Macmillan: A Publishing Tradition from 1843

For over 150 years, since its founding in 1843, Macmillan has been at the heart of British publishing. This collection of essays, representing recent research in the archives at the British library, examines the firms' astute business strategy during the 19th Century, its successful expansion into overseas markets in America and India, its complex and intriguing relations with authors such as Matthew Arnold, Thomas Hardy, Alfred Lord Tennyson, W.B. Yeats, and J.M. Keynes, with additional chapters on Macmillan Magazine and the work of a modern children's editor.

Essays by Nicolas Barker, Simon Eliot, Frances Spalding, and other noted academics and bibliographers from the UK and North America mine the Macmillan Archive for insights into the history of Macmillan Press Ltd., the publisher of Hardy, Arnold, Tennyson, and Yeats and still thriving 150 years after its founding. Contributions consider the firm's astute business strategy in the 19th century, its expansion overseas, and its pioneering venture into monthly magazine publishing as well as its establishment at the heart of British publishing. With a brief selection of b&w photos of people, places, and book-cover designs. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Elizabeth James is Curator of British Collections, 1801-1914 at The British Library, and an Associate Fellow of the Institute of English Studies, University of London.