William Hone

author

William Hone

1780–1842

A sharp-tongued English satirist, bookseller, and journalist, he became famous for taking on censorship and helping to expand the freedom of the press. His wit, radical politics, and eye for everyday life made him one of the most memorable popular writers of early nineteenth-century Britain.

5 Audiobooks

The Every-day Book and Table Book, v. 1 (of 3) or Everlasting Calendar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac

The Every-day Book and Table Book, v. 1 (of 3) or Everlasting Calendar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac

by William Hone

The Queen's Matrimonial Ladder A National Toy, With Fourteen Step Scenes; and Illustrations in Verse, With Eighteen other Cuts

The Queen's Matrimonial Ladder A National Toy, With Fourteen Step Scenes; and Illustrations in Verse, With Eighteen other Cuts

by William Hone

Pamphlets and Parodies on Political Subjects

Pamphlets and Parodies on Political Subjects

by William Hone

The Every-day Book and Table Book. v. 3 (of 3) Everlasting Calerdar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac

The Every-day Book and Table Book. v. 3 (of 3) Everlasting Calerdar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac

by William Hone

The Every-day Book and Table Book. v. 2 (of 3) or Everlasting Calendar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac

The Every-day Book and Table Book. v. 2 (of 3) or Everlasting Calendar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac

by William Hone

About the author

Born in Bath in 1780 and raised largely in London, William Hone had little formal schooling, but he developed into a gifted writer, publisher, and bookseller with a strong interest in politics and public debate. He became known for attacking government and social abuses in lively, accessible writing that reached a broad audience.

Hone is especially remembered for the three major trials he faced in 1817 after publishing political and religious parodies. He defended himself and won acquittal each time, and those victories were widely seen as an important moment in the struggle for press freedom in Britain.

Later, he turned from fierce political satire to hugely popular works of social observation and miscellany, including the Every-Day Book. His career joined radical journalism with a deep curiosity about ordinary customs, festivals, and urban life, which gives his writing an appeal beyond its own moment.