Random House, Inc., is the world’s leading English-language general trade book publisher. This company publishes fiction, nonfiction and children’s books. Random House assumed its current ownership with its acquisition by Bertelsmann in 1998, and its signature imprint was founded in 1925. Some of its popular classic bestsellers include “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte and “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.
Penguin Group is one of the largest English-language trade book publishers in the world. This company is owned by international media company Pearson, which has businesses in education, business information and consumer publishing. Penguin is also a world leader in publishing children’s books. Penguin Group was formed in 1996 through the merging of Penguin Books USA and the Putnam Berkley Group. Some of its bestselling authors include Ken Follett, Tom Clancy and Al Gore.
HarperCollins Publishers is another one of the globe’s leading English-language publishers. The company publishes in a variety of genres, including literary and commercial fiction; children’s, business, religious and romance books; and even cookbooks. HarperCollins Publishers was founded in 1817 in New York City as J. & J. Harper, and the worldwide book group came about following News Corporation’s 1990 acquisition of British publisher William Collins & Sons. A few popular authors include Mark Twain, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
Scholastic is the largest publisher of children’s books. The company produces more than 600 new hardcover, paperback and novelty books annually. Scholastic was founded in 1920 by M. R. Robinson in Pittsburgh. Books include the popular series “Clifford the Big Red Dog,” “Goosebumps” and “I Spy,” and authors include J. K. Rowling and Ann M. Martin. The company also has book clubs and book fairs in schools across the country.
Hachette Book Group is a leading American book publisher and is owned by Hachette Livre, the world’s second largest publisher. The company annually produces about 450 adult books, 150 young adult and children’s books and 60 audio books. Hachette Book Group was founded when Hachette Livre acquired Time Warner Book Group from Time Warner in 2006, but it originally dates back to 1837 as Little, Brown and Company. Contemporary bestsellers include “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer, and early book lists featured such books as “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott.