William J. Reynolds & Co.
The Reynolds firm published a number of juvenile series. The
earliest title page imprint of any Reynold’s book I have seen so far is
1843. It appears that Reynolds incorporated in 1847. This was
necessitated by the promotion of Frederick A. Brown from clerk to
partner. The company was succeeded by Brown, Taggard and Chase in the
spring of 1856.
Initially Reynolds was located at 20 Cornhill in Boston. By 1850 the
firm was located at 24 Cornhill.
This firm published one T. S. Arthur title: The Story Book for Girls
and Boys. (Arthur's Story Book for Boys and Girls)
This title has been seen in two different Reynolds' formats.
There a several differences between the copies.
1. The “Boys” and “Girls” in the title are in different order.
2. The imprint publisher name is different. W. J. Reynolds & Co. versus William J. Reynolds & Co.
3. The bottom book includes a more decorative cover and title page but also has the other book’s title page.
4. The content is identical.
Because the earlier edition published by T. H. Carter and
others note the title to be “Girls and Boys”, I suspect that that title
is the earlier Reynolds’ book.
It is a reprint. It consists of a number of short vignettes/stories and
has 141 pages.
It has board covers and is 6.5” x 3.5”. There are several line drawn
illustrations.
|