A. (Ann Gilbert)

In the historical hymn compilation A Collection of Hymns designed as an Appendix to Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns, edited by William Bengo Collyer and published in 1812, the initial "A." was used as a signature to attribute authorship to Ann Gilbert (née Taylor).

Ann Gilbert was a highly regarded English poet and children's writer who, along with her sister Jane Taylor, became famous for works like Original Poems for Infant Minds and Hymns for Infant Minds. Collyer utilized the simple initial "A." in his 1812 volume to credit her specific lyric contributions, marking a significant early nineteen-century acknowledgment of her talent within congregational worship resources before and during her marriage to the Reverend Joseph Gilbert.