Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Women were often charged with educating their children. Many of the books shown here may have been used for that purpose, as well as for self-education.

A basic Latin textbook, which uses biblical passages to teach not only Latin but morals. Joanna Brome continued the bookselling and publishing business of her husband, Henry (fl. 1657-1681) for two years, until their son, who may have been either Charles or Henry Brome, took over.

Gertrude Dawson (fl. 1649-61) succeeded her late husband, John (fl. 1634-48). The Dawsons had inherited their printing house from John's father, also named John (d. 1634). The Dawsons were interested in fine printing: John Jr. owned among his ornaments a variation on an Aldine device; Gertrude had a new font of roman type cut for herself after taking over the business. This printing is a second impression.

Erasmus's Colloquiorum was a standard scholarly text, reprinted many times. This edition contains a life and portrait of the author. Elizabeth Flesher (fl. 1670-1688) was the widow of James Flesher, and the daughter of Cornelius Bee (fl. 1636-71), a prominent bookseller. Her late husband, James (fl. 1652-67) was at one time proceeded against for illegally printing law books. James' father was Miles Flesher (fl. 1611-1664), a wealthy and prominent master printer, from whom he inherited the business.

A scholarly book on logic with printed annotations in the margins. Anne Lichfield (fl. 1657-59) was the widow of Leonard Lichfield, the University printer at Oxford (fl. 1635-57). Leonard Lichfield was "a staunch Royalist, and was described in Puritan tracts as the 'malignant printer'" (Plomer 117). His imprint was frequently forged for books published in London. Upon his death, Anne and her son, also named Leonard, were appointed University printers.

This book, which teaches "drawing, limning, and painting" is notable for the many engraved illustrations included. Margaret White (fl. 1678-83), the printer, is only listed briefly as a bookseller in Plomer.

Our copy of this edition has had a great deal of conservation work, and was disbound. The book is notable for its maps and figures, which take a good deal of skill to print. Anne Godbid (fl. 1678-1683) was the widow of William Godbid, (fl. 1656-77) who, in partnership with John Playford, printed a good deal of music.