Knowledge for Generations: Wiley and the Global Publishing Industry, 1807 - 2007

by Robert E. Wright, Timothy C. Jacobson, George David Smith

A lively history of one of America's oldest publishing houses, published in conjunction with Wiley's bicentennial Founded in New York City when Thomas Jefferson was president, Wiley has been a significant player in the publishing industry for two centuries. Now, on the occasion of Wiley's bicentennial, a distinguished team of authors brings Wiley's rich history to life, showing how the company has reacted to trends within the publishing industry as well as to larger economic, social, and cultural forces. Knowledge for Generations sheds light on the long-term strengths and weaknesses of Wiley's business, illuminates the continuities and changes over time, and shows how family ownership has influenced the company's strategies, values, and corporate culture. Drawing on unrestricted access to company archives and interviews with key executives, the authors capture a story of sustained business success, intriguing personalities, and dramatic changes in the industry. Illustrated throughout with illuminating photographs and graphics, Knowledge for Generations is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of publishing.

568 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2007

About the author

Wright is the Nef Family Chair of Political Economy at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look inside the history of the publishing company John Wiley & Sons, Inc., headquartered in Manhattan and then Hoboken and with an office (where I work) in Indianapolis also. Little-known fact: Indy is where all of the For Dummies reads (those yellow books, yes) are produced. It's the top brand within the company, and I work on the travel branch of those books, as well as with Frommer's Travel Guides, still the no. 1 travel-book brand sales-wise, if not the most tragically hip (hello, Lonely Planet, you who got the shoutout in Oscar-nominated animated short Logorama).

Wiley Publishing celebrated its bicentennial in 2008. That's simply uncanny for a publishing house, or for any company at this stage of the American experience. As Wiley's president famously said in '08, "Countries celebrate 200 years, not companies." Quite true.

Wiley has published Melville, James Fenimore Cooper, and many others of note. The storied history is deep and wide. This book tells it, interestingly, in color. Literally. It's chock-full of engaging photos and intriguing facts and tales.

It's a wonderful company, then and now, for the fact that members of that Wiley family remain actively involved in the company's daily decisions, as three of the heirs to its founders sit on the corporate board. They also promote wonderful charitable efforts for the environment, for animal protection, and (of course) for literacy.

Recommended for anyone with a stake in the publishing business, and for anyone who simply digs history. It's okay, I know no one seeing this review will read it. ;-)