John B. Alden (1879-1908)

This New York publisher was active between 1879 and 1908. John Berry Alden, the founder, earlier had started the American Book Exchange which had published several Tom Brown's in series form. The American Book Exchange went bankrupt in 1881. Throughout the 1880's and 1890's Alden published many classic reprints in series form at very cheap prices.

John B. Alden Publisher printed both Tom Brown books in wraps in 1885 as part of its Irving Library. These books have not been seen.

It published Tom Brown at Rugby in wraps and in cloth as part of its Novelist Library beginning in September, 1887. It was completed in five parts. All five parts were published in one paper back book in October, 1887. On the cover of part 1 Alden notes that his copy of Tom Brown at Rugby is better than the copies which were part of the Seaside Library or the Lovell Library and were cheaper than either one. Interestingly Part 1 stops in the middle of a sentence.

In 1889 Alden published another copy of School Days at Rugby in cloth. Its format is unknown.

Alden published School Days in its Aldine Series in 1891. Later this exact format was published by the International Book Company.

In about 1899 Alden published a series of reprints called "The World's Best Books". Both Tom Brown's were part of this series. These books are 12 mo. and have marbled edges and either half-Morocco or cloth sides. Neither book has been seen.

This pictures was kindly sent to me by Bradley Herzlich. This book is undoubtedly from the same unknown 1884 series shown slightly above. The cover has been slightly modified.

Wm. L. Allison (Co.) (1869-1899)

William L. Allison succeeded the T. O'Kane publishing firm in 1869. In the late 1880's and 1890's this firm was best known for its numerous series of cheap reprints.

The founder, William L. Allison, died in 1893.

Tom Brown books are in a number of its series and figuring out which books belong to which series has been difficult to determine. In addition dating the Allison Tom Brown's is also a challenge. Allison incorporated in 1893 so any book with the Co./Company on the imprint was published in 1893 or later. Most of the Tom Brown's appear to date from no earlier than the late 1880's. Two exceptions are the American Chandos Series and the Best Editions of Popular 12 Mos. Both of these series were published as early as 1882. The former series included both Tom Brown's and the latter series included just School Days at Rugby. As more information is discovered, it will be included here.

Allison's Select Library was a long running series (1892-1899). Both Tom Brown's were included in this series.

I believe that all the Allison Tom Brown's initially had dust jackets.

Henry Altemus

Henry Altemus and the Henry Altemus Company (1842-1936) was a popular and prolific Philadelphia publisher which started as a bookbinder and evolved into a publisher of photographic albums, bibles, decorative reprints of fiction, religious and moralistic books, juvenile series books, fairy tales, puzzle books, etc.

Most all of the Altemus books were published in series form. In keeping with that fact, all of the Tom Brown's Schooldays were published within different Altemus series. Tom Brown at Oxford was not published by Altemus.

Many of Altemus' series were long running. For the most part a new cover was introduced every year or two. Many of the covers were seen with numerous colors. Shown below are the series that included Tom Brown's Schooldays. The covers are representative of the series and are not of the Tom Brown book specifically.

For more about Altemus see henryaltemus.com

American Book Exchange (1881)

This company was founded by John B. Alden in 1874 as a second hand book business. It soon was in the business of publishing cheap reprints for the masses. Late in 1881 the American Book exchange went bankrupt.

This company published Tom Brown's Schooldays in 1881 in both cloth and in wraps. No details about these books are known. Also in 1881 Tom Brown at Rugby was published in the Acme Library of Fiction in both cloth and wraps. Whether the books shown here are from that series or not is not known at this time.

Tom Brown at Rugby was published by the American Book Exchange as part of its Revolution Pamphlets. This pamphlet has not been seen.

American News Company (1882, 1889 and 1901)

The American News Company published the Tom Brown books in several different formats. Its Peoples Edition included both books and was published in 1889. In 1882 both titles were part of its Excelsior Series. In 1901 it published its Popular Empire Edition Series (Empire Classics). Both titles were part of that series.

The American News Company was founded in 1864. It was the largest distributor of periodicals, newspapers and books in the United States. It was also a large distributor of paperbacks and dime novels. It published the American Bookseller. It did a bit of publishing on its own imprint of new as well as reprint titles.
See: Dictionary of Literary Biography Volume 49 American Literary Publishing 1638-1899.

The Peoples Edition has been seen with two formats. Note that the first book cover is the same as the 1882 Excelsior Edition except where the Excelsior Book is printed on the cover, this book says People's Edition on the cover.

Peoples Edition 1889

Peoples Edition 1889

American Publisher's Corporation (ca. 1896-1897)

This publisher was a successor to the United States Book Company. It began its publishing in 1896 and went bankrupt in 1897. As of this time three different formats of the Tom Brown books have been seen. Both of these books are School Days.

The Popular Edition included both Tom Brown books.

The New Oxford Series consisted of 150 books in two volume boxes.

The Linwood Edition is also shown below.

Henry Ashmead (1877)

This Philadelphia publisher published both books in the same format in 1877.

Belford, Clarke and Company (1880's)

The Belford brothers emigrated from Ireland to Toronto in 1857. Charles Belford (1837-1880) was involved in the newspaper business and was editor of both The Leader and later the Toronto Mail. In 1876 he joined with his two brothers Alexander (Aleck) and Robert to form the Belford Brothers. This firm lasted two years and upon Charles' withdrawal because of ill health, the remaining brothers partnered with G. M. Rose in February, 1878 to form the publishing house of Rose-Belford.

George Maclean Rose (1829-1898) was a native of Scotland. His early training was as a printer. He was involved in the printing trade as a named partner in the Hunter Rose and Company firm. This firm carried on as a printer/publisher for a number of years.

Alexander Belford left the Rose-Belford Publishing House in 1879 and with James Clarke formed Belford, Clarke in Chicago. Robert Belford followed his brother to Chicago thereafter. In 1879 the company was styled as Belfords, Clarke & Co. The company officially incorporated in 1880 to Belford, Clarke and Company. The firm had a New York branch which was run by Robert Belford. Financial difficulties forced the company into receivership in 1889 and it officially went out of business in 1892.

(A significant number of reference materials claim that the Belford's and James Clarke left for Chicago in 1875 but this is clearly erroneous. It appears that the post-1937 references all are citing "Cheap Book Production" written by Raymond Shove - without attribution. Most likely this errant statement was copied by a number of successive "researchers". A contemporaneous article in the New York Times from 1889 notes the founding of Belford, Clarke and Co. in 1879. An article in the 1889 American Stationer quoting the same source gives an 1879 date. Other early documents note the 1879 date. The earliest known title page imprints of Belfords, Clarke and Company are in 1879.)

During the 1880's Belford, Clarke and Company published a number of different Tom Brown's. These books are shown below.

Bonanza Publishing Company (early 1890's)

New York. This company published School-Days in the early 1890's. I have seen other books with this format and thus assume that this Tom Brown is part of a publisher's series.

I have no information about this rather obscure publisher.

Burrows Brothers Company (1887)

The Burrows Brothers Company of Cleveland, Ohio published the Sterling Series in 1887. From all appearances it is identical to the 50 volume Butler Brothers publisher's series printed in the same year. The Burrows series however included both School Days at Oxford and School Days (at Rugby). It is quite certain that this series of books had dust jackets although one has not as yet been seen.

