This typeface was inspired by a typeface used by James Williams an Irish printer active in Dublin during the late 18th century, who was heavily involved in the book trade and offered such tomes as Hume’s “History of England.” He agressively tried to undercut the London publishers by offering quality reprints. Copyright law then was not as strong as it is now.
Early books, have a mysterious rhythm to the appearance of the text, due to small variances in letters caused by casting irregularities and ink transfer from the press. This very supposed defect is a pleasing effect against the sterile regularity of modern printing technology, which is presented in this typeface.