Osprey Publishing: the story on HearLore

Q: What major acquisition did Osprey Publishing make in 2010 and from whom?

In 2010, Osprey purchased the science fiction, fantasy, and horror imprint Angry Robot from HarperCollins. This acquisition was part of a strategy to diversify its offerings and become a major player in the publishing world. The company also acquired Shire Books in 2007 and the reprint house Old House in 2011.

When was Osprey Publishing founded and by whom?

Osprey Publishing was founded in 1968 as a subsidiary of the Brooke Bond Tea Company. The company was established through a partnership between the tea manufacturer and freelance artist Dick Ward. Ward proposed the idea of publishing illustrated books about military aircraft after the success of collectible cards included in tea packages.

What is the Men-at-Arms series by Osprey Publishing and when did it launch?

The Men-at-Arms series launched in 1971 and became the cornerstone of Osprey’s identity. This series runs to over 500 titles and focuses on specific historical armies and military units with a unique blend of text and visual art. It serves as an illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms, and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

How many military history titles has Osprey Publishing produced as of 2024?

As of 2024, the titles in Osprey’s military series had surpassed the 3,100 mark and were still counting. The company began publishing an average of 10 to 12 books a month during its growth phase in the late 1970s and 1980s. This volume demonstrates the enduring appeal of its illustrated format and commitment to visual storytelling.

Which series by Osprey Publishing covers paranormal topics and when was it introduced?

The Dark Osprey series is a comedic series detailing paranormal topics such as Nazi zombies and alien invasions. This series showcases the company’s willingness to explore unconventional and humorous takes on military history. It was introduced as part of the company’s expansion into various genres beyond traditional military history.

What major acquisition did Osprey Publishing make in 2010 and from whom?

Osprey Publishing

In 1968, a small subsidiary company named Osprey was born from the unlikely partnership of a tea manufacturer and a freelance artist, marking the beginning of a publishing empire that would eventually produce over 3,100 military history titles. The story began in the 1960s when the Brooke Bond Tea Company, a British giant known for its tea blends, began including collectible military aircraft cards inside their tea packages. These cards proved unexpectedly popular among consumers, sparking an idea in the mind of artist Dick Ward. Ward proposed that the company publish illustrated books about military aircraft, leveraging the interest generated by the cards. The proposal was approved, and Osprey was formed as a subsidiary of Brooke Bond. The company’s first book, North American P-51D Mustang in USAAF-USAF Service, was published in 1969, setting a precedent for the detailed, illustrated approach that would define the brand. Ward soon expanded the concept beyond aircraft, proposing a series dedicated to famous military units, which led to the 1971 launch of the Men-at-Arms series. This series, which would eventually run to over 500 titles, became the cornerstone of Osprey’s identity, focusing on specific historical armies and military units with a unique blend of text and visual art. The early years of Osprey were characterized by steady growth and a clear focus on military history, particularly the military history of Britain, as the company navigated the changing landscape of the publishing industry.

Ownership and Expansion

The trajectory of Osprey Publishing shifted dramatically in the late 1970s when the firm was acquired by George Philip Ltd, a move that signaled its transition from a niche subsidiary to a more independent entity. By 1988, George Philip was itself acquired by Reed International, and the company was subsequently sold to the private equity firm Botts & Company. These ownership changes brought new resources and strategic direction, allowing Osprey to expand its catalogue significantly. During these years, the firm grew steadily, adding new titles and new series to their portfolio, although the main focus remained on military history. The company began to publish an average of 10 to 12 books a month, a pace that would continue to accelerate in the decades to follow. In 2007, Osprey acquired Shire Books, a publisher known for its historical and local interest titles, further diversifying its offerings. The expansion continued in 2010 when Osprey purchased the science fiction, fantasy, and horror imprint Angry Robot from HarperCollins, and in 2011, the reprint house Old House was acquired. To fuel this growth, a majority stake in Osprey was sold by Botts to Alcuin Capital Partners in 2011. The company also acquired Duncan Baird, later renamed Nourish, and its Watkins imprint in 2012, and British Wildlife Publishing in 2013. These acquisitions demonstrated Osprey’s ambition to become a major player in the publishing world, extending its reach beyond military history into various genres and formats.

Common questions

When was Osprey Publishing founded and by whom?

What is the Men-at-Arms series by Osprey Publishing and when did it launch?

How many military history titles has Osprey Publishing produced as of 2024?

Which series by Osprey Publishing covers paranormal topics and when was it introduced?

What major acquisition did Osprey Publishing make in 2010 and from whom?

Osprey Publishing

Ownership and Expansion

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