Timothy Shay Arthur

M. A. Donohue & Co., Chicago

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

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.

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. 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 of the original company and continued the business under the M. A. Donohue & Co. name. Henneberry continued in the book publishing business as the Henneberry Company.

M. A Donohue & Co. series are difficult to name. Below are the known series and the editions in which the series is not as yet identified. In some instances, representative covers are shown.

It is unlikely that “Ten Nights in a Bar-Room” was published by this firm after the 1920’s.

Abbot Series
This series was introduced in 1913. Cloth. Several colors seen. 7.5" x 5".

Adelphi Library
Cloth. Various colors. Picture of a woman within a triangle in the cover. 12 mo. (Early 1900’s)

Earlier cover	Later cover

Bound to Win Series
It appears to first be published in 1901 by M. A. Donohue & Co. All the covers are the same. 7" x 5". The same covers are seen with the books of other authors-Mayne Reid, Oliver Optic, Edward Ellis, etc.

Venetian Series (early 1900’s)
Cloth. Various colors and gilt. 16 mo.

Books not seen but representative pics are below.

Burnt Leather Series
Leather with non book specific appliqué on the cover. 16 mo.

New Alpine Edition
Cloth. Blindstamped. 7.5” x 5”.

Padded Leather Series
Leather with gilt lettering and red edges. 16 mo. Boxed

Unknown Series
The books below are from unknown M. A. Donohue series.

7.5" x 5" (Based on advertising within the book, publication is post-1913.)


7.5" x 5"


6.25" x 4.50"


7.5" x 5"


7.5" x 5" (Unknown Date)


7.5" x 5" Choice Fiction Library (Not dated)