Smith, George, 1824-1901

The publishing firm of Smith, Elder, and Co. was founded by George Smith (1789–1846) and Alexander Elder (1790–1876). Upon the death of his father, George Smith (son) took control and under his stewardship, the company flourished. Its first major success was the publication of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre in 1847, under the pseudonym of "Currer Bell." The firm is perhaps best known for publishing the first edition of the Dictionary of National Biography, widely popularized as the DNB.

From the guide to the Business Correspondence of Smith, Elder, and Co., 1850-1908, (Princeton University. Library. Dept. of Rare Books and Special Collections)

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