Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Weale, John

by Edward Irving Carlyle

WEALE, JOHN (1791–1862), publisher, born in 1791, commenced business as a publisher at 59 High Holborn about 1820. He possessed a wide knowledge of art, and took a particular interest in the study of architecture. In 1823 he issued a bibliographical ‘Catalogue of Works on Architecture and the Fine Arts,’ of which a new edition appeared in 1854. He followed the ‘Catalogue’ in 1849–50 with a ‘Rudimentary Dictionary of Terms used in Architecture, Building, and Engineering,’ a work which reached a fifth edition in 1876. He was on intimate terms with many men of science. As one of the first publishers of cheap educational literature he did much for technical education in England. His rudimentary series and educational series comprised standard works, both in classics and science. They were continued after his death by James Sprent Virtue [q. v.] Weale died in London on 18 Dec. 1862. He was the father of the antiquary and historian, Mr. William Henry James Weale.

Besides the works mentioned he published:

1. ‘A Series of Examples in Architectural Engineering and Mechanical Drawing,’ London, 1841, fol.; supplemental ‘Description,’ London, 1842, 12mo.
2. ‘Designs of ornamental Gates, Lodges, Palisading, and Ironwork of the Royal Parks adjoining the Metropolis, edited by John Weale,’ London, 1841, fol.
3. ‘The Theory, Practice, and Architecture of Bridges of Stone, Iron, Timber, and Wire, edited by John Weale,’ London, 1843, 2 vols. 8vo; a supplemental volume, edited by George Rowdon Burnell and William Tierney Clarke, appeared in 1853.
4. ‘Divers Works of early Masters in Christian Decoration,’ London, 1846, 2 vols. fol.
5. ‘The Great Britain Atlantic Steam Ship,’ London, 1847, fol.
6. ‘Letter to Lord John Russell on the defence of the Country,’ London, 1847, 8vo.
7. ‘London exhibited in 1851,’ London, 1851, 12mo; 2nd edit. 1852.
8. ‘Designs and Examples of Cottages, Villas, and Country Houses,’ London, 1857, 4to.
9. ‘Examples for Builders, Carpenters, and Joiners,’ London, 1857, 4to.
10. ‘Steam Navigation, edited by John Weale,’ London, 1858, 4to and fol.
11. ‘Old English and French Ornaments, comprising 244 Designs. Collected by John Weale,’ London, 1858, 4to.

He edited ‘Weale's Quarterly Papers on Engineering,’ London, 1843–6, 6 vols. 4to, and ‘Weale's Quarterly Papers on Architecture,’ London, 1843–5, 4 vols. 4to.

[Gent. Mag. 1863, i. 246; Ward's Men of the Reign; Allibone's Dict. of Engl. Lit.]

E. I. C.

Dictionary of National Biography, Errata (1904), p.277
N.B.— f.e. stands for from end and l.l. for last line

Page	Col.	Line
89	i	4-2 f.e.	Weale, John: omit He was the father of . . . Henry James Weale.