Richard Bentley (1794-1871) worked at his brother Samuel's printing shop. He published a series of 127 volumes known as standard novels and retired in 1867, after which his son George Bentley (1828-95) ran the business. His grandson, Richard Bentley, (1854-1936) ran the business for five years until its dissolution in 1898. The collection consists of correspondence, manuscripts, business records, catalogs, and ephemera related to the activities and literary associations of Richard Bentley and his publishing firm, Richard Bentley and Son.

Richard Bentley (1794-1871) was born in London and attended St. Paul's school; in 1819 joined printing office set up by his brother Samuel; became partner of Henry Colburn, publisher of fashionable novels, 1829; after Colburn's departure, Bentley published Dickens' Oliver Twist; began Bentley's Miscellany in 1837, with first Charles Dickens and then W.H. Ainsworth as editor until it ceased publication in 1868; published a series of 127 volumes known as standard novels; retired 1867, after which his son George Bentley (1828-95) ran the business; his grandson Richard Bentley (1854-1936) ran the business for five years until its dissolution in 1898.

8.0 linear ft. (17 boxes)

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