Chas. W. and Harris B. Burrows opened their book and stationery storein November, 1872. Charles was a West Point graduate and had previously worked with the Boston publisher Lee and Shepard. Their publishing business began by 1875. Burrows incorporated in 1886 and absorbed the business of a competitor, E. L. Schinkel, formerly of Brooks, Scinkel and Company at that time. The brothers sold out in 1912. The publishing business was discontinued at that time.

A. L. Burt Company (1883-late teens)

New York. Burt was founded by Albert Burt in 1883. It was mainly a publisher of reprinted books in series. Burt incorporated in 1902.

Thus, books published in 1902 or later have A. L. Burt Company on the title page whereas pre-1902 books note A. L. Burt, Publisher on the title page.

The Tom Brown books were part of several A. L. Burt (Company) series.

Burt's Home Library is a large multi-volume publisher's series of reprints. This series was started in 1890 and ran into the 1930's. Multiple mostly blind stamped covers were utilized. Both Tom Brown titles were published in this series.

In 1896 School Days was published in the Sea and Land Series which ran for several years.

The 100 volume Montauk Series included both books in 1898-1899.

Another large multi-volume series is the Cornell Series. It ran from 1898 until 1915. Both Tom Brown's were part of this series.

The Excelsior Series consisted of two volume sets. These sets were published between 1897 and approximately 1912.

Burt published the Columbia Series at the turn of the century. This series consisted of two volume boxed sets one of which included both Tom Brown books.

The Manhattan Series was published in 1900. This is another multi-volume reprint series which included both Tom Brown books.

The Oxford Series included only School Days among its sixty volumes. It was published from 1909 into the late teens. Numerous different juvenile motif covers have been seen.

The Rugby Series for Boys included both Tom Brown's between 1900 and the early teens. This series was made up of stories/books for juvenile boys.

Butler Brothers (1887)

Butler Brothers advertised a 50 volume 12 mo set which included School Days in 1887. Its interior is identical to the Burrows Brothers' book. Oxford is not included in Butler's list as opposed however to the Burrows Brothers' list.

Butler Brothers published a multi volume paperback series, the Electric Series, which had more than 500 titles including Tom Brown at Rugby. This series was published in the 1890 time frame.

Butler Brothers was founded as a small "department" store by George and Edward Butler. A year later a third brother, Charles, joined the firm. They are known for their innovation of the five cents counter which they originated in 1878. It incorporated as Butler Brothers in 1887. The Brothers began in New York and eventually spread to Chicago, St. Louis. Dallas, and Minneapolis.

The Butler Brothers are another example of a retail store that sold a typical publisher's series on their own imprint but most likely did not actually do the printing.

H. M. Caldwell (1896-1913)

Boston and New York.

Herbert M. Caldwell founded his namesake publishing company in 1896 after being in the employ of Henry Altemus. This company published numerous publisher's series as well as individual volumes of all types of books over its eighteen year history.

The Tom Brown books were published only within series during these years.

These series were:

Famous Books by Famous Authors (1896-1902). This large publisher's series included both Tom Brown books. In 1901 and 1902 this series also published many of its titles, including the Tom Brown books, in two volume boxed sets.

Atheneum Library (1896-1902). This publisher's series or reprints consisted of two volume boxed sets. The Tom Brown books were #12 throughout the various formats.

Berkeley Library (1898-1902) This is another large (more than 200 volumes) publisher's Series of reprints . Both Tom Brown's were part of this series.

Commonwealth Series (1898-1899). Both Tom Brown's were part of this 50 volume publisher's series.

Famous Books for Boys (1899-1904). In 1899 only Tom Brown's School days were part of this 24 book series of boy's stories. In 1902 Oxford was added.

Chatterton-Peck Company (1906)

New York. The Chatterton-Peck Company purchased the Mershon Publishing Company in 1906. Many of the new Chatterton-Peck juvenile books were initially published by Mershon prior to 1905 and later by its successor The Stitt Publishing Company in 1905. Prior to the 1906 takeover, Mershon succeeded Stitt just like Stitt had succeeded Mershon.

When W. M. Stitt retired from the publishing business at the end of 1905, Mershon took over.

The Wideawake Library was a large juvenile series of each of the aforementioned publishers. This cover is one of several from that series. It dates from 1906. Both Tom Brown books were part of this large publisher's series.

Henry T. Coates and Company (1895-1904)

Philadelphia. Henry T. Coates and Company succeeded Porter andCoates and was bought out by John Winston Company in 1904.

During its short publishing life this company published the Tom Brown books in a number of different formats. It continued the Porter and Coates Alta Series until 1904. The earliest Henry T. Coates' Alta Editions had the same format as the Porter and Coates' Alta books. At one point in the mid-1890's the format changed (see below). Some of the early books in this new format still had Porter and Coates on the title page. This series had both Tom Brown's.

Another series which included Tom Brown's School Days was the 202 volume 12 mos. Acorn Library.

Coates also printed a large paper limited edition (125 copies) School Days between 1896 and 1902.

In 1900 a copy of School Days with 5 photogravures was published.

In 1901 another new edition of School Days with 22 illustrations- crown 8 vo. was published.

In 1902 a new 8vo crown edition of School Days with 6 photogravures was produced by Coates.

P. F. Collier & Son (1903)

New York. In 1903 Collier published Tom Brown's School Days. It is Volume XVI of the "Library for Young People". The set was sold by subscription. The purchaser received a monthly volume for 90 cents. The editor of the set was Walter Camp. This set had at least 20 titles. It does not appear that Tom Brown at Oxford was part of it.

This book has a number of color illustrations by E. M. Ashe. It is 8" x 5.5".

W. B. Conkey Company (Early 1900's)

Chicago and Hammond, Indiana.

Walter B. Conkey founded his company in 1877. It was a bindery and printer until it began to publish books on its own imprint in the late 1890's. The publishing plant was located in Hammond, Indiana. It mainly published reprints of fiction and classics in its numerous publisher's series.

In the early 1900's Conkey published the Tom Brown books in a number of series. These series included the Homewood Series, New Cameo Series, New Library Edition, New Oxford Series, Calumet Series, Varsity Series, World's Best Books (half leather), Gold Top Series, Young Folks' Standard Classics.

Thomas Y. Crowell and Company (1879-1902)

In 1870 Thomas Y. Crowell, successor to Benjamin Bradley,opened its doors for business. In 1875 after purchasing the stock of a small religious publisher, Warren and Wyman, Thomas Y. Crowell became Thomas Y. Crowell and Company. For more than a century this New York publishing house was a major player in the publishing world. Its book lists included numerous titles from all areas of literary endeavor.

Crowell's Tom Brown books included both series and non series publications. This publisher was a fairly prolific publisher of the Tom Brown's.

In 1879 a 16 mos. School Days at Rugby was published in gilt and black.

In 1882 the Star Series included School-Days. It was a 12 mos. book. This is a 15 book series which came with a dust jacket.

In 1889 a new special non series edition of School Days was published. It had 53 illustrations done by Andrew. Three different formats of this book were printed. a 12 mo. cloth at $1.00, a full gilt at $2.50 and an Edition de luxe which was limited to 250 numbered copy and sold for $5.00.

