William Creech facts for kids
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William Creech (born May 12, 1745 – died January 14, 1815) was a very important Scottish publisher, printer, and bookseller. He was also a politician. For 40 years, Creech was the main publisher in Edinburgh, Scotland.
He published the first Edinburgh version of Robert Burns' famous poems. He also published Sir John Sinclair's important book, "Statistical Accounts of Scotland". Sometimes, Creech used the pen name Theophrastus when he published books.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Creech was born in 1745. His father, Reverend William Creech, was a minister. Sadly, his father died when William was only four months old. William lived with his mother in Perth and Dalkeith.
He went to Dalkeith Grammar School. Later, he studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh.
Travels and Training
From 1766 to 1768, William travelled with two other publishers, William Strahan and Thomas Cadell. They visited London, France, and the Netherlands.
After returning to Edinburgh, he went on a longer trip in 1770. This trip, called a Grand Tour, took him to France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
William's mother became friends with Alexander Kincaid. Because of this, William started training as a printer at Kincaid & Bell. In 1771, he became a business partner with Alexander Kincaid.
A Famous Bookshop
Alexander Kincaid was a publisher who later became the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. He had bought Allan Ramsay's bookshop. This shop was in a busy area called the Luckenbooths, right next to St. Giles Cathedral.
In 1773, Kincaid gave the bookshop to Creech. Kincaid wanted to focus more on the printing side of his business. The building where Creech's shop was soon became known as "Creech's Land." William Creech worked there for 44 years.
This is where the famous Edinburgh Edition of Robert Burns' poems was published.
Important Roles and Connections
In 1784, William Creech was chosen as one of the first members of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a very respected group of scientists and thinkers. In 1786, he also helped start the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.
In 1786, a nobleman named Lord Glencairn introduced Creech to the famous poet Robert Burns. This meeting was very important. Creech then printed and sold Burns' popular poems in 1787, 1793, and 1794.
Robert Burns even wrote two poems about William Creech! One was called Lament for the Absence of William Creech (also known as "Willie's Awa'"). The other was a shorter poem called On William Creech, written after an argument.
William Creech was also involved in local government. He was a Councillor from 1780. Later, he served as Edinburgh's Lord Provost from 1811 to 1813. The Lord Provost is like the mayor of the city.
He lived on the Royal Mile for many years. Later, he moved to a new part of Edinburgh called the New Town.
Later Years and Legacy
William Creech died at his home in Edinburgh on January 14, 1815. He is buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. There is also a special plaque at Newbattle Kirk to remember him and his father.
Creech never married and did not have any children. His famous shop, "Creech's Land," was taken down in 1817. This was done to make more space for vehicles near St Giles Cathedral.
Books He Wrote
Even though he was a publisher, William Creech also wrote some books himself. His most well-known books are:
- Account of the Trial of Deacon Brodie (1788)
- Edinburgh's Fugitive Pieces (1815)
Friends and Business Partners
Because of his important job, William Creech knew many famous people during the Scottish Enlightenment. This was a time when many smart thinkers lived in Scotland.
He worked with and was friends with people like Robert Burns, Lord Kames, Hugh Blair, James Beattie, and Dugald Stewart. Even though he published Burns' poems, they had a disagreement later about money from the books.
Images for kids
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William Creech's grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard
