William Rider
William Rider (1723 – 30 November 1785) was an English historian, priest and writer. Whilst he wrote a number of works, his New Universal Dictionary suffered in comparison with that written by
Mercers' Company
and churches in the City of London.
Life
Rider was baptized in the church of
Mercers' Company and of St Paul's School, lecturer of St Vedast Foster Lane and curate of St Faith's church, London. He was surmaster at St Paul's School from 1763 to 1783, when ill-health forced his retirement. He died on 30 November 1785, survived by his widow Hannah and son John.[1]
Works
Rider turned his hand to various topics: history, lexicography, translations, poetry and sermons. He translated
King George III, covering the history of England from pre-Roman times until 1763. Whilst it was designed to be an affordable and accessible history, it was not a success and was later described by William Thomas Lowndes as one of the vilest Grub Street compilations ever published.[1] In 1762, he published (anonymously) An Historical and Critical Account of the Lives and Writings of the Living Authors of Great Britain. This described the works of Tobias Smollett, David Hume, Samuel Johnson and others, including himself (with a favourable mention of his own writings). He published various sermons, and poetry in The Gentleman's Magazine under the pseudonym of Philargyrus. He also wrote lengthy commentary for The Christian Family's Bible (1763–77, 3 volumes).[1]
References
- ^ doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/23620. Retrieved 13 February 2009. (Subscription or UK public library membershiprequired.)
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
