George Edward Brett

George Edward Brett
Born	1829 Halling, Kent, England
Died	11 June 1890 (aged 60–61) New York, United States
Nationality	British
Occupation	Publisher
Known for	Opening first American office of Macmillan Publishing
Children	George Platt Brett, Sr.

George Edward Brett (1829–1890) opened the first American office of Macmillan Publishing called Macmillan & Co. of New York.

Career

Brett was assigned by Alexander Macmillan (publisher) to create the New York Office in August 1869. Brett was aided in the creation of the New York office, by American firm Messrs Pott & Amery. Frederick Macmillan commenting on Brett resignation letter said "We have all been profoundly touched by your letter . . . it is a great achievement for a man to go through this life with a spotless reputation & to be successful in what he sets himself to do. You will have succeeded in both these aims, and whatever fortune may have in store for the New York Agency, we shall not forget who it was that brought it through troublous times." The Brett's remained in control of the American offices of Macmillan from its creation in 1869 to the early 1960s, “a span matched by few other families in the history of United States business.”

Brett opened the New York branch of Macmillan Publishing at Clayton Hall., 53 Bleecker Street, New York, NY.

On May 1, 1890, Brett's son George Platt Brett, Sr., succeeded him as head of the New York office of Macmillan.

Prior to joining Macmillan, Brett worked for Simpkin Marshall & Co.

Additional Resources

• Chronicles of Barabbas 1884-1934 By George H. Doran
• The House of Macmillan (1843–1943) by Charles Morgan

See also

• George Platt Brett, Sr.
• George Platt Brett
• Richard M. Brett
• Macmillan Publishing