When did George Smith and Alexander Elder open their publishing firm?
George Smith and Alexander Elder opened their doors in 1826. The year marked the start of a partnership that would shape British publishing for decades.
Questions about Smith, Elder & Co.
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What was the first major commercial success published by Smith, Elder & Co?
Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre appeared under the pseudonym Currer Bell in 1847. That publication represented the firm's first major commercial success.
Where were the offices of Smith, Elder & Co located during the Victorian era?
The company operated from offices located at No. 15 Waterloo Place in London. This address became synonymous with literary quality during the Victorian era.
Which scientific texts did Smith, Elder & Co publish between 1838 and 1850?
Charles Darwin's Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle appeared between 1838 and 1843. Andrew Smith had previously published Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa from 1838 to 1850.
Who purchased Smith, Elder & Co during the early 1900s?
John Murray purchased the firm during the early 1900s. This transaction transferred ownership of decades of publishing history to another major London house.