Edward Cave, English publisher, founded The Gentleman's Magazine (b. 1691)

Edward Cave (27 February 1691 – 10 January 1754) stands as a monumental figure in the history of British publishing, an English printer, editor, and publisher whose innovative spirit profoundly reshaped the landscape of periodic literature. He is credited with coining the term "magazine" for a periodical, a revolutionary concept that culminated in the founding of The Gentleman's Magazine in 1731. This publication not only cemented his legacy but also marked him as the first publisher to successfully conceptualize and fashion a truly wide-ranging, comprehensive periodical.

Born into modest circumstances as the son of a cobbler in Newton near Rugby, Warwickshire, Cave's early life was marked by challenges. His education at the prestigious Rugby School was cut short when he was expelled after being accused of stealing from the headmaster, Henry Holyoake. Despite this setback, Cave demonstrated an early tenacity, engaging in a variety of occupations that broadened his understanding of commerce and communication, including roles as a timber merchant, a reporter, and a printer. These diverse experiences likely fueled his visionary idea for a new kind of periodical.

The Birth of a Revolutionary Publication: The Gentleman's Magazine

Cave harbored an ambitious vision: to create a single periodical that would encompass every topic of interest to the educated public of the 18th century, spanning from intricate details of commerce and politics to the nuanced beauty of poetry and literature. This was a radical departure from the typically specialized or overtly political pamphlets common at the time. Initially, he sought to persuade established London printers and booksellers to embrace this groundbreaking concept. However, encountering widespread skepticism and disinterest, Cave, with characteristic resolve, decided to undertake the monumental task himself.

The successful launch of The Gentleman's Magazine in 1731 was a pivotal moment in publishing history. It rapidly transcended its competitors to become the most influential and widely imitated periodical of its era. This monthly compendium offered a curated selection of news, essays, political discourse, literary pieces, and even original contributions, making it an indispensable resource for its readers. Its unparalleled success not only solidified Cave's reputation as a publishing innovator but also led to considerable wealth.

The Etymology of "Magazine"

The term "magazine" itself, as coined by Cave, is derived from the French word "magasin," which means a "storehouse" or "warehouse." This nomenclature perfectly encapsulated his publication's unique selling proposition: it was a veritable storehouse of diverse information, a comprehensive collection of knowledge and entertainment gathered from various sources and presented under one cover. This clever naming convention helped establish a new genre of periodical literature, distinguishing it from newspapers or mere pamphlets.

An Astute Businessman and Patron of Letters

Edward Cave was undeniably an astute businessman, characterized by his unwavering dedication to The Gentleman's Magazine. His commitment was so profound that he rarely ventured from its bustling offices located within St John's Gate in Clerkenwell, London. This historic gate, the former main entrance to the Priory of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, became synonymous with the magazine's identity and Cave's industrious spirit.

He skillfully cultivated a network of contributors, attracting some of the most prominent literary figures of his time. Most famously among them was Samuel Johnson, the celebrated lexicographer and literary giant. Johnson, who would later achieve fame with his monumental A Dictionary of the English Language, found his principal and often sole employment with Cave for many formative years, a fact for which he remained perpetually grateful. Cave himself frequently contributed pieces to the magazine, often under the charmingly rustic pen name of "Sylvanus Urban," thereby becoming the archetypal editor-publisher voice for his readership.

Pioneering Beyond Publishing: Industrial Ventures

Beyond his revolutionary contributions to publishing, Edward Cave also ventured into the nascent industrial revolution, demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit that extended to textile manufacturing. In a significant move, he obtained a license from inventor Lewis Paul for 250 spindles for Paul's groundbreaking patent roller-spinning machine. This invention, developed in the 1730s, was a crucial precursor to later, more widely known innovations like Richard Arkwright's water frame, marking a pivotal step towards the mechanization of textile production.

In 1742, Cave purchased Marvel's Mill in Northampton and, leveraging Paul's technology, converted it into a cotton mill. This initiative is widely considered to have established what was quite possibly the world's first water-powered spinning mill. Such a facility represented a radical shift from the traditional cottage industry of hand-spinning to a centralized, factory-based system, harnessing mechanical power for mass production. While this industrial endeavor was reportedly profitable, its success was modest. The mill ultimately ceased operations in or shortly after 1761, a few years after Cave's death, highlighting the challenges of early industrial ventures.

Legacy and Final Resting Place

Edward Cave's life, marked by innovation, perseverance, and a deep commitment to intellectual enrichment, concluded on January 10, 1754. He suffered from gout, a painful and common ailment during that period, often associated with a rich diet. His remains are interred at St. James Church, Clerkenwell, a testament to his lasting connection with the area that served as the heart of his publishing empire. Cave's legacy is not merely the wealth he accumulated but the profound and lasting impact he had on how information and entertainment were disseminated, effectively laying the groundwork for modern periodical publishing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edward Cave

Who was Edward Cave?

Edward Cave was a pioneering English printer, editor, and publisher (1691–1754) best known for founding The Gentleman's Magazine and coining the term "magazine" for a general-interest periodical. He revolutionized publishing by creating the first successful wide-ranging publication.

What is The Gentleman's Magazine?

Launched in 1731 by Edward Cave, The Gentleman's Magazine was a groundbreaking monthly periodical. It served as a comprehensive compendium of news, essays, poems, political discussions, and other varied content, becoming the most influential and imitated publication of its time and setting the standard for future magazines.

Why did Edward Cave call his publication a "magazine"?

Cave coined the term "magazine" for his periodical, deriving it from the French word "magasin," meaning "storehouse" or "warehouse." This name accurately reflected the publication's nature as a "storehouse" of diverse information, collecting various topics and articles into a single volume.

What was Edward Cave's connection to Samuel Johnson?

Edward Cave was a crucial patron and employer for Samuel Johnson during the early years of Johnson's literary career. Cave provided Johnson with significant work for The Gentleman's Magazine, including writing, editing, and reporting, which was Johnson's primary source of income for many years. Johnson remained deeply grateful for Cave's support.

Did Edward Cave have other business ventures besides publishing?

Yes, remarkably, Edward Cave also ventured into industrial manufacturing. He acquired a license for Lewis Paul's roller-spinning machine and, in 1742, converted Marvel's Mill in Northampton into a cotton mill. This enterprise is believed to be the world's first water-powered spinning mill, showcasing his diverse entrepreneurial interests beyond publishing.