James Harper (publisher)
James Harper | |
|---|---|
Engraving of James Harper by Frederick Halpin (1805–1880); the photograph from which this portrait was drawn was taken two days before Harper's death in 1869. | |
| 65th Mayor of New York City | |
| In office 1844–1845 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Morris |
| Succeeded by | William F. Havemeyer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 13, 1795 Newtown, New York, US |
| Died | March 27, 1869 (aged 73) New York City, US |
| Profession | Publisher |
James Harper (April 13, 1795 – March 27, 1869) was an American publisher and politician. Along with his brother John, Harper formed publishing company J. & J. Harper (now Harper) in 1817. He incorporated his brothers Joseph and Fletcher into the company in 1825, changing its name to Harper & Brothers.
Harper company's first successful publishing was Maria Monk's Awful Disclosures in 1836. Eight years later, Harper was elected as the 65th Mayor of New York City. Beginning his term as mayor in 1844, his tenure was cut short by an ousting in April 1845. Outside of publishing and politics, Harper was a trustee of Vassar College until his death in 1869. Harper's company was later merged with another publisher to form Harper & Row in 1962 and HarperCollins in 1990 under the News Corporation banner.