Also in 1889 the Astor Library of Standard Literature included both Tom Brown books in half Russia leather.

In 1890 The Waverley Series of Famous Books included Tom Brown at Rugby. This 20 volume series of individually boxed books had gilt edges.

In 1893 the 26 volume New Illustrated Library both Tom Brown's (Oxford is two volumes) were included. They had photogravure frontispieces. This series was published into the early 1900's. School Days was illustrated by H. W. Peirce. Oxford at 34 reproduction photographs of the Oxford area.
Four different formats were published.
1. Full cloth-gilt top
2. White back and corners, fancy paper on the side
3. Half calf
4. Silk with full gilt edges (1893-1894)

The Standard Library in 1894 included both Tom Brown's in 12 mos. cloth with gilt top edges.

The Westminster Library of Poetry and Prose (1894-1902) had School Days in its list.

The 24 volume Alhambra and Lotus Series of Prose and Poetry included School Days. This series was published in the mid-1890's. Two formats, parti-colored cloth and silk stamped in gold gilt have been noted.

The Waldorf Library of the late 1890's and early 1900's published both titles in cloth with a gilt top.

In 1899 the Somerset Edition published both titles as a two volume boxed set.

William H. Davis (1891)

William H. Davis published School Days in 1891 as #16 in the Eureka Series of Standard Popular Fiction. This book was in wraps. This virtually unknown publisher was located in New York City.

Dewolfe, Fiske and Company (early 1880's)

In the early 1880's this company published School Days in the Popular Twelve mo. Classics. It has been seen with several cover colors.

DeWolfe, Fiske and Company was founded in 1880 by Perez Morton DeWolfe and Charles F. Fiske. This Boston firm began at 365 Washington. This house mostly published reprints frequently in series form. In the 1890's it was well known for its large chromo covered juveniles. The name was changed in 1905 to DeWolfe and Fiske.

Dodd, Mead and Company (1870-1876)

New York. Dodd, Mead and Company was the final successor to several earlier 19th century publishers. Taylor and Dodd (1839-1840) gave way to M.W. Dodd (1840-1870) and finally to Dodd and Mead from 1870 to 1876 when the final iteration -Dodd, Mead and Company came into being. This New York publisher has been a major player in the publishing world for more than a century. Literature, biography and fiction have been a mainstay. Children's books have not been a significant product although it did publish Martha Finley's Elsie books and a number of Jacob Abbott's Series.

Tom Brown's School Days appeared in its Bookman's Classics Series in 1900.

Donnelley, Loyd and Company (1875-1876)

Donnelley, Loyd and Company, publishers from Chicago, printed their Lakeside Library starting in 1875. In the 108 volume library of small folio paperbacks Tom Brown's Schooldays was Number 7 and was published in 1875 and Tom Brown at Oxford was numbers 46 and 47 published in 1876.

Also in 1877 Donnelley, Loyd published a large gift book "The Fireside Library" of 563 pages which included 22 of the 108 volumes. Tom Brown at Rugby was one of the included books. This book was bound in English muslin with bevelled red edges and a highly ornamented cover in gold and black.

Donohue Brothers (1900)

Michael A. Donohue (1841-1915) and William Henneberry founded Donohue, Henneberry and Company in 1878.

Donohue was born in Ireland in 1841. After living in Philadelphia for a short time, he moved with his family in 1856 to Chicago. He was an apprentice bookbinder with Charles Scott until 1861 when he became a member of the Cox and Donohue firm. Alfred Cox (1835-1910) was a native of England who was active in the bookbinding business from the days of his partnership with Donohue to his death. Donohue's partnership with Cox ended shortly after the Chicago fire of 1871 destroyed their firm's place of business. Cox continued as a bookbinder, A. J. Cox and Company, after his work with Donohue ended.

Later in 1871 Donohue became a named partner in Donohue, Wilson (William) and Henneberry, This firm operated until 1878 when it was succeeded by Donohue and Henneberry.

The other named partner in Donohue and Henneberry was William Henneberry (1848-). He was a native of Chicago and had apprenticed as a bookbinder until he joined Donohue in 1871. After the dissolution of Donohue, Henneberry and Company in 1900, he established the Henneberry Company. This latter company became one of the largest publishers of mail order catalogues in the United States.

Initially Donohue and Henneberry was exclusively a bookbinder. By 1879 it was publishing the very popular "Red Line Series". This was not a series of books however but rather a series of items for schools. By 1887 the Red Line Series included school registers, class records, report cards, diplomas, examination records and writing spellers, etc. In 1887 the Red Line Series included catalogues, blank books, ledgers, various forms for schools, certificates, etc., for numerous midwest states. The catalogue was unchanged through 1889.

This firm did print and bind a number of random titles on its own imprint between 1875 and 1889. Many of these were written about Chicago subjects or were the products of local Chicago authors. In 1890 the newly named firm of Donohue, Henneberry and Company began to actively publish books on its own imprint. As with most of the reprint publishers during this era, a majority of its books were published as parts of its publisher's series.

In 1900 Donohue petitioned a local circuit court to legally help to dissolve the partnership between him and William Henneberry. Apparently the partners had been unable to come to an amicable dissolution of their partnership. Apparently with his sons, Donohue started up a new firm, Donohue Brothers, in April, 1900. Soon after its founding the Donohue Brothers purchased the plates of the W. L. Allison Company, a prominent New York book publisher. By 1901 Donohue had purchased Henneberry's share, dissolved the Donohue Brothers, and continued the business under the M. A. Donohue and Co. name. Henneberry continued in the book publishing business as the Henneberry Company.

The legal fight between the two partners went on for several years. In 1906 it ended with Donohue being told to vacate its Dearborn Street location or pay a significantly increased rent to Henneberry.

Both the Donohue and Henneberry names continued to be of major import in the book publishing world for many years.

Donohue Brothers published a number of publisher's series. It is unclear which series these copies of School Days belonged to.

Although this book has the Donohue Brothers imprint at the base of the spine, the title page still shows Donohue, Henneberry and Company. Later editions have the Donohue Brothers imprint on the title page. This book is part of the Alpine Series.

M. A. Donohue and Company, Chicago, New York

The Donohue Brothers firm succeeded Donohue, Henneberry in 1900. Michael A. Donohue and William Henneberry founded Donohue, Henneberry and Company in 1879. Initially it was exclusively a bookbinder but as time went on it did more and more publishing. As with most of the reprint publishers of this era, a majority of its books were published as parts of a publisher's series.

In 1900 Donohue petitioned a local circuit court to legally help dissolve the partnership between him and William Henneberry. Apparently the partners had been unable to come to an amicable dissolution of their partnership. In April, 1900 Donohue started up a new firm with his sons, Donohue Brothers. Soon after its founding the Donohue Brothers purchased the plates of the W. L. Allison Company, a prominent New York book publisher. By 1901 Donohue had purchased Henneberry's share, combined it with the Donohue Brothers and continued the business under the M. A. Donohue and Co. name. Associated with Donohue were his sons - Michael A. Donohue Jr., J. W. Donohue, W. F. Donohue, and E. T. Donohue. Henneberry continued in the book publishing business as the Henneberry Company.

This house published the Tom Brown books in a number of different series between 1901 and the 1930's. Early series included the New Alpine Edition, Bound to Win Series and the College Library for Boys.

