Trusler, John (1735-1820)

Anglican minister and man of letters.

Ordained in Church of England (1759); held several curacies. Chaplain to the Poultry- Compter and assistant to the king’s chaplain at Somerset House (1761). Studied medicine. Conceived and promoted the Literary Society; in a prospectus, The Plan of the Literary Society (London, 1765), Trusler advocated the elimination of publishers and the printing of worthy works by subscription. Subsequently established a very lucrative printing and bookselling house. Retired to Bath, then to a private estate in Middlesex. At various times he also translated several Italian burlettas, taught oratory, printed sermons in script type for the benefit of lazy clergymen, and wrote his memoirs.

Native of London. Educated at Westminster and Emmanuel College, Cambridge (B.A. 1757). Married (1759).