Thomas Evans (bookseller) facts for kids

Thomas Evans (1739–1803) was a Welsh bookseller and publisher who lived in London during the 1700s. He was one of two well-known booksellers named Thomas Evans at that time.

Thomas Evans: His Work

Evans was born in Wales in 1739. He started his career in London working as a porter for a bookseller named William Johnston on Ludgate Street. A porter helps carry and move goods.

Later, Thomas Evans became a publisher for important newspapers. These included the Morning Chronicle and the London Packet. He also took over a bookselling business. This shop was located at 32 Paternoster Row, a famous street for booksellers in London.

The Goldsmith Incident

In 1773, something interesting happened involving Thomas Evans. A play called 'She Stoops to Conquer' had just opened. Evans's newspaper, the London Packet, published an article about the play's writer, Oliver Goldsmith. The article also mentioned a woman named Miss Horneck.

Oliver Goldsmith was not happy about the article. He believed Evans was responsible for it. Goldsmith then went to Evans's shop in Paternoster Row and confronted him. This led to Goldsmith being charged with a minor offense. He was asked to pay £50 to a Welsh charity.

Thomas Evans: His Life

Thomas Evans passed away on July 2, 1803. He was 64 years old and had been ill for a short time. He died at his home in Chapter House Court.

Evans had a large amount of money when he died. He left most of it to an old friend named Christopher Brown. Christopher Brown had also worked in the book business. His son, Thomas Brown, later became part of the famous Longmans publishing company.