Distribution
About the Publisher
In the 19th century, publishing companies were responsible for contracting with an author to write the book, arranging for a printer and bindery and marketing and selling the book. (Walker, 2013). Smith, Elder, and Co. was one of the most important publishing houses in 19th century Britain. It was founded in 1816 by George Smith and Alexander Elder (both Scottish-born), and the company's earliest known publication was in 1828. In 1847, just a few years before Modern German Music was published, the firm's first major success came from its publication of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre under the pseudonym "Currer Bell" (Adam Mathew Publications, 2013). Once Modern German Music was printed, bound, and ready for sale, representatives from Smith, Elder, and Co. might have traveled to different booksellers and book fairs in the United Kingdom and Europe to arrange the selling of the title. The title might also have been included in a catalogue similar to the one located in this book (see below) which would have been included in other books published by Smith, Elder, and Co. and distributed to booksellers and at fairs.
About the Seller
Though it's unclear where exactly this volume was first sold, there is a seller's ticket pasted into the inside front cover from H. Baron Music and Books, then located at 136 Chatsworth Road in London. H. Baron Music and Books is still in existence, though it has relocated to 121 Chatsworth Road. It was founded in 1949 by H. Baron and sells only music and music literature. (Music Library Association, 1966) It is likely that this volume of Modern German Music may have changed hands a few times before ending up at H. Baron. Its journey from London to the Music Library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where it currently resides, is also unknown, as there are no markings, bookplates, or other indications of ownership to be found within the book or its catalog record.