Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

John Newbery

Role / Field:

Pioneering English publisher, acclaimed as 'The Father of Children's Literature'.

Born:

1713

Died:

1767-12-22

Century / Era:

1713s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

John Newbery (9 July 1713 – 22 December 1767), considered "The Father of Children's Literature", was an English publisher of books who first made children's literature a sustainable and profitable part of the literary market. He also supported and published the works of Christopher Smart, Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Johnson. In recognition of his achievements the Newbery Medal was named after him in 1922. Newbery was born in 1713 to Robert Newbery, a farmer, in Waltham St Lawrence, Berkshire, England, and an unknown mother.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

When he was younger he gave himself an education. He was apprenticed to a local printer, William Ayers, at the age of sixteen. The business was later sold to William Carnan who was editor of The Reading Mercury. In 1737 Carnan died, leaving the business to his brother, Charles Carnan, and Newbery. Two years later, Newbery married William Carnan's widow, Jordan Mary.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He adopted Mary's three children, John, Thomas and Anna-Maria. In 1740 their daughter Mary was born. John, born in 1741, died at age 11. Their son Francis was born in 1743. By 1740 Newbery had started his publishing business in Reading. His first two publications...

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Frequently Asked Questions about John Newbery