Edward White (printer) facts for kids

Edward White (born around 1548 – died around 1612) was a busy printer and bookseller in London. He worked for over forty years. His shop, called "The Sign of the Gun," was in the famous booksellers' area of St Paul's Churchyard.

Edward White sold many books and plays. Some were by famous writers like Thomas Kyd, Robert Greene, Anthony Munday, and Christopher Marlowe. He even sold three different versions of William Shakespeare's play Titus Andronicus between 1594 and 1611.

Edward White's Family

Edward White was born about 1548. His father, John White, was a mercer (a cloth seller) from Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. We do not know his mother's name.

Edward White's Career as a Printer

Edward White started his journey in printing in 1565. He became an apprentice to William Lobley, learning the trade. By 1576, he was skilled enough to take on his own brother, Andrew White, as an apprentice. Over the years, he trained eleven other apprentices.

His first book was officially recorded in the Stationers' Register on July 21, 1577. This register was like a list of all books being printed. In 1579, he recorded a book by Thomas Salter. He dedicated it to his wife's step-mother, Lady Anne Lodge.

Edward White was also the first to record a work by his brother-in-law, Thomas Lodge. This was a poem about Lady Anne Lodge, who passed away in 1579.

He became a full member of the Stationers' Company in 1588. This was an important group for printers and booksellers. He never became the head of the company. However, he served as a leader (under warden) in 1600 and a senior leader (senior warden) in 1606.

Edward White printed and sold many popular books. He handled about twenty plays, three dozen songs (ballads), and many pamphlets. These were short booklets on different topics.

Edward White died in late 1612 or early 1613. His last book entry was in August 1612. After he died, his wife and son continued the printing business. They ran it until his wife's death around 1615.

Title page of the first quarto (1592) of Arden of Faversham, printed for Edward White. A quarto is a small book size.

Title page of the first quarto of Titus Andronicus from 1594. This play was sold by Edward White at his shop, "The Sign of the Gun."

Marriage and Children

Edward White married Sara Lodge. She was born in 1549. Sara was the daughter of Sir Thomas Lodge, who was once the Lord Mayor of London. Edward and Sara had at least one son, who was also named Edward White.

Sara Lodge had a sister named Susan. Their half-brother was the famous doctor and playwright Thomas Lodge.

Books Edward White Printed or Sold (Selected)

Here are some of the interesting works Edward White was involved with:

• Anon., A doleful discourse or sorrowful sonnet made by one Edward Fallowes (1578). This was a sad poem.
• Anon., A detection of damnable drifts practised by three witches arraigned at Chelmsford in Essex (1579). A report about witches.
• Anon., A rehearsal both strange and true of heinous and horrible acts committed by Elizabeth Stile (1579). Another report about strange events.
• Anon., A pleasant and speedy path for the bringing up of young children (1580). A guide for raising children.
• Munday, Anthony, A discovery of Edmund Campion and his confederates (1582). A book about a famous person and his friends.
• Anon., The lamentable and true tragedy of Master Arden of Faversham (1592, 1599). A popular play.
• Greene, Robert, Philomela, the Lady Fitzwalter's nightingale (1592). A story by a well-known writer.
• Anon., The history of the damnable life and deserved death of Doctor John Faustus (1592, 1608, 1610). A famous story about a deal with the devil.
• Kyd, Thomas, The Spanish Tragedy (1594). A very popular play of the time.
• Shakespeare, William, Titus Andronicus (1594, 1600, 1611). A play by the famous Shakespeare.
• Marlowe, Christopher, The massacre at Paris (1594?). A play by another famous playwright.
• Marlowe, Christopher, Tamburlaine the great, the second part (1606). Another play by Marlowe.