Personal data
Edward Dilly
Born July 25, 1732  
at Southill, Bedfordshire
Died 1779  

Second son of Thomas Dilly, a successful farmer. Brother of James Dilly.

Edward set up his bookselling and publishing business in 1755, and in 1766 was joined by his younger brother, Charles. At least 898 books were issued wholly or partly under their names, during their partnership.1

Among many other works, the Dillys published Boswell's Account of Corsica and Lord Chesterfield's Memoirs and Miscellaneous Works. Following Edward's death, Charles continued the business and was the publisher of Boswell's Tour to the Hebrides and the Life of Johnson.

  • 1Raven, J. (2002). London Booksellers and American Customers. p. 96.

Unless otherwise noted, the source for a dated quotation of Boswell's is generally the corresponding volume of the Yale Trade Editions of Boswell's journals.