The Confessions of J. Lackington, late Bookseller, at The Temple Of The Muses, in a Series of Letters to a Friend

J. (James) Lackington

Edité par John Wilson adn Daniel Hitt, New York, 1808

A propos de cet article

The second American edition (with letters dated as late as 1803; the first edition was London 1804). 18 mo. (3 3/4" x 5 3/4") in original plain full calf, spine lined in gilt. vii (advertisement then preface dated Dec. 10th 1803) + 189 pp. + 2 pp. publisher's ads. A well worn, though complete, example, the text has staining throughout. 1822 ownership signature and notation that it cost 37 1/2 cents, front free endpaper. James Lackington (1746-1815) was a London bookseller who is considered to have revolutionized the British bookselling world. Lackington would refuse credit at his London shop, thereby enabling him to lower the prices of the books thereby providing availability to all social and economic classes. He opened the shop in 1774 (he also sold shoes in the shop). He was an aggressive book buyer, often purchasing entire libraries, printed writer's manuscripts, and bought left over (remaindered) stock at bargain prices. In 1794, he moved the business to a much larger location, renamed it "TheTemple of The Muses", and hung a sign outside proclaiming, "Cheapest Bookstore In The World". The Temple of the Muses became the largest bookstore in Great Britian, at its heights housing some half-million volumes and annual sales of 100,000 items.

N° de réf. du vendeur E35479

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: The Confessions of J. Lackington, late Bookseller, at The Temple Of The Muses, in a Series of Letters to a Friend
• Éditeur: John Wilson adn Daniel Hitt, New York
• Date de parution: 1808
• Reliure: Leather_bound
• Édition: second American edition.
• État de l'article: fair
• Catalogues du vendeur:
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