New York McLoughlin Bros. 1895 John McLoughlin was a Scottish-born coach maker who became a prominent figure in the New York publishing industry during the 19th century. He began in 1819 after moving to New York and initially worked for the Sterling Iron Company, where he developed an interest in printing. By 1828, he had established his own printing business on Tryon Row in Manhattan, focusing on publishing semi-religious tracts for children under the title McLoughlin's Books for Children. In 1840, McLoughlin partnered with wood engraver Robert H. Elton to form Elton & Co., which specialised in toy books, comic almanacs, and valentines. His son, John McLoughlin Jr., eventually took over in 1850 when both senior partners retired. The firm of McLoughlin Brothers is listed at 24 Beekman St. in the New York directories for 1858 to 1862, McLoughlin Bros. was located at 30 Beekman St., New York, between 1863 and April, 1870. Under John Jr.'s leadership, the company became known as McLoughlin Brothers and pioneered the use of colour printing technologies, including chromolithography, for children's books. This innovation made their publications visually striking and widely popular. The McLoughlin Brothers expanded their offerings to include games, puzzles, paper dolls, and other children's products. By 1870, they had opened the largest colour printing factory in the United States. Their works often featured adaptations of British stories by illustrators such as Randolph Caldecott and Kate Greenaway. The company thrived until it was sold to Milton Bradley in 1920. Despite this transition, the McLoughlin imprint continued to produce children's books into the early 20th century.
First edition thus. An uncommon work, in very nice condition. stiff card covers, cut into the shape of the image of Crusoe to the front board. Bright lithographic printing. There is some creasing to the top of his umbrella, and some rubbing to the spine with splitting to the bottom edge. Overall though, a clean copy. Stapled binding. 12 pages, illustrated throughout (including the inside of the covers). Each page is illustrated. Six of the pages are in full colour with a large, bright lithograph to each page. The other six are in black and white with smaller line engravings. The non lithographed pages are a little darkened. Overall a nice copy. 32cm x 16cm. .