, who deserves a place in the catalogue of English writers for having
, who deserves a place in the catalogue of English writers for having first introduced
the numerous and popular little books for the amusement
and instruction of children, which have been received with
universal approbation, was born in 1721, and served his
apprenticeship to Mr. Bowyer, the learned printer. His
education was probably not neglected, or at least it was very
much improved by his own efforts. He was many years
editor of the London Chronicle and Public Ledger. He
was also associated with Dr. Johnson in the “Literary
Magazine,
” and with Smollett and Goldsmith in “The
British Magazine,
” and published a great number of translations from the French, to none of which, however, was
his name prefixed. One little publication, entitled “Great
events from little causes,
” was his composition, and met
with a rapid and extensive sale. In conjunction with Mr.
John Newbery, and a brother of his own, Mr. Giles Jones,
he wrote many of those little books or Lilliputian histories
which were the delight of the youth of many yet living.
Mr. Jones, who was a very amiable man, died Sept. 12, 1786.
Mr. Giles Jones, his brother (who was more than five-andforty years secretary to the Vork Buildings Water company)
left a son,- Mr. Stephen Jones, who, among other literary
productions, was editor of the last edition of the “Biographia Dramatica,
” which was consigned to his care by the
late Mr. Isaac Reed.