Beschrijving
Engraving of Samuel Ayscough
Samuel Ayscough (1745-1804) was an English librarian, scholar, and bibliographer, best known for compiling the first comprehensive index to Shakespeares works. After overcoming a difficult childhood and working as a miller, he joined the British Museum, where he became an assistant librarian and catalogued thousands of manuscripts. He also produced influential indexes for the Gentleman's Magazine and the Monthly Review, making historical and literary research much easier. Ordained as an Anglican clergyman, he combined his scholarly work with preaching and parish duties. Because of his remarkable contributions to bibliography, he became known as the ‘Prince of Index Makers.’
Engraving by Basire.
