Phillips, R. (Richard), Sir, 1767-1840

One of the most important publishers of the early nineteenth century. In addition to his many book and pamphlet publications, he operated several periodicals over his career, including the Leicester Herald, the Museum, the Antiquaries Magazine, and most importantly, the Monthly Magazine. He was convicted and imprisoned for a time for selling Thomas Paine's Rights of Man.

Philips, Ambrose, 1674-1749

Known best for his pastoral poetry, playwright and poet Ambrose Philips was praised by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele, and he probably contributed to their periodical The Spectator. His best-known play was The Distrest Mother (1712). Philips also established and authored much of the content of the periodical The Freethinker from 1718-1721.

Petrarca, Francesco, 1304-1374

The Italian humanist and lyric poet referred to as "Petrarch" by English speakers was named Poet Laureate of Rome in 1341. He is best known for his series of sonnets to "Laura," whose true identity is unknown, and through these poems, for the inspiration he provided to the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century British sonneteers.