Scotland, and particularly the city of Edinburgh, historically has been a major centre of book production.
This has prompted and assisted the growth of an outstanding collection of business archives from the industry.
At the National Library of Scotland we hold a rich collection of publishers' collections, covering publishing activities from the 18th to 21st centuries, with particular strengths in the Georgian and Victorian periods.
These include:
- John Bartholomew — publisher and printer of maps
- Bell & Bradfute — booksellers and publishers
- Canongate publishing — Scottish independent publisher founded in 1973
- Archibald Constable — publisher of Sir Walter Scott's famous Waverley novels
- William Blackwood & Sons — publishers of the influential 'Blackwood's Magazine'
- W & R Chambers — publishers of 'Chambers' Journal', dictionaries, and encyclopaedias
- T & T Clark — theological publisher
- John Murray — famous London publishing house with Scottish roots
- Oliver & Boyd — Edinburgh firm specialising in educational, science and medical titles
- Smith Elder & Co — London literary publisher founded by Scotsman George Smith.
We also hold other collections relating to the book trade, including records of printing firms:
- R & R Clark
- T & A Constable
- Edinburgh Booksellers' Association.
For further information please email manuscripts@nls.uk