Mary Cooper (publisher)
Mary Cooper | |
|---|---|
| Born | London, England |
| Died | Error: Need valid birth date (second date): year, month, day London, England |
| Occupation(s) | Bookseller, publisher |
| Years active | 1743–1761 |
| Known for | Early publisher of children's literature, including Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song Book |
Mary Cooper (deceased August 5, 1761) was a London-based English bookseller and publisher active between 1743 and 1761. She, along with Thomas Boreman, ranks among the pioneers in publishing children's literature in English, preceding the efforts of John Newbery.
Her business operated from Paternoster Row, where she took over the enterprise of her late spouse, Thomas Cooper, who was both a printer and publisher. Thomas had originally released The Child's New Play-thing in 1742, a work Mary reissued following his passing. Mary Cooper is particularly distinguished for bringing out Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song Book (1744), recognized as the earliest printed anthology of English nursery rhymes, each illustrated with woodcut images. Her discerning choices in rhyme selection have garnered significant acclaim.
The Coopers functioned as trade publishers, which meant they did not possess copyrights to the materials they published. This arrangement allowed copyright holders to stay anonymous—an advantage for contentious works such as the anonymously printed erotic novel A Secret History of Pandora's Box (1742). Mary Cooper sustained professional connections with influential individuals like Andrew Millar, who published Henry Fielding’s writings; she printed multiple pamphlets authored by Fielding.
In contrast to many women involved in publishing during the 18th century who often held limited roles, Cooper owned copyrights on at least eighteen publications and directed her own trade publishing firm. Additionally, she is acknowledged for issuing the newspaper Manchester Vindicated, documented in 1749.