tomkins thomas editor (1 Ergebnisse)

12mo in sixes, engraved frontispiece and pp. [viii], 256; frontispiece (which is dated 1806) a little browned; in early half calf, worn at head of spine and on upper joint. A very popular didactic miscellany, first published in 1780 and many times reprinted. Later editions such as this appeared under the name of E. Tomkins, presumably the compiler's daughter Elizabeth. Most of the poems here are from the 18th century, including selections from Pope, Thomson, Gray, Mason, Goldsmith, and Elizabeth Carter. Thomas Tomkins (1743-1816) was a writing master, with premises in Foster Lane, Cheapside. Since so many writing-books tended to consist of moralising texts, often poetical, this selection may well have grown out of his professional calligraphic work. Tompkins was a well-meaning man, and popular among artists: although he never had the opportunity to become a Royal Academician, he was on friendly terms with Joshua Reynolds, and engaged in many schemes of benevolence. His principal wish was for calligraphy to be recognised as a fine art a wish doomed not to be fulfilled. Provenance. Early inscription of J. Cooke, Yarborough, on front pastedown.