Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Talboys, David Alphonso
TALBOYS, DAVID ALPHONSO (1790?–1840), bookseller, born about 1790, established himself as a bookseller in Bedford. He subsequently removed his business to Oxford, where he became known for his intimate acquaintance with the value and merits of books generally. He also materially aided the study of history in England by his excellent translations of Heeren's ‘Researches into the Politics, Intercourse, and Trade of the Carthaginians, Ethiopians, and Egyptians’ (1832), and of the same author's ‘Manual of the Political System of Europe’ (1834). On 1 Dec. 1827 he was admitted to the privileges of a member of the university. He took a leading part in the affairs of the city of Oxford, was a councillor of the east ward, and served the office of sheriff. He died at Oxford on 23 May 1840, leaving a widow and seven children. He was the author of ‘Oxford Chronological Tables of Universal History,’ 1835, fol.; 1840, fol.; and, besides the works of Heeren mentioned, translated Adelung's ‘Historical Sketch of Sanscrit Literature,’ Oxford, 1832, 8vo, making numerous additions and corrections.
[Gent. Mag. 1840, ii. 220; Oxford Chronicle, 30 May 1840; Foster's Alumni Oxon. 1715–1886; Saunder's Salad for the Social, 1856, p. 27; Recollections of Oxford by an Old Freeman, 1899.]