George Grierson (printer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George Grierson
George Grierson
Born	September 1679 Scotland
Died	October 1753 Drumcondra, Dublin
Resting place	St. John's Parish Church, Drumcondra, Dublin, Ireland
Known for	Printer, publisher
Spouse(s)	Constantia Grierson

George Grierson (born around 1679 – died 1753) was a famous printer and publisher. He was born in Scotland but moved to Dublin, Ireland. His family continued to work in the book business in Dublin for many years. He was married to Constantia Grierson, who was a talented editor and poet.

George Grierson's Life and Work

Starting His Business in Dublin

George Grierson came to Dublin around 1703. Soon after, he opened his own printing shop. It was called "The Sign of the Two Bibles" and was located on Essex Street. He started printing many copies of Bibles and prayer books. These books came in different sizes and styles.

Besides religious books, George also printed special collections. These were known as Grierson's Classics. They included works by famous writers from ancient times. One important book he printed was the first Irish edition of Paradise Lost in 1724. He also printed Sir William Petty's Maps of Ireland. George spent a lot of money, over £700, on new printing machines.

Community Involvement

In 1709, George Grierson was given a special honor. He became a "Freeman of the City of Dublin." This meant he had special rights and privileges in the city. In 1720, he served as a churchwarden for the Church of St. John in Drumcondra. Church records show that his children were baptized and buried there.

Working with Constantia Grierson

George met Constantia Crawley, and she began to help him with his publishing work. They got married around 1727, after his first wife passed away. Constantia was very skilled. By 1727, she had carefully edited several books for George's pocket-sized "Classics" series.

One of these was Comediae by Terence. Constantia even wrote a Greek poem for the beginning of the book. She dedicated it to Robert, the son of Lord Carteret. In 1730, she edited the works of Tacitus. She dedicated this book to Lord Carteret himself.

Constantia's Important Contributions

The famous writer Jonathan Swift was very impressed with Constantia's editing. In 1730, he wrote to Alexander Pope about her. He said she was a great Latin and Greek scholar. He also mentioned her excellent edition of Tacitus and her good English poems.

Constantia was a very important part of George's business and home. She helped manage the apprentices and workers. George himself recognized her value. In 1729, he asked the Irish House of Commons for a special permission. He wanted to be the "King's Printer." This meant he would be the official printer for the government.

In his request, George highlighted Constantia's help. He said that the books she corrected were praised everywhere. People in Ireland, Great Britain, and even Holland approved of them. He also said that because of her care, printing in Ireland had become much better.

After Constantia passed away in 1732, George married Jane Blow. Jane was the daughter of James Blow, a printer from Belfast.