Chronicle Books
In 1967, Phelps Dewey established Chronicle Books while working as an executive for the Chronicle Publishing Company. The new firm operated within the ecosystem of the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper. Dewey launched a small operation that would eventually grow into a major publishing house. By 1999, the company had expanded to employ 130 staff members. That same year, they released approximately 300 new titles annually. Their catalog already contained more than 1,000 books at that point.
Nion McEvoy purchased Chronicle Books in 1999 from other family members who were selling off assets. He was the great-grandson of M. H. de Young, the founder of the original Chronicle newspaper. McEvoy restructured the business by creating the McEvoy Group holding company in 2000. This move allowed him to manage multiple brands under one roof. In 2008, the group acquired Handprint Books to broaden its reach. The acquisition added a distinct line of design-focused publications to their existing portfolio.
The publisher releases titles across subjects like architecture, art, culture, and interior design. They also produce cooking guides, children's literature, gardening books, and pop culture works. Fiction and travel titles appear alongside photography collections. Several titles became New York Times Best Sellers over the years. Nick Bantock wrote the Griffin and Sabine series for them. Lisa Swerling and Ralph Lazar created Me Without You. Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Olive, the Other Reindeer author Vivian Walsh contributed popular children's books. Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht developed the Worst-Case Scenario series. Annie Barrows wrote the Ivy and Bean children's series. Barbara M. Joosse won a Golden Kite Award for Mama, Do You Love Me. Craig Ferguson published his novel Between the Bridge and the River in March 2006. Jey Parks released Star Trek Cats and Star Trek: The Next Generation Cats in 2017 and 2018. At least 25 books exist in The Art of... series featuring animated films from Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, and Blue Sky Studios.
McEvoy Group expanded its holdings by purchasing Galison and Mudpuppy in 2012. Galison functions as a stationery and gifts publisher. Mudpuppy produces puzzles, games, and toys for consumers. I See Me! joined the group in 2014 as a publisher of personalized books. Princeton Architectural Press remains part of the portfolio alongside Chronicle Books. In 2006, McEvoy bought Spin magazine along with owners of San Francisco's 7x7 magazine and California Home+Design. He sold off those magazines by 2014 to focus on book publishing. These strategic purchases diversified the product catalog significantly over two decades.
The company operates three retail stores located within San Francisco. One store sits at the base of their corporate headquarters near AT&T Park. They provide custom publishing services to external clients beyond their own titles. Desktop calendars serve as gift accessories sold through these channels. The physical locations allow customers to browse printed materials directly. This retail presence complements their wholesale distribution network. Custom work enables businesses to create branded books and products.
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Common questions
When was Chronicle Books established by Phelps Dewey?
Phelps Dewey established Chronicle Books in 1967 while working as an executive for the Chronicle Publishing Company. The new firm operated within the ecosystem of the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper.
Who purchased Chronicle Books in 1999 and what company did he create?
Nion McEvoy purchased Chronicle Books in 1999 from other family members who were selling off assets. He restructured the business by creating the McEvoy Group holding company in 2000 to manage multiple brands under one roof.
What subjects does Chronicle Books publish titles across?
Chronicle Books releases titles across subjects like architecture, art, culture, and interior design. They also produce cooking guides, children's literature, gardening books, pop culture works, fiction, travel titles, and photography collections.
Which companies did McEvoy Group acquire in 2012 and 2014?
McEvoy Group expanded its holdings by purchasing Galison and Mudpuppy in 2012. I See Me! joined the group in 2014 as a publisher of personalized books.
Where are the three retail stores located that Chronicle Books operates?
The company operates three retail stores located within San Francisco. One store sits at the base of their corporate headquarters near AT&T Park.