The Intricate History of Charles Scribner's Publishing House

For over 150 years, the legendary publishing house of Charles Scribners Sons has been a cornerstone of literary history. Founded in an unused chapel in downtown New York, the company has undergone numerous transformations over the years, with each era leaving its mark on the industry.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Scribner's history is its use of number lines and codes to track printing dates. The practice began in 1973, with the dust jacket often featuring a date that can be easily overlooked. In fact, for many years, some believed that this code was specifically used for the juvenile science fiction series published by the company.

However, it's clear that this is not the case, as the letter at the end of each code has yet to be decoded. Charles Scribner III, an art historian, author, editor, and lecturer based in New York, provides valuable insight into the evolution of Scribner's over its 32-year history.

Interestingly, unlike other publishing houses, such as Doubleday, which used a gutter code for printing dates, Scribners employed a publication date system. This meant that each book would feature a unique code that could be used to track printings and editions.

The earliest example of this code is found in the 1846-1878 period, when the firm was transitioning from a partnership between Charles Scribner (1821-1871) to a family-owned business. This era saw numerous changes, including the publication of Elementary Principles in Statistical Mechanics by an unknown author.

For many years, the pattern behind these codes remained elusive, with only rare examples providing clues to their meaning. It wasn't until after the 26th printing (Z) that Scribners began using a two-letter code system, which added to the complexity and intrigue surrounding these mysterious numbers.

From 1929 to 1975, the company used a unique code that looked like 'H-6.59' on the copyright page. Prior to this period, title pages featured printing dates, while after 1975, number lines became the standard method of tracking printings.

Scribners tells the inside story of five generations at the legendary publishing house, from its founding to the present day. With a rich history spanning over 150 years, Charles Scribner's publishing house is an institution that has left an indelible mark on literary history.

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