The first issue of The Weekly Trade Circular appeared in print on January 18, 1872, and included a rundown of books and publishing news for the year just ended.

1871 had seen development of a “new school” of writers as well as a “copyright muddle” between the U.S. and England, according to the discursive account.

A year later, the magazine was renamed The Publishers’ Weekly. Over 150 yearsPW has delivered news and reviews to an audience of publishers, librarians, and readers.

Click below to listen to the latest episode of the Velocity of Content podcast

Since 1872, Publishers Weekly Has Delivered The News

“This is a meaningful milestone, and a real source of pride for all of us and especially our owner George Slowik,” says Andrew AlbanesePW senior writer.

“When George and his partner, Patrick Turner, bought the magazine in April 2010 from Reed Business Information, the digital revolution was in a much different place,” he recalls. “The future of trades like PW were very much up in the air. In 2022, PW is now in a strong position.”

Throughout this anniversary year, Albanese tells CCC, “We are digging into our digital archive to look back on important events over the past 150 years. Later this year, PW will publish a special 150th anniversary issue.”

Author: Christopher Kenneally

Christopher Kenneally hosts CCC's Velocity of Content podcast series, which debuted in 2006 and is the longest continuously running podcast covering the publishing industry. As CCC's Senior Director, Marketing, he is responsible for organizing and hosting programs that address the business needs of all stakeholders in publishing and research. His reporting has appeared in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, The Independent (London), WBUR-FM, NPR, and WGBH-TV.
Don't Miss a Post

Subscribe to the award-winning
Velocity of Content blog