Donohue, Henneberry and Company (1890's)

Michael A. Donohue and William Henneberry founded this company in 1879. Initially it was a bookbinder exclusively but as time went on it did more and more publishing. As with most of the reprint publishers during this era, a majority of its books were published as parts of publisher's series. In 1900 Donohue bought out Henneberry and formed Donohue Brothers. By 1901 the Donohue Brothers became M. A. Donohue and Company.

Donohue, Henneberry published a number of different Tom Brown's.

Donohue, Henneberry & Co. published School Days in its Caxton Edition in 1890. In 1895 the Advance Edition of Two volume sets included both Tom Brown books. In 1896 both titles were published in this house's Alpine Series of two volume sets. Interestingly these two series also were published in non-set individual book formats. The cover/spines are slightly different. Tom Brown at Oxford was published in 1899 in the Thornward Edition of Fine 12 mos. It is blindstamped with gold gilt lettering on the spine.

Both Tom Brown books were published as part of the Aetna Series in the late 1890's.

Educational Publishing Company (1894)

This company published Tom Brown's School Days in 1894. It is in wraps and part of the Young Folk's Library of Choice Literature.

The book has not been seen.

Estes and Lauriat (1894)

This publishing firm had its origins when Dana Estes joinedHenry Degen. The Degen, Estes and Company publishing firm was the immediate predecessor to Estes and Lauriat which was founded in 1872. Because of financial difficulties Charles Lauriat left the publishing firm in 1898 and Dana Estes carried on with Dana Estes and Company. This publisher was well known for deluxe bindings. Among its most well known publications were the Zigzag books by Hezekiah Butterworth.

School Days was published in its Silk Rep Series in 1894. Two formats were published: Full cloth gilt and cloth. These editions had 53 illustrations engraved by Andrews.

Federal Book Company (1902-1904)

In 1902 the board of directors of F. M. Lupton Publishing Company changed its name to the Federal Book Company. This allowed F. M. Lupton, Publisher to continue printing periodicals and magazines, while Federal published books. Apparently this was to alleviate confusion between F. M. Lupton Publishing Company and F. M. Lupton, Publisher.

During this company's short lived existence Tom Brown books were only published in series form. Some of the series were continuations of the F. M. Lupton Publishing Company's series. http://henryaltemus.com/TomBrown/publishers/lupton.html

Some of the pictures shown here are from other book titles in the series that had the Tom Brown book. The cover formats are the same.

Windsor Series
Both Tom Brown books were part of this series. The Windsor Series is a continuation from the Lupton Publishing Company.

Acme Series
Only Tom Brown's School Days was part of this series, which was also published previously by Lupton.

Red Series 12 mos.
Only Tom Brown's School Days was part of this series. It was published in 1903-1904.

Gilt Top Series
Both Tom Brown books were part of this series. The Gilt Top Series is a continuation from the Lupton Publishing Company.

New Souvenir Series
Only Tom Brown's School Days was included in this series.

Federal also published Tom Brown's School Days in several paperback series. These books have not been seen.

R. F. Fenno and Company (1895)

New York. R. F. Fenno was started in 1894 and incorporated in 1895. With Fenno's retirement in 1829, the imprint was discontinued.

This Tom Brown book was published after the turn of the century.

Fields, Osgood and Co. (1868-1871)

Fields, Osgood and Company was active between 1868 and 1871. This company succeeded Ticknor and Fields in 1868. It was succeeded by James R. Osgood and Company in 1871.

Ginn & Company (1889-)

Boston.

This educational book publisher was active in the late 19th century and the 20th century. It had offices in Boston, New York, Chicago, and London.

Ginn and Company published Tom Brown at Rugby in two different series. Tom Brown at Rugby was added to the "Classics for Children" Series in 1889 and reprinted for a number of years thereafter. This edition is abridged and edited by Clara Weaver Robinson. Rugby was also part of the Home and School Library during these same years.

S. W. Green's Son (1882)

This book is quite scarce. The publisher as noted below is not well known. This title was described as part of the "Elegant New Editions of Standard Publications" per an advertisement in 1882. It was originally priced at 75 cents. Eight titles were included in this set and they were sold individually as well as boxed. The eight volume box was priced at $5.00.

The S.W. Green's Son publishing firm is virtually unknown. In the 1870's it printed the Publisher's Weekly as well as a number of books for Lee and Shepard. It stopped publishing in 1883 when it was taken over by the Chas. M. Green Printing Company. Previously in 1879 S. W. Green became S.W. Green's Son when Green sold his interest in the firm to H. A. Burr.

Grosset and Dunlap, New York

This 20th century publisher is included here because it published a number of Tom Brown books. They were mostly printed within large publisher's series.

The company was founded in 1898 by George T. Dunlap and Alexander Grosset as Dunlap and Grosset. The name changed in 1900 to Grosset and Dunlap and this firm was one of the major book publishers of the 20th century.

The Tom Brown books were published in the Grosset and Dunlap's Standard Books-Good Value Edition, Popular Books, Children's Famous Series, Famous Stories for Young People and the generic "Famous Books".

These volumes are 12 mo. and all have dust jackets. Post-1922 books say Made in the United States of America on the title page or the copyright page.

Harper and Brothers (1860-1882)

Harper and Brothers published the first hard cover edition of Tom Brown Brown at Oxford. Well at least they published the first half of the book first. While Ticknor and Fields was publishing Oxford in parts, Harper came out with its pirated version of the first half of the book in cloth. This book actually ended in the middle of a sentence exactly like the corresponding part (Part # 7) did. This book has 1860 on its title page. The second half was published when the book was completed and has 1861 on the title page. This half was published after Harper came to an agreement with Ticknor and Fields (the authorized publisher).

Harper and Brothers continued to publish both titles separately as well as in combination books throughout the 1860's and into the 1870's. Harper actually was the first to publish both titles in wraps. This was in 1870.

In 1882 Tom Brown's School-Days was printed as number 237 in its Harper's Franklin Square Library. This series consisted mainly of works of fiction issued weekly in wraps. The Tom Brown book is dated March 17, 1882.

Henneberry Company (1901-1907)

Chicago. The Henneberry Company was founded in 1901. Donohue, Henneberry and Company was established in 1879. In 1900 Michael A. Donohue bought out the interest of H. P. Henneberry in the latter firm and founded Donohue Brothers. Thereafter the Henneberry Company was started in 1901.

Tom Brown's School Days appeared in a number of Henneberry Company Series. In 1901 it was part of the New Century Series, Illustrated Boys and Girls' Library and the Young Folk's Standard Classics. Presumably there are other series. It is likely that Henneberry published Tom Brown only in series form.

School Days was published in the 100 volume Henneberry's Illustrated Boys' and Girls' Library. These books are also 12 mos., cost 75 cents and came with dust jackets. Each book has the same cover and jacket except for the title.

Young Folks' Standard Classics was a series of ten books. The books cost $1.25 and is a large 12 mos. (5.5 x 8) volume. It was published with a dust jacket. Each cover is different and book appropriate. They cost $1. This book has not been seen.

Geo. M. Hill Company (1899)

Tom Brown School Days was published as part of the Clover Leaf Series.

