Author: MAXWELL, John
Biography:
MAXWELL, John (fl 1740-90?)
Although Poetical Pieces is attributed to John Maxwell of York in catalogues and ESTC, the attribution is problematic. John Maxwell of York was a blind poet who published plays, verse, and a novel with Thomas Gent (q.v.) of York. His earliest works were tragedies and are dated 1740. A book of verse, The Polite Assembly, was issued in 1757. Many of his books were issued by subscription and the title pages indicate that he was blind. It is unlikely, therefore, that Poetical Pieces—issued in Stirling by C. Randall and at a later date than other works by Maxwell of York—was by the same man. The quality of the verse in Poetical Pieces is also inferior to anything by Maxwell of York. (SBTI gives 1793-1820 for C. Randall’s dates as a printer in Stirling.) (SBTI; ESTC) SR