Hobson's Choice: This or None.Thomas Hobson, of Cambridge. Who, to his Employment of Carrier, added that of supplying the Students with Horses; and...would never let one out of its turn; hence the origin of the above saying. He died, January 1, 1630.
Camb[rid]ge. J. Hatt. [n.d., c.1847.]
Wood engraving, sheet 135 x 95mm. 5¼ x 3¾".
Portrait of Thomas Hobson (1544 – 1631), a livery stable owner at Cambridge. To rotate the use of his horses he offered customers the choice of either taking the horse in the stall nearest the door or taking none at all. He gives his name to the expression 'Hobson's choice', when one option only is offered; the choice is between taking that option or not, in other words "take it or leave it". An interesting and quirky piece of popular printing. Possibly from 'The Pictorial Guide to Cambridge; containing descriptions of its colleges, halls ... Illustrated with ... engravings on wood', Cambridge, 1847.
[Ref: 18266] £120.00
Wood engraving, sheet 135 x 95mm. 5¼ x 3¾".
Portrait of Thomas Hobson (1544 – 1631), a livery stable owner at Cambridge. To rotate the use of his horses he offered customers the choice of either taking the horse in the stall nearest the door or taking none at all. He gives his name to the expression 'Hobson's choice', when one option only is offered; the choice is between taking that option or not, in other words "take it or leave it". An interesting and quirky piece of popular printing. Possibly from 'The Pictorial Guide to Cambridge; containing descriptions of its colleges, halls ... Illustrated with ... engravings on wood', Cambridge, 1847.
[Ref: 18266] £120.00