H. W. Hewet, New York

Not much is known about Henry W. Hewet or his publishing company, H W. Hewet. In 1843 it published the works of Shakespeare as well as books of common prayer. Beside publishing Hewet did engraving and printing.

In 1855-1856 it printed its only juvenile series, the ten volume:

Hewet's Illuminated Household Stories for Little Folks

Late 1855 ads note eleven titles in the series. It appears that "Babes on the Woods" however was never published.

These books were written anonymously. They were illustrated by W. H. Thwaites.

Each of these books was copyrighted in 1855. Contemporaneous newspaper ads however indicate that some of the later numbers were actually first published in 1856.

These volumes were published in boards (50 cents) as well as card covers (25 cents).
The board cover volumes have been seen in red with gilt that matches the pictures and lettering of the covers of the books in wraps.

7" x 5.5". Each book has ten illustrations including a full color frontispiece.

Interestingly D. Appleton and Co. published this same set of ten books with H. W. Hewet noted as the engraver and printer with 1855 at the base of the title page. The Hewet publications list no date but contemporaneous newspaper articles note the first publication of these books in 1855 and 1856.

Hewet sold the copyright to this series to Brown, Loomis & Co. in December, 1856. Brown, Bazin & Co. also published this series.