John Bellamy (publisher)
John Bellamy | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1596 |
| Died | January 1653 Northamptonshire, England |
| Occupation(s) | Bookseller, publisher |
| Known for | Publishing works related to Puritanism and New England colonial affairs; association with the Leyden Community and Mayflower settlers |
John Bellamy, also known as Iohn Bellamie (circa 1596–1653), was an English bookseller, publisher, and semi-separatist recognized for his association with the Leyden Community and the early settlers who traveled on the Mayflower.
London Publisher Serving Pilgrims
Bellamy commenced his apprenticeship in London in 1611 under the guidance of Nicholas Bourne, finishing it by 1619 or 1620. He maintained a connection with Edward Winslow, who trained under John Beale; Bourne’s establishment carried printed works produced by Beale.
In 1622, Bellamy established his initial bookshop named "Two Greyhounds," located in Cornhill near the Royal Exchange. By 1624, he had inaugurated "Three Golden Lyons," a venue dedicated to publishing literature centered on Puritan beliefs and New England colonial affairs. His press issued writings by significant Puritan figures and New England settlers such as Henry Ainsworth, John Robinson, John Cotton, John Wemyss, Edward Winslow, William Bradford, Thomas Hooker, Thomas Shepard, William Wood, and Philip Vincent.
Among Bellamy’s notable publications were Mourt's Relation (1622), an essential account of New England’s early years, and Edward Winslow’s "Good Newes from New England" (1624). During the 1620s and 1630s, he also printed Henry Ainsworth's "Annotations upon the five books of Moses."
In addition to publishing, Bellamy provided books to colonists in New England. For instance, William Brewster of the Mayflower expanded his Plymouth library by acquiring volumes from Bellamy after 1620.
Death
Bellamy passed away in January 1653 in Northamptonshire, England.
Publications
- 1622, A Relation or Journal of the Proceedings of the English Plantation Settled at Plymouth by Edward Winslow and others ("Mourt's Relation"), retailed at "Two Greyhounds."
- 1624, Good News from New England by Edward Winslow, available at "Three Golden Lyons."
- 1625, An Exposition of the Second Epistle of the Apostle Paul to Timothy, the First Chapter by John Barlow, sold through "Three Golden Lyons."
- 1646, Hypocrisy Unmasked authored by Edward Winslow.
- 1647, New England's Salamander Discovered written by Edward Winslow.
- 1649, Glorious Progress of the Gospel Amongst the Indians by Edward Winslow, John Eliot, and Thomas Mayhew Jr., distributed at "Three Golden Lyons."