Richard Bentley and Son

Richard Bentley (1794-1871) was born in London and attended St. Paul's school; in 1819 joined printing office set up by his brother Samuel; became partner of Henry Colburn, publisher of fashionable novels, 1829; after Colburn's departure, Bentley published Dickens' Oliver Twist; began Bentley's Miscellany in 1837, with first Charles Dickens and then W.H. Ainsworth as editor until it ceased publication in 1868; published a series of 127 volumes known as standard novels; retired 1867, after which his son George Bentley (1828-95) ran the business; his grandson Richard Bentley (1854-1936) ran the business for five years until its dissolution in 1898.

From the description of Papers, 1800-1936. (University of California, Los Angeles). WorldCat record id: 38990010

Biography/History

Richard Bentley (1794-1871) was born in London and attended St. Paul's school; in 1819 joined printing office set up by his brother Samuel; became partner of Henry Colburn, publisher of fashionable novels, 1829; after Colburn's departure, Bentley published Dickens' Oliver Twist ; began Bentley's Miscellany in 1837, with first Charles Dickens and then W.H. Ainsworth as editor until it ceased publication in 1868; published a series of 127 volumes known as standard novels; retired 1867, after which his son George Bentley (1828-95) ran the business; his grandson Richard Bentley (1854-1936) ran the business for five years until its dissolution in 1898.

From the guide to the Richard Bentley and Son papers, 1800-1936, (University of California, Los Angeles. Library Special Collections.)