Home Library Association (Mid-1880's)

Chicago and New York. I can find little information about this publishing house. There are ads in the back of the book from Porter and Coates. This may indicate that the Home Library Association used Porter and Coates plates for its own imprint.

Homewood Publishing Company (1902-)

Chicago. The Homewood Publishing Company was incorporated in 1902. Its principals were Arthur B. Schaffner, Harry Goodman and Arthur L. Schwartz. This firm published many of its books in the same formats as Conkey, another Chicago publisher. Their relationship is unclear at this time.

Both Tom Brown titles were part of its Abbey Series, the Library Edition and its Calumet Series (wraps). Also shown below is a Tom Brown book that is identical to the Conkey Young Folk's Classics title. I believe that Homewood published both of the Tom Brown books in this format.

Abbey Series (1902)

This series contained reprints of 391 popular titles. The books are 12 mos. and were priced at 25 cents each.

Houghton, Miflin and Company

Houghton, Osgood and Company (1878-1880)

Boston. Houghton Osgood and Company was the successor to James R. Osgood and Company. It was active between 1878 and 1880. It published both titles. It was succeeded by Houghton, Miflin and Company. Besides the cloth formats Houghton, Osgood published a half-calf edition.

Hovendon Company (1892)

New York.

Hovendon succeeded the International Book Company in 1892. The company was run by John W. Hovendon.

Tom Brown at Rugby was published as number 184 in Hovendon's Surprise Series. This series was published weekly in wraps.

Hurst & Company (1883)

New York. Hurst was founded by Thomas Hurst in 1871.Throughout its publishing life it mostly published books in series form. Titles in cloth as well as in wraps are noted. In the early 1900's until its demise in 1919 it also published numerous first issue juvenile series. The Tom Brown books for the most part were issued in the various series.

In 1883, the first Hurst series to include Tom Brown were the Arlington Edition of Standard Classics and Hurst's Popular Classics. This latter series only included School Days. It was an 18 mo book. The former series ran into the early 1900's.

The Arundel Series was published semi-weekly in 1889. Tom Brown's School Days at Rugby is #9 in the series.

Hurst & Company published School Days in wraps in July, 1892 in its Universal Library. I have seen two different covers for this book with the exact same date.

Both Tom Brown books were published in the New Argyle Series in 1898 and for several years into the early 1900's. This series followed the Argyle Series which was published first in 1896. Initially the Argyle Series included both titles. The covers of the Argyle Series changed every year or so. Several are shown below.

Both titles were published in the Young America Library. This series ran for a number of years in the early 1900's.

Between 1904 and 1906 Hurst's Fairy Tale Series included Tom Brown's School Days.

Hurst's Books for Boys was a publisher's series that included the reprints of books written by Optic, Verne, Mayne Reid, Castlemon and many other. This series included both Tom Brown books. These books had numerous different covers and dust jackets in the familiar juvenile series format. A couple of examples are shown below. This series was published between 1901 and 1915.

Between 1902 and 1919 Tom Brown’s School Days was part of Hurst's Presentation Series.
(The book published between 1902 and 1909 has not been seen.)

Other Hurst series from the first decade of the 20th century which included the Tom Brown books were Laurelhurst Series (School Days only in 1910), Best Value Books (School Days only- 1912-1915), the Popular Two Volume Sets in 1915, and the Every Boys Library (Both books between 1908 and 1910)

In 1918-1919 Hurst published the Companion Books. School days was included in this large publisher's series of reprints. The covers of these books was made of a soft leather.

International Book Company (1890-1892)

This firm was one of the many formed by the Lovell organization. It was run by John Hovendon. It was incorporated in 1890 with the purpose of binding and manufacturing books. Hovendon bought it out in 1892 and renamed it the Hovendon Company.

Despite its short life, this firm published the Tom Brown books in several different formats.

The Columbus Edition was published in at least two formats. Both Tom Brown titles were in this series. There are at least two Aldine Editions which also included both Tom Brown books.

Laird and Lee (1892)

Tom Brown's School Days was published in 1892 by Laird and Lee as part of the multi authored Pastime Series. It is #82 in the series. By 1896 there were 250 titles in this series. The books of this series are in wraps. It does not appear that Tom Brown at Oxford was included in this series.

This house was started in 1883 by Frederick Laird and William H. Lee. Its book list had numerous series of mysteries, juvenile books, dime novels such as the Pinkerton Detective Series, dictionaries, the works of Opie Read and the William Thomes adventure stories. In 1894 Laird left and Lee continued on. By 1899 the house was the third largest publisher in Chicago.

Laird and Lee also published Tom Brown's School Days in 1892 in its Cloth 12 mos. Series. This book is pictured below.

J. B. Lippincott & Co.(1869-1885)

J. B. Lippincott & Co. issued School Days at Rugby inseveral formats in 1869. One in wraps, one in cloth and one deluxe in cloth with gold gilt edges. The latter two were 18 mo. In ads the books are stated to be part of the Golden Treasury Series. These books have not been seen.

In 1871 Tom Brown's School Days was noted to be a Golden Treasury Edition. It was 16 mo. and cost $1.25

Also in 1871 a 4to. School Day's edition was published with extra cloth and gilt edges at $3.50

In 1884 the People's Twelvemos. publisher's series was printed. It included Tom Brown at Rugby. It appears to have been reprinted for a number of years thereafter.

In 1885 J.B. Lippincott and Company became J. B. Lippincott Company.

An edition of Tom Brown's School Days was published in series form beginning prior to 1885 and the Lippincott company name change. This 12 mos. book's series name is unknown.

D. Lothrop and Company (ca. 1882)

D. Lothrop and Company published both School days and at Oxford in the 1882-1883 range. The books have been seen in yellow and red.

D. Lothrop and Company was founded in 1868 by Daniel Lothrop. It was at 30-32 Franklin between 1875 and 1887. In 1887 it became D. Lothrop Company. In 1895 it changed to Lothrop Publishing Company. In 1905 Lothrop merged into Lee and Shepard to become Lothrop, Lee and Shepard.

Lovell Brothers and Company (1893)

Lovell Brothers and Company was begun in 1893. The partners were Frank and John Lovell as well as John Hovendon.

Lovell, Coryell and Company (1893-1897)

Lovell, Coryell and Company was a subsidiary of the United States Book Company. It was active between 1892 and 1904. Most of its books were published in sets. The books it published were of a higher quality than the reprints published by the other Lovell controlled companies. In 1897 after being taken over by the American Publisher's Corporation the Lovell Coryell imprint was discontinued.

Frank F. Lovell and Company (Late 1880's)

New York. Frank F. Lovell and Co. in the late 1880's published a Sterling Edition with the Tom Brown books. The cover is the same as the Burrows Brother book except for the publisher's initials on the upper right of the cover.

Both books were also published in Frank Lovell's Aldine Series in the late 1880's.

John W. Lovell Company (1878-1893)

John W. Lovell began publishing on his own imprint in 1878 inNew York. Lovell was well known as a publisher of books that were not protected by copyright laws. It reprinted cheap reprints for the masses both in series of paperbound and cloth volumes. Lovell's Library was probably its single greatest achievement in terms of popularity.

Lovell tried to combine all the publishers of cheap reprints into one consortium. This was done in 1890 as the United States Book Company. It went broke in 1893. It was the parent company of numerous publishing imprints including the international Book Company, National Book Company, Lovell, Coryell, and Company and more.

