James Orchard Halliwell Phillipps

John Russell Smith, born in 1810, was a prominent English bookseller and bibliographer who established himself in London. After an apprenticeship, he opened his own shop, focusing on English topography and philology. His business grew, leading him to relocate to larger premises. Smith was involved in the transfer of publications from a faction of the Archæological Association in 1842, which included notable figures like Thomas Wright and James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps. He retired around 1884, selling his stock and copyrights. Smith passed away in 1894 at the age of 84.

Smith is particularly remembered for his "Library of Old Authors" series, which reprinted significant works primarily from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, printed by Chiswick Press between 1856 and 1875. He also published bibliographical works, including "Bibliotheca Cantiana" (1837) and "Bibliographical List of the Works that have been published towards illustrating the Provincial Dialects of England" (1839). His catalogues of secondhand books were extensive, covering diverse subjects such as topographical prints, Shakesperiana, Americana, and historical tracts. He also contributed to angling literature.

John Russell Smith was an English bookseller and bibliographer who began his career in London. He developed a specialization in English topography and philology, building a notable business. His most enduring contribution is the "Library of Old Authors" series, a collection of reprints of early modern literature, predominantly from the 16th and 17th centuries, issued between 1856 and 1875. He also produced significant bibliographical tools, such as "Bibliotheca Cantiana" (1837), which cataloged Kentish literature, and a comprehensive list of works related to English provincial dialects (1839). His extensive catalogues of secondhand books were valuable resources for collectors and scholars, covering areas like Shakesperiana, Americana, and historical tracts.

Smith played a role in the scholarly community of his time. In 1842, he was involved in receiving publications from a segment of the Archæological Association, a group that included prominent figures such as Thomas Wright and James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps. This indicates his position as a facilitator and publisher for contemporary antiquarian and literary research. Furthermore, he published works by other scholars, including Robert Nares's "Glossary" (edited by Wright and Halliwell-Phillipps) and William Barnes's works on dialect poetry and grammar, demonstrating his engagement with the academic and literary circles of the Victorian era.