Abstract
As a member of the council of trustees of a public library, the present writer has often smiled when the name of Messrs. Charles Griffin and Co. has been accepted as the guarantee of a book rather than that of the less known but aspiring author. He well remembers an interview with Miss Elizabeth Eaves Griffin, who selected him, after the manner recorded on p. 8 of this memorial volume, to prepare a very dry and formal text-book, because she had read a sketch of midnight travel written by him in a school magazine. No wonder, then, that he joins with many others in applauding the perspicacity of the firm. It was a happy thought to bring together its history, told by writers who understand what scientific progress means. Prof. Beare thus deals with engineering, Sir W. Abell with naval architecture, Prof. Gow-land with metallurgy, and Prof. Louis with mining. In each case the works published in Exeter Street are mentioned in connection with researches and technological developments that have affected the world at large, and the excellent portraits of authors, such as those of Sir W. Roberts-Austen, Sir Edjvard Reed, and Mr. Alfred Brothers, are a pleasing record in themselves. The founders and directors of the house are also happily represented, and Mr. F. J. Blight is revealed to us in a welcome moment when he is not called upon to write his well-known signature. The book rightly characterises many of the works issued as “pioneers.” It is edited with as much good taste as is shown in its technical production.
The Centenary Volume of Charles Griffin and Co., Ltd., Publishers, 1820–1920.
With Foreword by Lord Moulton. Pp. xx + 290 + plates. (London: Charles Griffin and Co., Ltd., 1920.)
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The Centenary Volume of Charles Griffin and Co, Ltd, Publishers, 1820–1920 . Nature 106, 403 (1920). https://doi.org/10.1038/106403c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/106403c0