John W. Lovell published both titles in a number of different formats. In 1880 School-Days was published in "Best Editions of Popular 12 mos. Series". Lovell moved in 1880 from 24 Bond Street to 14 and 16 Astor Place. Thus of the two books from this series shown below, the Bond Street book is the earlier one. In 1881 School-Days was published in Lovell's Caxton Classics Series. In 1882 School Days and in 1883 Tom Brown at Oxford was published in the Standard Library.

In 1889 Oxford was published in wraps as a two volume set in the Seaside Library (#'s 1138 and 1139).

In 1890 both books were part of the Oxford Edition Series.

In 1883 both titles were part of Lovell's Library which was published in wraps. School-Boys was also published in Lovell's Aldine Series in 1891.

F. M. Lupton Publishing Company (1892-1902)

This New York publishing house was founded by Frank Moore Lupton (1854-1910). Lupton grew up on Long Island. He initially apprenticed to a printer in Greenport. Thereafter he worked for S.W. Green. With several friends he started a monthly periodical called The Cricket on the Hearth. In 1882 he founded his own company. At that time the imprint was F.M. Lupton. He continued to add titles, series and authors' sets throughout the years. In 1892 he incorporated and the imprint changed to F. M. Lupton Publishing Company. The firm changed its name to the Federal Book Company in 1902.

Here is a summary of Lupton addresses and dates:

Address dates:
37 Park Row 1875-1877
245 Broadway 1877-1879
27 Park Place 1882-1884
63 Murray Street 1885-1889
106-108 Reade Street 1890-1893 (There are some 1893 imprints noted at this address)
65 Duane Street 1892-1894
72-76 Walker Street 1894-1899
52-58 Duane Street 1899-1902
23, 25, and 27 City Hall Place 1902-

The Tom Brown books were all published as parts of various Lupton Series. All the Tom Brown books were published between 1892 and 1902.

For more information about this firm see: http://www.henryaltemus.com/lupton/index.html

Macmillan and Company (1870-1900's)

This English publisher established its American branch,Macmillan and Company in New York on Bleeker Street in 1869. The firm published books in numerous categories. In 1896 the name changed to The Macmillan Company

Macmillan published the first editions of both titles in England. Its first American titles were published in 1870. Throughout the years Macmillan published the Tom Brown titles in series and as non-series books.

In 1870:
School Days was printed in four different formats
1. Popular Edition
2. Golden Treasury Edition
3. Foolscap Edition
4. Illustrated Edition, small 4 to.

Oxford was published in only one edition in 1870 with illustrations by Sidney Hall

The Golden Treasury Series was published into the 1890's. In 1893 the books of this series were published in cloth, half Morocco, half calf, padded calf and full limp Morocco.

By 1875 School Days was published in the Golden Treasury Series , People's Edition (through the 1890's), a seven illustration 8 vo. edition and a 60 illustrations by A. Hughes and Sydney Hall book.

Oxford and School Days were published in Macmillan and Company's Works of Fiction Series in 1875.

In 1879 Macmillan published both titles in its Series of Popular Novels and School Days in its Series of Books for the Young. Both titles were printed in a 12 mos. non series edition

By 1881 both titles appeared in Macmillan's Dollar and a Half Series of Books for the Young. This series included eight books and the book were sold as a set or separately. School Days was published in a pocket edition in this series as well as a 12 mo. size book.

A paper edition (4 to.) of School Boys was printed in 1882 -the Popular Edition. It sold for a dime. Other paper versions were printed into the 1890's

In 1897 Tom Brown's School Days was added to the Macmillan Cranford Series. It is a crown octavo book with full gilt.

Throughout the next 20 years individual editions of non series copies of both books were published.

In 1908 MacMillan's Pocket Classics were published with only one Tom Brown book, Schooldays.

The two Tom Brown books in this format were also sold within a labeled box. Here is the 1885 boxed set.

S. A. Maxwell and Company (1887)

Chicago. Tom Brown's School Days is part of this firm's large publisher's reprint series that was printed in the late 1880's. Orange, red and green cover colors have been seen as of this time. It is unknown whether Oxford is also part of this series.

Although Maxwell published a number of books in the 1880's, it was mainly known as a bookseller, stationer, wall paper purveyor, fancy goods seller and druggist. In 1891, its book department was sold to A. C. McClurg also of Chicago.

Mercantile Publishing Company (1888)

Boston. This book originally came within a dust jacket. On the reverse of the jacket it was listed in " Mercantile Publishing Co.'s List of Popular Books". See below.

Merrill and Baker (Early 1900's)

New York. This publishing house was founded in 1893 by Daniel David Merrill, his brother L.K. Merrill and Francis E. Baker. It was mainly a subscription firm. It declared bankruptcy in 1904.

It published two different formats of Tom Brown's School Days in its World Famous Books' Series. These books were published in the early 1900's.

The Mershon Company (late 1890's-1907)

William Mershon's namesake company was mainly a printer untilthe early 1890's. Thereafter it published the books of several bankrupt companies (Cassell & Co., Merriam Company) in the mid to late 1890's and by 1899 was publishing new titles under its own imprint. (The Rover Boys is a good example). It continued to publish juvenile titles as well as publisher's series until 1905 when the name was changed to the Stitt Publishing Company. Stitt went bankrupt in 1906 and Mershon took over until 1907 when Chatterton-Peck Company published the Mershon list.

Mershon published the Tom Brown books in several different series. The series names are mostly unknown. Both titles were however included in the Wideawake Series which was a large juvenile series with multiple different covers. Of note in dating these books is that the title page listed Rahway, NJ and New York beginning in 1902 whereas pre-1902 books only showed New York on the title page.

Both titles were also part of the 1901 Winona Series. These books are 12 mos.

The Red Library also included both titles as #'s 203 and 294. It was published in 1902.

George Munro (1879)

New York. George Munro and Company began in 1864. In May1868 the name of the house was changed to George Munro. It mainly published various series of dime novels. In 1893 Munro retired and the firm's name was changed to George Munro's Sons.

George Munro published Tom Rugby in wraps as #120 in the Seaside Library in 1879. In 1888 Tom Brown at Oxford was added to the Seaside Library as #1139. Note that this title has a volume I and a volume II both of which are noted as #1139 on the spine.

George Munro's Sons (1893-1906)

New York. The George Munro's Sons was run by George Munro's two sons (George W. and John) after Munro retired from the publishing business in 1893. At that time the firm changed its name from George Munro. The sons carried on most of the previous series of cheap productions of reprints and dime novels.

Tom Brown at Oxford was published in the Victor Editions by this firm. Since this company was in the publishing business between 1893 and 1906, this book was published within that time frame.

N. L. Munro (1877-1878)

New York.

N. L. Munro published Tom Brown's School Days in wraps as part of itsNew York Boys' Library in 1877. In 1878 it published Tom Brown at Rugby in its Riverside Library. Tom Brown's Schooldays was #257 in Munro's Library in the 1880's.

F. Tennyson Neely (1898-1899)

New York.

This firm was active in the 1890's. Neely filed for bankruptcy in 1899.

F. Tennyson Neely, a New York publisher, published School Days in wraps as #51 in its "Neely's Popular Library" in 1895.

In 1899 Neely published Tom Brown's Schooldays in wraps as #21 in its Tourist Library. Two cover formats have been seen. Priority is not known.

