William Rider facts for kids

William Rider (born 1723, died 1785) was an English historian, priest, and writer. He wrote many books, but his dictionary wasn't as popular as Samuel Johnson's famous one. His huge 50-book history of England also didn't do well. People even called it one of the worst collections ever published. William Rider worked for many years as a chaplain and teacher at St Paul's School. He was also connected with the Mercers' Company and churches in London.

William Rider's Life

William Rider was born in London and baptized on May 14, 1723. He went to school at Mr. Watkin's academy. Later, he studied at the University of Oxford. He joined St Mary Hall in 1739. Then he moved to Jesus College, where he had a scholarship from 1744 to 1749.

In 1745, he earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts. He also became a priest that year. He worked as a chaplain for the Mercers' Company and St Paul's School. He was also a lecturer at St Vedast Foster Lane and a curate at St Faith's church in London. From 1763 to 1783, he was a senior teacher, called a surmaster, at St Paul's School. He had to retire because he became ill. William Rider passed away on November 30, 1785. His wife, Hannah, and his son, John, survived him.

William Rider's Writings

William Rider wrote about many different things. He wrote history books, dictionaries, and even translated other authors' works. He also wrote poetry and sermons.

In 1759, he translated Candide, a famous book by Voltaire. This was published in the same year as the original. He also wrote A New Universal Dictionary, or, A Compleat Treasure of the English Language in 1759. He dedicated this dictionary to Pitt the Elder. It showed that Rider knew a lot about old languages like Anglo-Saxon, Welsh, and German. However, it could not compete with Johnson's Dictionary, which was much more popular.

William Rider also wrote a very long history book called A New History of England. It had 50 volumes and was published between 1761 and 1764. An atlas, which is a book of maps, came with it in 1764. He dedicated this huge work to King George III. The history covered everything from ancient Roman times in England up to 1763. Rider wanted it to be a history book that was both affordable and easy to read. But it was not successful. Later, a writer named William Thomas Lowndes called it one of the worst collections of books ever published.

In 1762, Rider published a book without his name on it. It was called An Historical and Critical Account of the Lives and Writings of the Living Authors of Great Britain. This book talked about the works of writers like Tobias Smollett, David Hume, and Samuel Johnson. It even mentioned his own writings, giving them a good review. He also published several sermons. His poetry appeared in The Gentleman's Magazine under the pen name Philargyrus. Finally, he wrote many comments for The Christian Family's Bible, which was a three-volume work published from 1763 to 1777.