PUBLISHER: Donohue & Henneberry (Donohue, Henneberry & Co.), Chicago, 1871-1899
ABOUT:: Founded by two bookbinders, Michael A. Donohue (of Cox & Donohue) and William P. Henneberry. At 407-425 Dearborn 1871; first publishing 1879; in 1890 launched series of inexpensive editions of popular novelists, concentrated on libraries [i.e., sets and series]. Some plates sold to Lovell in 1890. Did much job printing for competitors in cheap book trade. Donohue bought out Henneberry in 1903. (DLB 49). "Donohue & Henneberry, in refitting their new quarters, have placed a large portion of their orders with Snider & Hoole, chiefly for machinery of the Sanborn manufacture," reports the Chicago correspondent.--The American Bookmaker III:1 (January 1886), p19. ... the imprint of this firm is quite common in any group of cheap twelvemos published in the latter part of the 1880s. Donohue & Henneberry maintained a printing and binding establishment, and manufactured books for other publishers as well as for themselves. (Shove). "There was an explosion of natural gas on the 4th inst. wrecked the lower part of the printing establishment of Donohue & Henneberry on Dearborn Street." (Publishers' Weekly 1093 (January 7, 1893), p14). See also the Donohue, Henneberry & Co. page at henryaltumus.com: Donohue & Henneberry.
The information above is partially contradicted by entries in Chicago directories. The 1872 Edward's Business Directory has the firm at 30 North Canal (relocated perhaps because of the Fire?) and notes both Donohue & Henneberry, bookbinders, and Donohue, Wilson & Henneberry, bookbinders, at that address. In 1873 the entry is Donohue, Wilson & Henneberry (M.A. Donohue, W. Wilson, and W.P. Henneberry), bookbinders and blank book manufacturers, 105, 107 and 109 Madison. The 1881 Lakeside directory puts Donohue & Henneberry at 182 Monroe and the 1890-1891 editions at 407-425 Dearborn. In 1892, the address is 415 and 407-425 Dearborn; in 1894, 3rd floor, 415 Dearborn and 407-429 Dearborn; 1896-1898, 3rd floor, 415 Dearborn; and 1899, printers and binders, 407-429 Dearborn. There are no entries for the firm in 1900 or later.
What seems in fact to have happened is that the firm of Donohue & Hennebery began to dissolve (for unknown reasons) during 1898-1899. Henneberry began to establish his own firm, The Henneberry Company opening in 1901 with an agressive line of newly designed reprint editons; for considerably more information on Henneberry see Henmneberry Company page. Donohue -- perhaps more accurately the Donohue family -- reorganized first and briefly as Donohue Brothers, but by 1901 M. A. Donohue had gained control and the firm emerged as M. A. Donohue & Co..
Article in The Paper Box Maker & American Bookbinder 5:2 (December 1896), page 16: "Fifty-two edition bookbinders employed by Donohue & Henneberry, of Chicago, went on strike on Dec. 4 because the firm refused to make a settlement with the printers, who quit work three days previoous. At a meeting of the Pressmen's Union on Dec. 3 a committee was appointed to inform the members of the firm that if a settlement was not made, the members of that organization would be called out. The bookbinders held a meeting on Dec. 2 at Building Trades Council Hall. President Timblin of Typographical Union No. 16 was present. He informed the members that the firm intended to do without union labor in the future. The bookbinders then appointed a committee to notify Donohue & Henneberry that if a settlement was not made with the printers, a sympathetic strike would be declared. The firm refused and the workmen refused to return to work. / Since then the establishment has been run wiith non-union labor. The building has been guarded by a special detail of police, as there has been a great deal of disorder and considerable fighting between the strikers and those who have taken their places."
The firm appears to have had frequent labor problems as a “non-union” employer. This 1901 posting from the Typographers Union mentions its “specialty of holiday books.” While not explicit, it seems probable the Union’s complaint sprang from tact that reprinting was typically done from electroplates which would be pulled from storage and placed on presses with little or no further typesetting, thus cutting typographers from the work. Presumably union contracts specified that union shops provided typographers with some compensation when making use of plates.
The Typographical Journal, Official Paper of the International Typographical Union of North America. Volume 17 (1901), p488: “CHICAGO TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION has issued a circular to all printing trade unions calling attention to the products of two notoriously unfair printing establishments -— the W. B. Conkey Company, of Hammond, Ind., and Donohue & Henneberry, of Chicago. The firms mentioned make a specialty of holiday books of all descriptions. In making purchases of that character unionists and friends of organized labor should remember that the W. B. Conkey Company and Donohue & Henneberry have repeatedly refused to recognize the printing trades unions, and that their product is non union in every respect.”
LUCILE’s ISSUED BY Donohue & Henneberry (Donohue, Henneberry & Co.):: Donohue & Henneberry produced Luciles in two formats ("handy volume" and "library-size"), each routinely offered in several bindings. As the firm's 1895 PTLA catalog makes clear, many of the binding styles were also offered, packaged with a second title, in two-volume sets. Known editions are arranged on this page first by format (12mo, then 16mo), then chronologically (as can best be determined).
Advance Edition: 1895 PTLA: The Advance Edition. Attractively bound in binders' best silk-finished cloth, stamped from new and original designs in Ink and Genuine Gold. 151 Popular and Standard Books by the World's Favorite Authors. In Material, Quality, as well as in Selection of Titles, this line is superior to any other 35c. cloth edition ever issued. [Cut of binding; Lucile is #83 in the series].
The Advance Series of Two-Volume Sets. 1895 PTLA: A complete line of popular two-volume sets. Printed on superior paper, and bound with double head-band, in best grade of silk- finished Binders' cloth, stamped in ink and gold--packed in a neat box. Price, 75 cents per set. [Cut of bindings; Lucile is #35, packaged with Bulwer Lytton's The Last Days of Pompeii].
Aetna Edition.. Note the small seahorse on lower right corner of the scroll: the monograph of designer W. W. Denslow. [This binding so styled from information kindly supplied the Project by Cary Sternnck].
Alpine Edition: 1895 PTLA: Substantially bound in highest grade silk finished cloth, stamped in gold. Gilt Top. 100 Select and Standard Books by the World's Greatest Authors. In manufacture, as well as in literary merit, this line is superior to any other 50c. Cloth Edition ever issued. [Cut of binding; Lucile is #51 in the series].
The Alpine Series...Two Volume Sets. 1895 PTLA: Gilt top... Printed from New, Large, Clear Type, on a Superior Quality of Paper, and substantially bound in a Silk-Finished Binders' Cloth, stamped in Genuine Gold; double head bands, and hand-burnished Gilt Top, library size. Packed in a Neat Box. Price, per set, $1.00. [Cut of bindings; Lucile is #35, packaged with W. Heimburg's Misjudged].
Caxton Edition, [1890].
Ideal Library. 1895 PTLA: The Ideal Library. 25c. Representative works of Authors of established merit only will be included in "The Ideal Library." --All the numbers are printed from new, large, clear type on a good quality of paper and are bound in attactive paper covers in such a way that they open easily and flexibly, thus making their perusal a pleasure and a comfort. [Cut of binding; Lucile is #147 in the series]. The one known copy, the copyright copy, NL 0594648 Library of Congress 1895 noted as missing 5/9/85; 369p, 18cm, [1895], on cover: The Ideal Library, No. 147, 21 Jan 1895].
1897-1898 catalog: The "Kenmore" Edition of fine 12mos. / In securing books for this peerless edition of 12mos, it has been our aim to select only such works of well-known authors as have made a lasting reputation for literary merit and excellence. The books are printed from new plates on Kenmore deckel edged paper, bound in polished Buckrum cloth, with gilt top, and stamped in gold, back and front, from new and original designs. The title page is printed in two colors from new and attractive type, and one hundred titles comprise the series. 12mo, price $1.00. Lucile is #54 in the series.].
Padded Suede.
Thornward Edition.
1897-1898 Catalog: The Venetian Edition of Popular Standards. In MOIRE TINSEL, Cloth Binding. / This handsome line of popular books is designed to meet the demands of those who wish a fine presentation edition at a low price. Each book is printed on superior finished glazed paper, from new plates, and contains from four to six illustrations. 12mo size Price, $1.00. Boxed. Lucile is #14 in the series].
Handy Volume Editions (16mos)
Handy Volume Classics: 1894 PTLA: D. H. & Co.'s Editions of Handy Volume Classics. [Lucile is #41 in the series]. The Handsomest Lines Published. A choice selection of standard and popular works in Poetry and Prose, taken from the most noted works in English literature. Each line is carefully printed on a superior quality of paper from absolutely new plates, made from large clear type. Each book is complete and unabridged. The line embraces 77 Titles, each published in four distinct styles of binding [each illustrated with a cut] as follows:
Style No. 1. --Is bound in the best Binder's Cloth, assorted colors, stamped on side and back in silver from unique design. -- each book in a printed wrapper. -- Price per volume 50 cents.
Style No. 2. --Is bound in English Silk Vellum Cloth, assorted colors, stamped with genuine gold rim on side and back, full gilt top. Each book contains a silk ribbon marker and a double head-band. Price per volume, 75 cents.
Style No. 3. --Is bound in genuine half crushed seal and turkey red morocco with full gilt top, double silk head-bands, ribbon marker and rich ornamental linings.--Each book packed in a neat box. Price per volume, $1.50.
Style No. 4. --Is bound in full Watered Turkey Levant, padded-- Gold stamping with full gilt top, double silk head-bands, ribbon marker and rich ornamental linings, round corners. Each book is packed in a neat box. Price per volume, $2.00.
Donohue, Henneberry & Co.'s Handy Volume Classics. 1895 PTLA: In convienence of size, attractiveness of make-up and in literary excellance this line is without a peer. It embraces 100 select and standard books by the world's greatest authors. Printed from a uniformly large clear type, on a superior quality of paper, bound in full cloth, stamped in silver from attractive and unique designs. This series the greatest variety of titles published, and embraces only works of standard merit in poetry and prose. Each book has a printed wrapper and the list of titles is unsurpassed. Price, per volume, 40 cts. [Lucile is #56. Cut of binding; two "specimen pages" also illustrated].
Handy Volume Classics in Sets. 1895 PTLA: Bound in Full Cloth. Consisting of 50 sets of the most Popular and Standard Works, in poetry and prose, of the World's best Authors. Printed on a superior quality of paper from new clear type. Bound in genuine cloth and stamped silver with an attractive and unique die. Each set packed in a neat box. Price, per set, 80 cents. [Cut of binding; Lucile is packaged with Longfellow's Evangeline].
Full Morocco Leather. 1895 PTLA: Full Morocco Leather Series. The "Full Leather Series" contains 36 of the most representative and Standard "Classics" in poetry and prose. Each book is bound in One Piece of Genuine Morocco Leather, thus obviating the necessity of joining or patching. They are printed from new plates, on the highest quality of glazed paper. They are embossed from unique and tasty "dies," and the title and ornamental tracery is stamped on the back in gold. Rich and ornate linings and head-bands are used, and each book contains a silk-ribbon marker and Photo-gravure frontispiece and title page. This series is altogether the most durable and substantial fancy edition of "Classics" ever published. Each book in a neat box. Price... $1.00. [Cut of binding].
Full Morocco Leather. Two-Volume Classic Sets. 1895 PTLA: The "Full Leather Two-Volume Classics Sets" embrace the most popular classics in prose and poetry. They are printed on Superior Glazed Paper from New and Perfect Places. Each book is bound in One Piece of Genuine Morocco Leather, thus obviating the necessity of joining or patching. They are embossed from unique and tasty "dies," and the title and ornamental tracery is stamped on the back in genuine gold. Rich and ornate linings and head- bands are used, and each book contains a silk-ribbon marker and photo-gravure frontispiece and title page. Each Set is packed in a Neat Box. Price per set, $2.00. [Cut of bindings; Lucile is packaged with Longfellow's Poems].
D., H. & C0.'s Handy Volume Classics. POPULAR BOOKS BY THE WORLD'S GREATEST AUTHORS. In convenience of size, attractiveness of make-up and in literary excellence this line is without a peer. It embraces 160 select and standard books by the world's greatest authors. Printed from a uniformly large clear type, on a superior quality of paper, bound in full cloth, stamped in silve from attractive and unique designs. This series contains the greatest variety of titles published, and embraces only works of standard merit in oetry and prose. Each book has a printed wrapper and the list of titles is unsurpassed. Price per volume 25c. [Lucile is #67 in the series].
Gem Edition: 1895 PTLA: The Gem Edition of Popular and Fast Selling Books By Favorite Authors. Bound in Genuine Cloth. Size of Book, 6 1/2 x 4 inches. Convenient and Handy to read. They are charmingly bound in Cloth with special designs and name of title stamped on the side and back. All are printed from large, clear type. The latest and best works of Fiction, as well as many of the Standard Romances of the old school of authors, are included in the "Gem Edition." They will fit in the pocket, and are comfortable and pleasing to hold while reading. Price, 25c. [Cut of binding; Lucile is #25].
Watered Silk Series. 1895 PTLA: The "Watered Silk Series" embraces 36 of the most popular and desirable "classics" in prose and poetry. They are printed on Superior Finished, Glazed Paper from New and Perfect Plates. They are bound in Genuine Moired Silk of the Highest Grade, tastetfully stamped in gold. Each Book contains a Photo-Gravure Frontispiece and Title Page; they are embellished with double-silk head-bands, a silk-ribbon marker and rich ornamenal linings. They are faultless and perfect in every detail. Each packed in a neat box. Price, $1.50. [Cut of binding].
Watered Silk Two-Volume Sets. 1895 PTLA: The most popular and desirable "classics" in prose and poetry. They are printed on superior finished, glazed paper from new and perfect plates. They are bound in Genuine Moired Silk of the Highest Grade, tastetfully stamped in gold. Each one contains a photo-gravure frontispiece and title page, and they are embellished with double-silk head-bands, a silk-ribbon marker and rich ornamenal linings. They are faultless and perfect in every detail. Each Set is Packed in a Neat Box. Price per set, $3.00. [Cut of binding; Lucile is packaged with Longfellow's Poems].
1897-1898 Catalog: Dresden Editions: HANDY VOLUME CLASSICS. In unique holiday and presentation bindings. The books in this series are printed from new plates, on highly glazed paper, bound in cloth, with Dresden finish, gilt top and stamped in silver on sides and back from new and original designs, and each book will contain an illuminated front-piece, a silk ribbon marker, and the title page will be printed in two colors. 16mo. size. Price, boxed, 75 cts. [Lucile is #12 in series of twelve "Poetical" titles].
Unidentified 16mo Editions
Known copies for which details are not known: NL 0594624 Harvard, 379p, 15cm, [189-?]; NL 0594598 NYPL 188-, 369p., 12mo, [188-?] has been rebound.
Last revised: 16 March 2024