In his address to the "courteous reader" at the beginning of the
First Book of Songs, Dowland announced his intention to publish more songs. The first book was printed by
Peter Short, who had recently become involved in music printing. For the second book, Dowland turned to a different team - the publisher was George Eastland of
Fleet Street (an obscure figure who appears to have known the Dowland family) and the printer was
Thomas East, an experienced music printer. A fee had to be paid to
Thomas Morley, who between 1598 and his death held a
printing patent (which can be defined as a type of monopoly or copyright protection in respect of music printing). On the title-page Dowland is correctly described as lutenist to the
King of Denmark. The manuscript was delivered by Mrs Dowland, but as Dowland was living abroad, he was not able to liaise with the printer, and the proofs were read by two composers who were in London at the time,
John Wilbye and
Edward Johnson.
Reception The
First Book was a commercial success and was reprinted four times during the composer's lifetime. The
Second Book appears to have sold less well than expected, at any rate it was not reprinted by Thomas East. However, it includes songs which have become among the best known among the composer's output. ==Recordings==