Born around 1790, Talboys established himself as a bookseller in Bedford before moving his business to Oxford, where he became renowned for his knowledge of the book trade.
[1] In 1823, he formed a partnership with James Luff Wheeler, the university bookseller, who married his daughter Anne Ophelia.
[2][3] Talboys & Wheeler then began publishing the "Oxford English Classics" series, in collaboration with William Pickering of Chancery Lane, London.
He played a leading role in Oxford city affairs, serving as a councillor for the east ward and holding the office of sheriff.
He translated also Friedrich von Adelung's Historical Sketch of Sanscrit Literature (Oxford, 1832), making additions and corrections.