Description
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.
Background
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.
Extent
8.0 linear ft.
(17 boxes)
Restrictions
Property rights to the physical object belong to the UCLA Library Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright,
are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright
and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
Availability
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Open for research. Advance notice required for access. Contact the UCLA Library Special
Collections Reference Desk for paging information.