A. Phelps, Greenfield, Massachusetts

Ansel Phelps (1789-1868) learned the book trade while apprenticing with William Bailey in Northampton. He moved to Greenfield in 1811 at which time he bought the Greenfield Gazette. In 1812 he sold an interest in the paper to the previous owner, John Denio, and the firm of Denio & Phelps was established. In 1823 Denio & Phelps dissolved and its successor became A. Phelps & Co. The Phelps firms went through a number of different partners until Phelps retired.

In addition to the newspaper business, Phelps was an active book publisher. He sold the publishing part of his firm to Geo. L. Ingersoll & Co. in 1855. It is unclear as to the date his company changed from A. Phelps & Co. to A. Phelps but the latter imprint has been seen as early as 1825.

A. Phelps published a number of different twelve volume chapbook series. Dated books between 1844 and 1849 have been noted. Unfortunately I have not seen any complete lists of titles. Some books with no cover number but with title page dates have been seen.

In addition a number of chapbooks with numbers but without dates have seen appreciated. What is known at this time is shown below with examples of some of the books. Information will be added as it is obtained. Appreciate that the decorative cover design is neither year nor title specific.

All of these titles are in wraps. Known book sizes are shown below.

1844

2. Pictures of Animals
3. A, B, C Book with Pictures of Birds
11. Farmer and Soldier By Mrs. Sigourney

Unnumbered books with 1844 dated title pages
Robin Redbreast
Little Poems for Little Readers
Advice for Sabbath School Children
Good Girl

2.5" x 4.5"


1845

4. Lazy Ned
5. Book of Pictures and Verses
6. Story for Charles
9. Soldier Turned Farmer
11. Seasons
12. Little Verses for Good Children

Unnumbered book with 1845 dated title pages
Red Squirrel

12 pp with covers


1846

1. Good Girl
4. Little Present for a Good Child
6. Jack Hasty
12. Seasons

20 pages with covers


1847

5. Spring Flowers: or, Easy Lessons for Young Children
6. Natural History of Birds
7. Milk for Babies
8. Robert or William, or the Beauties of Nature

2.75" x 4.75"


1848

3. Pleasing Instructor

32 mo.


1849

3. Present for Good Boys and Girls

4.75" x 2.75"

These numbered books without dates have been seen
2. Miller's Wife
3. Pleasing Instructor
5. A, B, C Book
6. Pictures of Animals
7. Jack Hasty 4 x 2.5 20 pp with covers
7. Red Squirrel. 12 pp
8. Soldier Turned Farmer
10. Stories About Tom, Jane and Ben
12. Little Present
3.75" x 2.5"


Phelps Juvenile Series (Arbitrarily named)

The only other series for juveniles that A. Phelps published has no name and no numbers. Four titles have been seen.

Paper covered boards. Book appropriate cover illustration. 5.5" x 4.5"
These books were published in the early 1840's.

Deerfield Captive by Rev Titus Strong
Gem, or, Picture Biographies  
Father's present; or, Scenes in History 1843 by Anonymous
Child's Picture Biography 1842