ | " | 345 important |
[†]Aug | " | Journal | sun | 401 our |
[†]Sept | " | " | " | 457 Diligence |
[†]Oct | " | " | " | 513 Vof |
[†]Nov | " | " | " | 561 destroy |
Dec | " | " | " | 617 purchased |
suppl | ---- | ---- | " | [665] Lords |
Last entry right of block: 1743 Jan-1744 May, Birmingham; 1744 June-Sept, Manchester; 1744 Oct-1745 Dec, Bath.
Month 1743 | Title block, imprint & last entry to left | First text page | First signed page, signature position | |
Jan | (e)2012 | Westminster/ | head | 5 Vnot |
Feb | " | Journal | flower | 61 and |
Mar | " | " | " | 121 Vof |
Apr | " | " | sun | 173 political |
May | " | " | vase | 229 fluence, |
June | " | " | " | 289 Accounts |
July | " | " | sun | 345 nerally |
Aug | " | " | vase | 401 indeed, |
Sept | " | " | flower | 457 Imperial |
Oct | " | " | vase | 509 theV |
Nov | " | " | " | 565 Community |
Dec | " | " | " | 625 theV |
suppl | ---- | " | " | [673] their |
1744 | ||||
[†]Jan | (e)2013 | Westminster / | urn | 5 The |
Feb | " | Journal | sun | 61 therefore |
Mar | " | Old England | " | 125 tlemen |
[†]Apr | " | " | " | 177 Charters |
May | " | " | " | 237 Vurged |
June | " | " | vase | 293 theV |
July | " | " | " | 349 thought |
Aug | " | " | " | 405 might |
Sept | " | " | " | 461 Continent |
Oct | " | " | " | 517 whenV |
Nov | " | " | " | 573 importance |
Dec | " | " | sun | 629 which |
suppl | ---- | ---- | vase | [681] tending |
1745 | ||||
Jan | (e)2014 | Old England | vase | 9 Vtroops |
Feb | (e)2013 | " | sun | 61 toV |
Mar | (e)2014 | " | " | 117 ministers |
Apr | " | " | " | 177 toV |
May | " | " | " | 233 adding |
June | " | " | " | 289 earl |
July | " | " | vase | 341 littleV |
Aug | " | Lon. Courant | " | 401 I |
[†]Sept | " | " | " | 453 theV |
[†]Oct | " | " | sun | 513 theV |
Nov | " | " | " | 565 uncertainty |
Dec | " | True Patriot | " | 625 mortally |
suppl | ---- | ---- | " | [673] indeed |
Last entry to right of block: 1746 Jan-Feb, Bath; 1746 Mar-1748 Dec, Cambridge.
Month 1746 | Title block, imprint & last entry to left | First text page | First signed page, signature position | |
Jan | (e)21 | True Patriot | vase | 9 From |
[†]Feb | (e)2015 | Whitehall Ev/ | " | 65 proposed |
Mar | " | Post | sun | 121 it |
Apr | (e1)2015 | " | vase | 177 Another |
[†]May | " | " | sun | 233 possessed |
June | " | " | vase | 285 for |
July | " | " | sun | 341 resumed |
Aug | " | " | " | 397 assumed |
[†]Sept | (e1)21 | " | " | 453 same |
[†]Oct | " | " | " | 517 sink |
Nov | " | " | " | 569 That |
Dec | " | " | " | 625 Bodied |
suppl | ---- | ---- | " | [673] theV |
1747 | ||||
Jan | (e1)21 | Whitehall Ev/ | fire | 9 Troops |
Feb | " | Post | vase | 61 be |
Mar | " | " | sun | 117 Affingit |
Apr | " | " | vase | 165 head |
May | " | " | " | 213 mother's |
June | " | " | sun | 261 occasion |
July | " | " | " | 309 reader |
Aug | " | " | " | 365 Scrupeae |
Sept | " | " | vase | 413 vince. |
Oct | " | " | sun | 461 grey, |
Nov | " | " | vase | 509 engagements |
Dec | " | Remembrancer | shell | 557 from |
[*] [τ] suppl | ---- | ---- | sun | [597] journies |
1748 | ||||
Jan | (e1)21 | Remembrancer | head | 9 need |
Feb | (e1)2017 | " | shell | 57 night |
Mar | " | " | " | 105 week |
Apr | " | " | vase | 153 Vall |
May | " | " | " | 201 Vand |
June | " | " | " | 249 would |
July | " | " | sun | 297 Mr |
Aug | " | " | shell | 345 VDead |
Sept | " | " | vase | 393 territory |
Oct | " | " | shell | 441 country |
Nov | " | " | vase | 489 follow'd |
[†]Dec | (e1)21 | " | shell | 537 voyage |
suppl | ---- | ---- | vase | [577] submitted |
Last entry to right of block: 1749 Jan-Aug, Cambridge; 1749 Sept-1751 Dec, Glasgow.
Month 1749 | Title block, imprint & last entry to left | First text page | First signed page, signature position | |
Jan | (e1)2018 | Remembrancer | vase | 9 heads, |
Feb | " | " | sun | 57 battleV |
Mar | " | " | vase | 105 miracles |
Apr | " | " | shell | 153 the |
May | " | " | " | 201 The |
June | " | " | vase | 249 aboutV |
July | " | " | shell | 297 they |
Aug | " | " | " | 345 admission |
Sept | " | " | " | 393 prince. |
Oct | (e1)21 | Lon. Review | " | 441 would |
Nov | " | " | vase | 489 i.e. |
Dec | " | " | shell | 537 believing |
[*]suppl | ---- | ---- | sun | [577] ofV |
1750 | ||||
Jan | (e1)21 | Lon. Review | head | 9 worthV |
Feb | " | " | vase | 57 those |
Mar | " | Rambler | shell | 105 The |
Apr | " | " | " | 153 ecliptic |
May | " | " | " | 201 cessary |
June | " | " | " | 249 See |
[†]July | " | " | " | 297 uncommon |
Aug | " | " | vase | '245' defiance |
Sept | " | " | " | 393 not |
Oct | " | " | " | 441 casional |
Nov | " | " | " | 489 I'llV |
Dec | " | " | " | 537 -So |
[*] [τ]suppl | ---- | ---- | head | [577] and |
1751 | ||||
[†]Jan | (e1)21 | Rambler | head | 9 quality |
Feb | " | " | urn | 57 take |
Mar | " | " | vase | 105 thanksgiving |
Apr | " | " | " | 155 122. |
May | " | " | sun | 201 and |
June | " | " | vase | 249 saw |
July | " | " | sun | 297 This |
Aug | " | " | vase | 345 prime |
Sept | " | Inspector | flower | 393 Vtheir |
Oct | " | " | " | 441 those |
Nov | " | " | house | 489 Vand |
Dec | (e2)21 | Cov. Garden/Journ. | " | 537 bout |
[*]suppl | ---- | ---- | " | [577] makeV |
Last entry to right of block is invariably Glasgow.
Month 1752 | Title block, imprint & last entry to left | First page | First signed page signature position | |
Jan | (e2)21 | Dr. Lane Jo. | house | 9 convocation |
Feb | " | " | " | 57 complains |
Mar | " | " | " | 105 Edinburgh,V |
Apr | " | " | " | 157 subjects |
May | " | " | " | 205 done |
June | " | " | " | 253 subservient |
July | " | " | " | 301 with, |
Aug | " | Cov. Garden/ | " | 349 present |
Sept | " | Journ | " | 397 officeV |
Oct | " | " | sun | 445 'yeaV |
Nov | " | Adventurer | flower | 501 O |
Dec | " | Scourge | " | 549 medium |
[*]suppl | ---- | ---- | " | [589] towards |
1753 | ||||
Jan | (e2)22 | World | sun | 9 fashions |
Feb | " | " | " | 65 wards |
Mar | (f)22 | " | " | 113 Newgate |
Apr | " | " | vase | 161 about |
May | " | " | sun | 213 the |
June | " | " | " | 261 direction |
July | " | " | " | 309 faetid |
Aug | " | " | " | 357 ceiving |
Sept | " | " | " | 405 side |
Oct | " | " | " | 457 -At |
Nov | " | Spectator | " | 505 tinued |
[*]Dec | " | " | urn | 555 feet |
[*] [τ]suppl | ---- | ---- | vase | [597] apprize |
1754 | ||||
Jan | (f)23 | Spectator | urn | 9 took |
Feb | " | " | flower | 61 it |
Mar | " | Ev. Advertiser | " | 109 cocnato |
Apr | " | " | " | 157 VApril |
May | (f)24 | " | " | 205 VMay |
June | " | " | " | 257 4I |
July | " | " | " | 305 length |
[*]Aug | (f)2423 | " | " | 353 Mag.V |
Sept | " | " | " | 401 selves |
Oct | (f)24 | " | " | 449 criminal |
Nov | " | " | " | 497 ask |
Dec | " | " | " | 545 which |
[*]suppl | ---- | ---- | " | [585] shops |
Notes
1731 | 1732 | 1733 | |||||||||
Title gathering: | Jan | Feb | Mar | May | July | Aug | Sep | May | July | Feb | Mar |
N-P | G-H | G-I | G-H | G-H | G-H | G,I | L-M | CDF | CM | N | |
1st signed gathering: | I-J | I-J | J-K | I-K | I-J | I-K | J-K | J | L-M | L,N | L |
Apart from the 288 monthly numbers (1731-1754) some copies have, after July 1735, a "Magazine Extraordinary" and, beginning with the 1733 volume, all include—or should include—an annual "Supplement." Another special number on Baronets Arms, cumulating in parts from 1750, is noted in Table VI under entry for 1754, the year it was completed.
