Background
His father was in the Royal Navy.
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John Parker
Edit ProfileEducation
At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to William Clowes, and became the manager of the printing business in Duke Street, Stamford Street, Blackfriars Road, London, established in Applegarth"s old premises by Clowes.
Career
He was later allowed to set up a small office of his own. In February 1829 Parker was engaged, on Clowes"s recommendation, as superintendent of the Cambridge University Press, which he made profitable. In 1832 he left Clowes, and established himself at 445 Strand, where he was appointed publisher to the Christian Knowledge Society, and issued the Saturday Magazine.
The Cambridge Repository, his publishing house, also sold bibles.
On the retirement of John Smith, he was formally made printer to the University of Cambridge, on 15 November 1836, and spent two days in Cambridge every fortnight. Against opposition he introduced steam power, but the Bible Society long declined to purchase books printed by lieutenant
A volume of specimens of bibles, testaments and prayer books was circulated by Parker in 1839. In the same year he was appointed publisher to the committee of Council on Education.
He retired from the management of the Cambridge press in 1854.
Fraser"s Magazine was published by him, as well as the writings of prominent intellectual figures. The business, including stocks and copyrights, was, however, sold in 1863 to Messrs. Longman. Parker died at Warren Corner House, near Farnham, Surrey, 18 May 1870, aged 78.
Parker was twice married.
