Chapter XXI: James Harper

The Brothers Harper--Birth and parentage of James Harper--The Long Island home--James Harper goes to New York--Becomes a "devil"--Winning his way--How he gave his card to a stranger--Arrival of "Brother John"---Good habits--Sets up for himself--"J. & J. Harper, Printers"--How they started in business--Integrity rewarded--First job--Their first effort at stereotyping--The Harpers become publishers on their own account--Their early ventures--Feeling their way to success--Their publications--Character of their books--How they drove the "yellow covers" out of the market--Their prosperity--Admission of new partners--The great fire--Destruction of the establishment of Harper & Brothers--Energy of the firm--Re-establishment of their business--Their new premises--Description of the buildings--Personal characteristics of Mr. James Harper--Religious life--Liberality of sentiment--His industry--Elected Mayor of New York--Kindness to his operatives--Physical Vigor--"The Lord knows best"--Accident to Mr. Harper and his daughter--His death.

CHAPTER XXII.

JAMES T. FIELDS.

The old "Corner Book-store" in Boston and its associations--Carter & Bendee employ a new clerk--Birth and early life of James T. Fields--His literary talent--Governor Woodbury's advice--Enters mercantile life--Determined to rise--His studies--The result--Associated with Edward Everett at the age of eighteen--His business talent--Steady promotion--Becomes head clerk with Allen & Ticknor--Establishment of the firm of Ticknor & Fields--Success as a publisher--High character of his house--Relations toward authors--Publications of Ticknor & Fields--Removal--Organization of the firm of Fields, Osgood & Co.--The new book-store--An elegant establishment--Mr. Field's literary success--Statement of a friend--"Common Sense"--His contributions to the periodicals of the firm--Travels in Europe--Personal appearance.

V. EDITORS.