AustLit

John Stockdale, publisher and bookseller, reputedly trained as a blacksmith, and was also a gentleman's valet, before becoming an employee of the well known London bookseller and publisher John Almon. After John Debrett succeeded to Almon's business in 1781, Stockdale set up a rival enterprise in a neighbouring building, opposite Burlington House in Piccadilly, where he traded until his death in 1814.

Noted for the coarseness of his manners and his eccentric conduct, Stockdale incurred the ire of fellow booksellers with his business practices, but his energy resulted in a considerable level of success, particularly early in his career.