Both of these titles are quite scarce.

New York Publishing Company (1895)

The New York Publishing Company printed both titles in 1895 as part of its Library Edition. These volumes were also part of the Empire Edition. It is unclear whether the Tom Brown books were included in any other of this publisher's series. (Excelsior Edition or People's Edition)

Apparently this publishing company was originally founded by and incorporated by Frank Leslie. It published journals as well as books in the 1890's and the early 1900's.

North American Publishing Company (1893)

This company dissolved in 1895.

J. S. Ogilvie (1889)

New York and Chicago.

Ogilvie published School Days at Rugby in 1889. The book is #142 in the "Favorite Edition of 12 mo. Cloth-Bound Books Series".

Ogilvie published the Sunset Series in the 1890's and early 1900's. In 1902 Tom Brown's School Days was printed as #173 in this series. The titles were published in wraps at 25 cents.

James R. Osgood and Company (1871-1878)

Boston. James R. Osgood and Company published both titles between 1871 and 1878. It succeeded Fields, Osgood and Company in 1871. It was succeeded by Houghton, Osgood and Company in 1878.

Isaac Pitman and Sons (1900)

This New York publisher printed Tom Brown's School Days in 1900. This book has not been seen.

Pollard and Moss (1889)

This New York City firm was founded by Martha B.Pollard and Charles Moss in 1879. Initially it was a subscription book publishing business. It published numerous reprints including several publisher's series, a set of Dickens and a number of books with Gustave Dore illustrations.

Between 1879 and 1887 it was located at 47 John Street. By 1888 they were at 37 Barclay and 42 Park Place.

In 1890 Pollard and Moss went out of business because of financial setbacks.

Tom Brown's School-Days is #82 in the P & M 12 mos. series and was published in 1889. Originally it cost 50 cents.

Porter and Coates (1867-1895)

Porter and Coates was a Philadelphia publisher active between1867 and 1895. It was the successor to Davis and Porter (1848-1866) and Davis, Porter and Coates (1866-1867) and the predecessor to Henry T. Coates (1895-1904).

Probably known the most for publishing juvenile works (Alger, Castlemon, Elllis, etc), it also printed numerous other types of books. Its Alta series consisted of several hundred titles and was an extremely popular publisher's series in the 1880's and 1890's

Porter and Coates published both Tom Brown books in a number of different formats.

In 1876 its "Author's Edition" of 12 mos. books consisted of two formats- cloth and half calf. In this series a combination title Tom Brown at Rugby and Oxford was printed.

An 1880 ad notes both Tom Brown's in 12 mo cloth.

In 1881 a new illustrated edition of School days at Rugby was published.

In 1882 several formats of the Tom Brown's were advertised: School Days was published in the Alta Series, half calf, and 12 mo. with 36 illustrations after Caldecott. Most likely the former two are the same books that were noted in 1876. At Oxford was printed in half calf and cloth with black and gold decorations.

By 1887 the Alta edition of Oxford was added to that series.

In 1890 a limited edition (250 copies) with large paper was published.

By 1893 Schooldays was published in 5 formats:
1. 12 mo. 22 Caldecott-like photogravures
2. 3/4 calf with 22 photogravures
3. Large paper edition, 22 photogravures. Limited to 125 copies
4. Large clear type 12 mo. with 36 illustrations after Caldecott
5. The Alta Edition


In 1893 Oxford was published in only the Alta Series and a 12 mo. with extra cloth.

John E. Potter and Company (1883)

Philadelphia. Potter published both titles in this 12 mos. format.

Rand, McNally and Company (Late 1890's)

This Chicago publisher succeeded William H. Rand in 1873.Although best known as a map and atlas printer, it published numerous fiction and non fiction books with the fiction tales mainly being in series form. It is still active today.

Beginning in the late 1890's both Tom Brown books were part of a number of Rand, McNally and Company series.

These series include the American Series, Atlantic Library of Popular and Standard Twelve Mos., Twentieth Century Series, Independent Series, Alpha Library, Blue Bell Library, Advance Library, Half Calf Library (Oxford only), Junior Library, Greek Lamp Library, and the Rand-McNally School Library.

Reid, Murdoch and Fischer (1885-1886)

Chicago

In the 1880's a number of non-book publishing companies printed publisher's series. These multivolume sets contained numerous reprinted classics. Reid, Murdoch and Fischer published such a set in the 1885-1886 era. The exact titles are unknown (at this time) but at least one of the Tom Brown books- Tom Brown's School Days was published. I have not seen that book but below is a representative book from the series.

Simon Reid and Thomas Murdoch opened their first store in Dubuque, Iowa. This store was basically a dry goods business with the idea of supplying western bound settlers. They moved their establishment to Chicago in 1865 because it was such a major traveler hub. Their first building burnt down in the Chicago fire of 1871. Thereafter they relocated to another facility on the corner of Lake and Market Streets.

Frederick Fischer, a native of Galveston, had been a partner in the Chicagoland wholesale grocery firm of Satterly, Cook and Co. He joined the newly arrived Reid and Murdoch in forming Reid, Murdoch and Fischer. He left the company around 1888 and the name reverted to Reid, Murdoch and Co. By 1899 Reid, Murdoch was the largest wholesale grocery store in the United States. By 1914 the Lake and Market Street facility was too small and a new building (now a preserved landmark which houses various city governmental offices) was erected on the Chicago River between Clark and LaSalle.

Ross Publishing House (1887-1888)

Albany, New York

The Ross Publishing House printed Tom Brown in its Standard Edition of popular 12 mos.

This publishing firm was founded in about 1882 by Sellick and Taft. It was succeeded by Selick, Ross & Co. and in 1887 Mr. R. Ross took over as the owner. This house published miscellaneous titles and the large publisher's series that includes Tom Brown. By 1889 this house was succeeded by Geo. S. Cline Publishing House.

This firm's Tom Brown is one of the rarest.

School Library Association (1890)

I do not have any significant information about this publisher. It printed a number of reprints in and around the 1890 time frame. A Hurst and Company title page has been seen with this publisher's name on the spine. The meaning of this is unclear.

Stitt Publishing Company (1905)

New York. Stitt published its list only in 1905 after succeeding Mershon.

Both Tom Brown titles were printed in its Wideawake Library.

Frederick A. Stokes and Brother (1887-1890)

Frederick A. Stokes and Brother published Tom Brown School-Days as part of its Handy Volume Series. This was in the mid 1880's. Another format by this publisher was done as part of the Popular Twelve mo Classics Series.

Neither of these books have been seen as of yet.

Street and Smith

Syndicate Trading Company (1880's)

Syndicate Trading Company printed a publisher's series called the Gladstone Series of which Tom Brown at Oxford was included. I do not know if School Days was also in this series.

This is another company that was not a book publisher but rather was a consortium of dry goods merchants. It was founded in 1881. This "syndicate" was started so that smaller dry-goods merchants could pool their purchase power together to get better pricing.

The exact year of this series publication is unclear but there is an inscription of 1889 in the Tom Brown book. Thus this series was published between 1881 and 1889.

Thompson & Thomas (late 1890's)

Thompson and Thomas published both Tom Brown books at the turn of the century.

