James Stratford (publisher)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Printing, publishing, bookselling |
| Founded | 1789 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Part-works publications |
James Stratford (active from the 1780s to the 1810s) was a British printer, bookseller, and publisher who specialized in part-works—publications released in segments intended for subsequent binding. He initially collaborated with William Stratford before establishing his own independent business. In 1813, Stratford faced bankruptcy and was confined in Fleet Prison.
Business
Beginning in 1789, Stratford conducted his operations at 112 Holborn Hill. Early in his career, he joined forces with William Stratford; together, around 1790, they published the inaugural edition of The Housekeeper's Instructor; or, Universal Family Cook by William Augustus Henderson under the imprint "W. & J. Stratford." This partnership produced the first sixteen editions up to 1810, after which James Stratford alone issued subsequent editions. William Stratford continued his printing activities at least until 1810, producing works for James Stratford such as The World by Cavendish Pelham.
Declared bankrupt in 1813, James Stratford remained imprisoned as a debtor in Fleet Prison until at least November 1816.
Part-works
Stratford’s enterprise primarily involved issuing part-works that enabled buyers to acquire expensive books gradually and bind them later. Significant titles included David Hughson's detailed London description (1805–1809), distributed in 149 parts and later compiled into six volumes; Cavendish Pelham's The World: or, The Present State of the Universe (1806–1808); and George Perry's Arcana (1811).
These series were distinguished by finely crafted copper-plate engravings created by leading artists—a costly yet unique feature that set them apart. Fully bound editions containing every illustration are uncommon since many plates were often removed for display purposes. For instance, research conducted for a 2010 facsimile edition of Perry's Arcana located only thirteen complete copies including all eighty-four plates.