Richmond Solicitor's diary.- Chapman (Thomas, Richmond solicitor, father of Edward Chapman, bookseller and publisher, 1804-80, co-founder of the publisher Chapman & Hall, 1771-1833) Memorandum Book No. 1 [Diaries], 2 vol., autograph manuscript, together 140pp., second vol. a few ff. with small slash holes, browned, original wrappers, lettered direct on covers, covers with tears and small loss, first vol. upper cover laid down on modern paper, 8vo, 1804 & 1806.

⁂ Diaries of both business and social life. Business transactions include valuing and selling property, mostly in London and Surrey. Social life includes: recording the birth of his son Edward Chapman (later the publisher of Charles Dickens): "Friday 13th January [1804] Mrs Chapman Confined in Bed, a fine Boy born about half past 5 - O'Clock in the Evening - Gave Mr. Smith for attending her - £3", and visiting the theatre, "Tuesday 24th January [1804] Went to Drury Lane in the Evening and saw the Comedy of the Wife of two Husbands; and the Entertainment of Cinderella - Paid for Myself and Mr Barrett 7/10 - Slept at Wills's Coffee House."