James Pott & Co.

James Pott (1829-1905) was a native of New York City. In 1860 he became an agent for the "New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society". Pott joined Mr. Amery in the bookselling business at that time. The firm also acted as agents for several firms including Eyre & Spottiswoode, the London Bible Warehouse and Macmillan & Co. It published a number of volumes on its own imprint.

In August, 1871 the firm of Pott & Amery dissolved. James Pott directly thereafter associated with Edwin Young and James B. Young, former grocers and distillers, to establish Pott, Young & Co. The new firm was a publisher as well as an agent for other companies.

In 1880 James Pott left the firm and went into the publishing and bookselling business on his namesake firm. In 1884 his son joined the venture and the outfit was renamed James Pott & Co. The Young's in 1881 began their publishing company E. & J. B. Young & Co.

Pott & Amery only published one known juvenile series. Pott, Young & Co. published a number of juvenile series. Many were as a co-publisher with the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. A majority of these series were later reprinted by E. & J. B. Young & Co. James Pott & Co. published juvenile series in the 1890's. Most of these books were American first editions.

1890 advertising cover

The books from these firms are relatively uncommon. It is unclear for the most part as to the exact date of their publications. Estimates are given in the series pages.

Pott & Amery 1860-1871
Pott, Young & Co. 1871-1880
James Pott 1880-1884
James Pott & Co. 1884-1900+
E. & J. B. Young 1880-1900+