Nicholas Barker James Stevens Cox was a hairdresser, an author, an antiquarian, a bibliophile, and a bookseller, among numerous other interests. Born and educated in Bristol, at sixteen he joined the family hairdressing business, spending his pocket money on books to read and collect. He raised money to buy a bookstore that was in danger of closing, commingling the stock with his large library, and then turned to publishing, specializing in books reflecting his varied interests, including the Thomas Hardy Year Book. A lifelong interest in history, inspired by shards of Roman pottery found on the grounds of his aunt's cottage in Ilchester, inspired a book and nearly one hundred articles, as well as a general History of Ilchester. He wrote several books about hairdressing, and indulged his interest in natural history by acquiring a jaguarundi, a spider-monkey, a fox-kit, and numerous toucans, after which he named his press.
From the description of James Stevens-Cox note and mock-up proofs of The Thomas Hardy yearbook, 1970. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 166922753
