Bodley Head, The

Sectors:

  • Distribution - retailing Book & other publications retailing
  • Publishing & printing Other publishing

Notes:

1887 established as a publishing and antiquarian bookselling business by John Lane, d1925, and Elkin Mathews. Formerly in Exeter. Initially based at Bodley House, Vigo Street. Lane / Elkins partnership dissolved 1894 when Lane developed the business into an especially successful literary publishing house attracting modern writers. Opened in New York, 1896-1921. Private company 1921. After John Lane's death in 1925, Allen Lane increasingly important in the business [in due course he formed Penguin Books]. When in difficulties in 1937 acquired by three London publishing businesses, Allen & Unwin, J M Dent and Jonathan Cape, led by Sir Stanley Unwin, which revived its fortunes. Acquired c1956 by Max Reinhardt and others who again revived the business. 1973 merged into Jonathan Cape / Chatto Windus but retained identity [2024]

Groups: