John Newbery
John Newbery (9 July 1713 – 22 December 1767), called "The Father of Children's Literature", was an English publisher of books who first made children's literature a sustainable and profitable part of the literary market. He also supported and published the works of Christopher Smart, Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Johnson. In honor of his achievements in children's publishing, the Newbery Medal was named after him.
Early life
Newbery was born in 1713 to Robert Newbery, a farmer, in Waltham St Lawrence, Berkshire, England. When he was younger he gave himself an education. He was apprenticed to a local printer, William Ayers, at the age of sixteen. The business was later sold to William Carnan. In 1737 Carnan, died and left the business to his brother, Charles Carnan, and Newbery. Two years later, Newbery married William Carnan's widow, Jordan Mary. He adopted Mary's three children, John, Thomas and Anna-Maria. In 1740 their daughter, Mary was born. John, born in 1741, died at age 11. Son Francis arrived in 1743.
