Robert and James Dodsley (brothers) began working together in 1753. Robert retired in 1759, and James (trading as J. Dodsley) succeeded him. Robert died in 1764 and James died in 1797. An R. Dodsley continues trading in the years after Robert dies, sometimes with James's name and sometimes without. It is likely that James is using Robert's name as a company name, given that we cannot locate another Robert Dodsley.