Bell, John

John Bell, (born 1745—died 1831, Fulham, London), English publisher who was one of the first to organize a book-publishing company on a joint-stock basis. Beginning in 1777 he issued the 109 volumes of The Poets of Great Britain complete from Chaucer to Churchill series. He influenced later publishing practice by introducing into his books illustrations prepared by competent artists and related to the text. In addition he founded a weekly newspaper, a monthly illustrated magazine, and various other periodicals.