John Nourse
John Nourse | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1705-07-08 Oxford, England |
| Died | 1780-04-24 London, England |
| Occupation(s) | Publisher, bookseller |
| Known for | Publishing scientific literature, first edition of the Nautical Almanac and Astronomical Ephemeris |
John Nourse (baptized 8 July 1705 in Oxford – 24 April 1780 in London) was a distinguished English publisher and bookseller who focused primarily on scientific literature. He maintained professional connections with notable individuals including Benjamin Franklin.
Education
Nourse, the son of a surgeon, received his education at John Roysse's Free School located in Abingdon (presently known as Abingdon School). In 1747, he assumed the role of Steward within the OA Club.
Career
He began his career as an apprentice to bookseller William Mears. Following Mears's passing, the business was managed by Nourse’s brother, Charles, who was a surgeon by profession. The bookstore operated from premises at the Old King's Arms, situated opposite Catherine Street on the Strand, London.
Nourse was authorized to publish the inaugural edition of the Nautical Almanac and Astronomical Ephemeris, dated 1766 but issued in 1767, a fact supported by letters exchanged with Nevil Maskelyne.
He passed away in Kensington and was interred at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford. His testament is preserved within the collections of The National Archives in Kew.
See also
Further reading
- John Feather, "John Nourse and his Authors", Studies in Bibliography, Vol. 34 (1981), pp. 205–226.
- Susan Snell, People on the Strand: John Nourse and Francis Wingrave, Booksellers, strandlines.com.