Carleton, New York

Carleton (1861-1871) /G. W. Carleton and Co. (1871-1886)

George W. Carleton was a native of New York. He entered the publishing business in 1857 as a named partner in the new firm of Rudd and Carleton at 310 Broadway. Edward Rudd and his father George were partners in the house until death and retirement in 1861. Thereafter, Carleton continued alone as (G. W.) Carleton, Publisher.

The Carleton publishing house owed its success to the publication of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables (in multiple deluxe editions) as well as printings of titles by most of the era’s most famous humorists.

In 1867 the firm became G. W. Carleton and Co. (A number of references give 1871 as the incorporation date. This is based on an article from the 1911 Bookseller, Newsdealer and Stationer. This is incorrect however. Title pages and copyrights clearly show that Carleton was incorporated in 1867 - not in 1871.)

In 1871 his clerk George Dillingham (formerly of Crosby, Nichols and Co.) became a partner. In 1886 Carleton retired and the firm was succeeded by G. W. Dillingham Company.

Carleton published the first editions of five T. S. Arthur books. Catalogues designate the five books as "T. S. Arthur's New Works."

In some Carleton ads in 1865 a book titled Retribution is listed as book number IV. This book was not published and appears to be a phantom title. No title pages dated after 1866 have been seen although Carleton ads as late as 1869 have the Arthur books listed.

Even though Carleton lists the books in the above order, Light on Shadowed Path was published at the end of 1863, whereas Out in the World was published later in 1864.

Early in 1864 the books were priced at $1.25. Later in 1864 and thereafter these books were $1.50 each.

The books are blindstamped with various cover embossed patterns. Gold gilt lettering on the spine. There are no illustrations. 7.5" x 5".