Nichols, pp. lxvi, lxxiii. The earlier fire, as reported in GM (May 1786, p. 437), levelled the house of Mrs. Elizabeth Newbery, whose name thus is omitted in the imprints to the general titles for this year. The later disaster reduced to ashes Nichols' own printing-office, all of his extensive warehouses, and with these "the Entire Stock of the Gentleman's Magazine from 1782 to 1807" (GM, February 1808, p. 99).
GM, May 1809, pp. 474, 486. Smeeton was then 50, his wife Elizabeth only 25, and the two of them married just three months before. The 1806 edition, printed for Machell Stace, reproduces on titles two different woodcuts, the one to be identified as (b) in the numbers for January-April 1731, January-June 1732, and the other described as (h) in the numbers for May-December 1731, July-December 1732. As this division would indicate, the printing was split, the first part of each volume representing the work of Smeeton (whose imprint appears on the two general titles), the second part the labor of W. Smith (imprint on last page of the indexes).
The price is given in the imprint for all the earlier editions. The only copy I have seen in wrappers is the number for June 1752 at the Boston Public Library (*7227.16).
In Table IV it will be noted that the typographical state of an original edition later number establishes the same chronology of later variants first number: 2d ed. in March, 3d ed. in July, 4th ed. (not cited in these announcements) about February 1732, and 5th ed.—the reprinting for the "fourth time"—not before August 1733. As for the "fifth time," the reference perhaps is to some resetting, as indicated first note to the Table.
These wrappers, not seen, are mentioned in the preliminary notices, verso of titles for November and December 1731.
Like the regular issue of February 1732 (see note 9), the first number original large paper issue is labelled "Fourth Edition." In the only specimen seen of this, the Texas-Griffith copy (G), the chainlines are 30mm. apart as against 26mm. for ordinary paper. The later large paper issue, bearing "Sixth Edition" label, is known to me only by a cut-down specimen, the Yale-Lewis copy (L). In volumes I-IV this is appreciably thicker than ordinary paper issue, bulking 39, 45, 50, 53mm.
This estimate derives from various prices entered for other but similar work in Strahan's printing ledger. In 1734 the Magazine was normally issued in seven half-sheets, or 56 pages a number. For 3½ full sheets, &c.mmat; 1000 copies, the basic cost would therefore be about 18s.4d. for composing and reading, 9s.4d for presswork, £4-16-0 for 14 reams of paper, £1 for stitching, 2s.6d for wrappers. Retaining the first figure as a constant, and multiplying the others by 9, gives a total £58-8-10 for 9000 copies, or slightly less than a guinea a page.
More because the new subscribers of 1732-1734, besides outnumbering the dropouts, would many of them have little interest in back numbers, or any reprints of these.
This count is less the three certain and two suspected "Fifth Edition" copies printed later for E. Cave. The "Sixth" editions (30 and 7 copies), as well as the 1806 facsimile (18), are also, of course, of later date.
Boswell's Life of Johnson, ed. G. B. Hill and L. F. Powell (1934), I, 112, n.1; 152, n.1. The first reference also indicates that the fifth edition came out in the ninth year, or 1740. The first number so labelled, however, is of a typographical state appearing only between August and October 1733.
The reports, limited to a description of the January 1731 title, come from an extended postal campaign undertaken to discover the whereabouts of any first edition copies. The three specimens eventually disclosed are described in note 19.
It is of course impractical to take into account widely variant mixtures as these may occur (1) from number to number, in later replacements before binding, or (2) from volume to volume, in sets made up from different bound collections. The PPL-R copy illustrates both conditions: 1731 consists of February-December numbers in first edition (sequence A-B) but January of a sixth (L-M); 1732 volume is of still another order, corresponding throughout to sequence J.
Though also issued, like N-P, about 1786, series Q does not conform even to this irregular pattern, exhibiting in the following numbers a mixture of settings appropriate to the copies identified.
Set "A," at North Texas State University, is the only one displaying both a first edition of the original number and the earlier issue of the second number. This copy, now in modern library buckram, is of unknown provenance. Set "B," at Syracuse University, New York, is in 18th-century binding and bears on front endpaper, first volume, a pencilled note "The Gentlemans Magazine belonging to Thomas Gellman August 13 in the year 1762." The third set, at Smith College, Massachusetts, was purchased by James Bain 22 March 1881. An accompanying note indicates, however, that volumes 1 (1731) and 42 n.s. (1854, July-December) were supplied at a later time, and presumably from another source.
Copy "C," in my possession, apart from representing (as previously remarked) a complete set of illustrations, has stabholes throughout as evidence of a monthly accumulation, the first two numbers of a second edition, the third and all later numbers apparently of the first impression or edition. This is also, so far as I am aware, the only set not once but doubly certified as of an unbroken and unmixed sequence extending from the 18th century. The first owner of record was Charles Wigan of Stanford, Middlesex, who on 3 April 1776 purchased the 45 volumes already cumulated and signed the first page of text in every volume then and thereafter completed to the time of his death 23 May 1802 (GM, p. 586). Apparently the set was then bequeathed to a granddaughter Mary Wigan who, on 29 September 1803, also signed and with few exceptions dated the whole series, all this it would seem with the intent of establishing the collection as a dowry offered at the time of her marriage 8 October to George Daniel Harvey (GM, 1803, p. 1252), a barrister-at-law and commissioner of bankruptcy. Harvey then affixed his bookplate to the first volume only and maintained the subscription to 1810, about the time of his death. Compared throughout against "C" are sets G, the I-K specimen at Texas, M, and P.
Nichols' recollection (pp. lix, lxii) that 100 sets were perfected in 1783 would appear to be confirmed by his Magazine preface dated 22 January 1783 (in the 1782 volume): "On the First of February next will begin to be republished in Monthly Volumes (Price Six Shillings and Six Pence each Volume, neatly sewed in Boards), the Gentleman's Magazine from . . . M.DCC. XXX [sic] to M.DCC.LXXX. with an Index complete." Apart from the 100 he intended to perfect it was also noted, in a postscript, that "a Few will be printed over, to perfect the Sets of former Purchasers." However, Nichols seems to have forgotten the subsequent delay curiously excused in 1786 (p. vi of preface to 1785 volume): "The Perfidy of knavish Servants, who stole, and sold for Waste Paper, what will cost much Time and Expence to prepare again for the Public, has unavoidably occasioned a longer Interruption than we could possibly foresee." Thus the (h2) reprints could not have been issued before 1786 and may have been further delayed to 1789, the date the Index finally appeared.
January: gathering B, 7 none or 1; C, none or 15-1 or 18-1; D-E, invariably 24-1, 39-1. Half-sheet C, when figured, has pages 13-14 reset, with catchword "no" now first introduced. February: 15 combinations so far observed with none or one or other of these figures: 66-6 or 9, 74-6 or 2, 75-6, 82-2 or 3, 90-2 or 3 or 9, 110-3, 3 reversed, or 9. December: mostly invariant, title-3, 641-τ, 660-τ or none, 668-τ or ¶ or none.
There are twelve periods still ranging from four to six months: May-August 1736, June-December 1737, September-December 1738, July-December 1739, March-June 1740, June-September 1744, February-June 1745, September-December 1746, March-July and August-December 1750, January-July 1752, May-October 1753. In the present analysis several variants issued within these intervals may therefore go undetected.