Not much is known about this publishing house.

Charles C. Thompson (1867-1914) was born in Albion, Wisconsin. He was involved in the book publishing/selling business in Rutland, Illinois prior to becoming a named partner in the Thompson and Thomas publishing house in 1897. I have seen a book as early as 1890 with the C. C. Thompson/Rutland, Illinois imprint. The firm name was changed to Charles C. Thompson and Co. in 1909. A short bout of pneumonia was the cause of Thompson's demise.

I have no significant information about the other named partner, C. E. Thomas. There is evidence that Thomas published titles on his own imprint in the late teens.

It appears that they were at 267 Wabash from the late 1890's until about 1903 when they moved to 338 Wabash (Chicago).

Ticknor and Fields (1857-1869)

Boston. Ticknor and Fields was the first American publisher of Tom Brown's School Days at Rugby.

During the 1850's only Ticknor and Fields published copies of Tom Brown's School Days at Rugby by an Old Boy. Ten numbered editions have been reported. The first 7 editions were published in 1857 and 1858 while editions 8-10 were published in 1859.

In 1857 the first five English editions from MacMillan and Co. of the School Days were published. In 1858 the sixth English version was published. This book had the first appearance of the "preface". Virtually every reprint of School Days from this point on includes this preface. This accounts for the frequent claim that a reprint is "the sixth edition".

Here are details of the early Ticknor and Fields' copies

1857 May - (409 pages) 2500 copies
1858 Feb- (405 pages) 500 copies-second edition
1858 Feb-500 copies - 3rd edition
1858 June-519 copies - 4th edition
1858 5th edition-not mentioned in cost book but it is in an ad.
1858 Aug 500 copies-6th edition
1858 Sept-1000 7th edition
1859 8th edition- January 1859
1859 9th edition- Unknown date
1859 10th edition- Unknown date

By 1863 Ticknor and Fields had published twenty editions not including an illustrated edition in 1860 with ten designs by Larkin G. Mead Jr. This latter book is slightly larger (8 x 5.5) than the regular editions (7.5 x 5).

Ticknor and Fields continued to publish non numbered editions until 1869.

Tom Brown at Oxford was first published in seventeen monthly serialized parts between 1859 and 1861. These parts were published by Ticknor and Fields with the permission of Hughes' English publisher MacMillan.

It would seem that each part should be relatively easy to obtain based on the number published. Since they were in wraps however, their fragility has reduced the number that have survived.

Here are the publication numbers:
Parts I-II - 2000 copies each
Parts III, IV, VI-XIII- 1500 copies
Parts V, XIV, XV -1000 copies
Parts XVI, XVII - 750 copies

Pictured here are four of the 17 parts (Nos. II, III, VII, and IX). Although there are no insert ads like the typical parts seen in Dickens' works, there are ads on the back covers and after the text (in Part III) The booklets are small (7.25 x 4.5).

Ticknor and Fields first published the 2 volume set of Tom Brown at Oxford on November 24, 1860 (Volume 1) and July 16, 1861 (Volume 2). Both books however had 1861 on the title page. The earliest known back ads in Volume 1 are dated October, 1860.

(See the Harper and Brothers'section for information about the "other" American first edition of Tom Brown at Oxford.)

Trade Publishing Co.

New York. The title page has the same border that the Stitt Publishing Company used during 1905- its only year of publication. Thus it is reasonable to assume that this company published this book after that. In 1908 The Trade Publishing Company incorporated in Rahway, New Jersey "to do a general printing, publishing and stationery business". Of interest is that this is where the Mershon Publishing Company was headquartered. Mershon succeeded Stitt in 1906. Books with Mershon on the spine and the Trade Publishing Company as the imprint on the title page have been noted.

Thus, although speculative, I suspect that some of the Stitt/Mershon plates were acquired by this new company. (This would include the Tom Brown book.)

Universal Publishing Company (Late 1880's-1890's)

New York.

Both Tom Brown titles were part of a publisher's series by this publisher (Popular Edition).

John Wanamaker (1897)

Philadelphia and New York.

Wanamaker was a Philadelphia department store that had a large book department. The two series noted below, in addition to others, were printed by publishers for Wanamaker to sell in its store.

John Wanamaker published the Tom Brown books in two different series. The Columbine Library included both Tom Brown books. I believe this series was first published in 1897.

Wanamaker's Young People's Library was a series of juvenile reprints published in two formats between the 1890's and the first decade of the 20th century. Both Tom Brown's were published in this series. The book pictured is from the second format. It is unclear whether the Tom Brown's were published in the first format of this series.

West & Johnston (1861)

In 1861 West and Johnston, a Richmond, Virginia publishing house, produced "Brown and Arthur". This book is basically a copy of the second part of School Days at Rugby. Here and there a few words are changed but it is otherwise word for word. It was "Arranged for the Press by a Mother". The introduction makes the publisher's religious slant on things obvious: "the school-room, the study, and the playground, would be made scenes of healthy christian feeling and activity". This book is quite uncommon.

White, Stokes and Allen (1883-1887)

New York. White, Stokes and Allen (1883-1887) was succeeded by Frederick A. Stokes and Brother in 1887.

In 1885 it published its Handy Volume edition of Tom Brown's School Days. This was published in half-calf as well as in cloth.

John C. Winston Company (1905)

Philadelphia. Winston founded his company in 1884. It wasprimarily a publisher of Bibles until it bought the stock of Henry T. Coates and Company in 1904. This instantly made Winston a major publisher of juveniles. One year later it bought the stock of William Collins Company, a major publisher of religious materials. In later years Winston became a major publisher of textbooks. Winston died in 1920.

Tom Brown's School Days was published in a number of different formats and series beginning in 1905.

This title appeared in the New International Library, New Acorn Library, Readers Library (starting in 1909), the Winston Series, Every Boy's Library (in 1909) and the Young People's Library.

As a non series book it was published in an 8 vo. crown cloth volume with 22 illustrations. This book is unchanged from the previous Coates volume. Also in 1909 School Days was published in an Illustrated photogravure (19 pictures).

The World Syndicate Publishing Co., Cleveland, New York

In 1928 the Commercial Bookbinding Co. bought out the World Syndicate Publishing Co. and in 1940 changed its name to the World Publishing Co.

Tom Brown's School Days was part of the Classic Series. I do not know the date of publication.

R. Worthington (1874-1893)

In 1874 after publishing in Montreal and Boston R. W. Worthington founded his New York house. His first New York company was styled in 1874 as R. Worthington and Company. Worthington struggled with financial difficulties throughout its life. Early on it printed more elegantly bound books whereas later by the mid 1880's cheaper books were the mainstay. Numerous publisher's series comprised the booklist.

From 1876 to 1885 the publisher was called R. Worthington and between 1885 to 1893 it was Worthington and Company.

R. Worthington published its Caxton Library in 1882. It included only Tom Brown's School-Days. In 1884 Tom Brown at Oxford was published in Worthington's New Popular 12 mos. In 1885 it published its Franklin Edition which included Tom Brown at Rugby. Worthington and Co. published the Franklin Series after 1885. Also between 1880 and 1883 Worthington printed the Star Library which contained Tom Brown's School-Days at Rugby. In the early 1890's School Days was also part of the "Our Boys' Library".