Dictionary of Literary Biography: American Literary Publishing Houses, 1638-1899 v. 59

The history of book publishing in America began with the Cambridge Press, which was brought to the Massachusetts Bay Colony from England in 1638. Reflecting the preoccupation of the early settlers, the first American presses published primarily religious books, gradually focusing on more secular offerings over time. Frequently, early American printers also functioned as publishers and booksellers. Volume 49 in the DLB series profiles literary publishing in America from this early development through to the 19th century during which family-owned enterprises expanded into big businesses. By mid-century, several major houses began establishing names for themselves, many of which still thrive today. In this DLB volume, readers will discover not only Americas largest publishing houses, but also lesser-known businesses which helped to forge the nations publishing legacy.

300 entries include: Abbey Press, American Sunday-School Union, A.S. Barnes and Company, Brentanos, Cambridge Press, The Christian Publishing Company, Doubleday and Company, Grosset and Dunlap, J.B. Lippincott Company, Little, Brown, and Company, The Macmillan Company, Rand McNally and Company, Ticknor and Fields, John Wiley and Sons.