Edward Aggas facts for kids

Edward Aggas was an English bookseller, printer, and translator who was active from about 1564 to 1601. He played an important role in making books available in England during the late 1500s.

Early Life and Family

Edward Aggas was the son of Robert Aggas. His family came from a place called Stoke-near-Nayland in Suffolk, England. It is thought that he might have been related to Ralph Aggas, who was also from the same area.

Starting His Career

Edward Aggas began his career by becoming an apprentice. This means he worked for an experienced person to learn a trade. From Easter 1564, he was an apprentice to Humphrey Toy. Mr. Toy was a "stationer," which was a term for someone who sold books and writing materials. He was also a citizen of London. Edward Aggas worked for nine years to learn the business.

After his apprenticeship, Edward Aggas became a full member of the stationers' company. This allowed him to open his own business.

A Bookseller and Printer

Edward Aggas became known for his work in the book world. He was more of a bookseller than a printer. This means he focused more on selling books than on printing them himself. His shop was located in St. Paul's Churchyard in London, at a place called the "sign of the Dragon." This was like a shop name or logo.

Aggas sold many different kinds of books. He often sold books about religion. He also sold many books that were translated from French into English. Some of these translated books had the letters "E. A." on them. This made people think that Edward Aggas himself might have translated them.

Edward Aggas had his own special symbol, or "device," for his business. It was a picture of a wyvern, which is a mythical creature like a dragon with two legs. This wyvern was shown rising out of a fancy crown called a ducal coronet. This symbol was actually the family crest of the Cliffords, who were important noblemen called the earls of Cumberland.

Edward Aggas continued to be active in the book trade until at least 1601. He even took on his own apprentices, teaching younger people the skills of bookselling and printing.