Now evident, as Mr. Leed notes, in headline breakage first several gatherings and also, it might be added, by the position p. 61 of gathering number 1 (A1) below and after of, (A2) below i of Difference.
Some copies of the September number have second doublet inserted within the first. Perhaps to obviate such disarrangements the GM, beginning with this number, carries for each issue a separate sequence of gathering numbers.
In October only, the fold is signed on 2d leaf, and in both settings, Ttt appearing, in one (d) 16 under and to the left of H in Hence, in the other (e) 17 under a of any.
Unlike the reimpressions or resettings previously considered, where the later variant (as a limited supplementary issue) appears only once or twice in a score of copies, an alternate setting will occur in about every other specimen and, through a sequence of numbers, in various combinations. As it happens, copies C and N regularly alternate between (e) and (d) settings. The reverse alternation, also coincidental, is exhibited for 1734 in copies E, L, P, for 1735-1736 in copy G.
"Pramsteer", though possibly representing (like certain others in these lists) a periodical no longer extant, is more likely to be a misreading of, or punning allusion to the paper correctly spelled in alternate title.
The warning applicable everywhere, and implicit in an earlier note (18), may here be registered against sophisticated copies. The TxU set now has titles affixed to leaves once conjugate to the alternate, September (d) 17 to 'vase' and November (d) 18 to 'vase'.
Copy G, (d) 18 variant, is also reimpressed in first half-sheet, p. 629 gathering number 1 originally below g in general, here to left of g.
Other points: 1734. Jan, Feb, Dec, variant press figures (see note 22). April, copy M a later setting, 2 (e)20. Sep-Nov, duplicate setting first two leaves (see prelim comment). Suppl, copy D, partially reset, sig. under in of Standing. 1735. After July some copies a 'Magazine Extraordinary,' (d) 19/ D. Gazetteer/ vase. Title verso Nov 1746 announces a 'further impression' of this, not discovered. Sep, Nov duplicate setting first two leaves (see prelim comment). 1736. Mar, duplicate setting first two leaves (see prelim comment).
Other points: 1737. Feb, copies M, P second issue with 3 line note below Contents, Register at end listing 35 books. 1738. Suppl. 2d impression has p. 681 misnumbered 645 (see Leed article). 1739. Jan, copy G lacks sig. but like others has gathering number below second n of Entertainment.
Points: 1741. Jan, copy G later setting in the following year, (e)2011 (see prelim comment). 1742. Jan-Mar, Aug-Nov, variant settings &c. (see prelim comment).
Points: 1744. Jan, copy M of later setting, (e1)2015. Apr, some copies have sig. shifted slightly to left. 1745. As indicated by following points, two numbers revised and partially reset. Sept, 1st word, col. 2, pp. 500, 501: (copy C) Cokayne/ most, (TxU) Cokayne/ gaged, (P, reset) which/ most, and italic note title verso extended from 6 to 9 lines. Oct, p. 557 ends: (C,P) and suburbs, (TxU) to Edinburgh. Preface to volume announces a (further?) reimpression of October.
Other points: 1746. Four variant nos in copy P, the first reimpressed throughout, the others revised and partially reset. Feb, sig. p. 73 under 2d d of deed / (P) under i of in. May, p.257 last line: nally successful. / (P) finally successful .Sept, p. 479 ends: to liberty. / (P) and toes. Oct, p.519 last line begins: formidable / (P) midable. 1747. Suppl, [597] prelim par. in 2 states ending (C) on the same. / (P) S. Urban. 1748. Dec, copy P later impression correcting errata noted p. 536.
Other points: 1750. July, p. 323 poem "In Conjugem Mortuam" ends "imago viget" in several copies examined; but erratum note, title verso, indicates last word missing "in some books." Suppl, alternate setting first text has urn ornament and gathering number below and to left of with. See also entry for 1754. 1751. Jan, some copies omit sig, but gathering number same position under a of Mag. See also entry for 1754.
Other points: 1752-53. See note for 1754. 1753. Suppl, in some copies gathering number shifted to right, under e only. 1754. Plates of Baronets Arms, supplied with the volumes for 1750-53, were ordinarily "reserved" according to directions to the binder until the sequence was complete, and then, as specified verso of title to 1754, placed "in proper Order at the End" of this volume with accompanying letterpress. This extra number, in complete form, collates in quarter-sheets: A-G2 I-L2 + plates numbered I-XXVIII.
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