Robert Dodsley

Robert Dodsley (1704–1764) was an English bookseller, publisher, poet, and playwright who became a leading figure in London’s literary trade. After earlier work as a footman, he established himself as a bookseller in the capital and built a reputation for championing contemporary writing. As an editor, he is known for compiling *A Collection of Poems by Several Hands*, an influential anthology that helped shape mid‑eighteenth‑century taste. He also edited *The Preceptor*, a widely used educational work. Alongside his publishing career, Dodsley wrote poetry and plays, contributing to the period’s vibrant theatrical and print culture.