Artist Info: John Playford

John Playford (1623-1686) was an English bookseller and publisher, and is now best-known for his publication of The English Dancing Master, which is often referred to simply as "Playford".

Playford was born in Norwich. He served an apprenticeship with th publisher John Benson from 1639/40 to 1647, after which he opened a shop in the porch of Temple Church. He published The English Dancing Master in 1651. The work contains both the music and instructions for English country dances. [read more...]