Who founded A & C Black and when was it established?
A & C Black was founded in 1807 by Charles and Adam Black in Edinburgh. The firm grew to become one of Britain's most prominent reference and general publishers over the following two centuries.
Questions about A & C Black
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Which editions of the Encyclopædia Britannica did A & C Black publish?
A & C Black published the seventh, eighth, and ninth editions of the Encyclopædia Britannica between 1827 and 1903. The ninth edition, released in 24 volumes from 1875 to 1889, sold half a million sets.
How long has A & C Black published Who's Who?
A & C Black has published Who's Who since 1849, making it one of the longest continuous publishing relationships in British history. The annual biographical record remains associated with the A & C Black imprint.
Who owns A & C Black today?
A & C Black has been owned by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc since 2000. Bloomsbury continued producing the firm's established range of reference works after the acquisition.
Was P. G. Wodehouse published by A & C Black?
A & C Black published P. G. Wodehouse's first book, The Pothunters, in 1902. The firm went on to produce many of his early works.
Why did Adam Black retire from A & C Black in 1870?
Adam Black retired in 1870 because he disapproved of his sons' extravagant plans for the ninth edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica. The ninth edition ultimately sold half a million sets, despite his reservations.