author
John Trusler
1735–1820
A lively and unusual figure from 18th-century England, this clergyman-turned-writer moved easily between preaching, publishing, and practical advice. His career left behind a wide range of books, from etiquette and moral reflection to health and self-improvement.
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About the author
Born in London in July 1735, he became a Church of England clergyman and was ordained in 1759. Sources also describe him as a literary compiler and even a medical empiric, which gives a good sense of how varied his interests were.
Beyond parish work, he was involved in publishing projects and is noted for promoting a "Literary Society" in the 1760s. He also established a London school devoted to elocution, and later gained a reputation as a preacher and prolific author.
His books ranged widely, including works on etiquette, religion, moral thought, and healthy living. In 1806 he published a memoir of his life, and he remained active into old age, dying in 1820.