Richard Rogers Bowker

About

Richard Rogers Bowker was a renowned American journalist and businessman, born on September 4, 1848, in Salem, Massachusetts. He graduated from the City College of New York and began his career as a literary editor at the New York Evening Mail and later at the New York Tribune. Bowker was instrumental in the development of U.S. professional library standards. He co-founded Publishers Weekly in 1872 and was its editor for 50 years. Additionally, he was a key figure in establishing the Library Journal and the American Library Association in 1876. Bowker's contributions extended beyond journalism. He was a champion of authors' rights and wrote extensively on copyright law. He also supported civil service reform and was involved in the "Mugwump" movement. Bowker founded the R.R. Bowker Company, which specialized in bibliographical materials. He remained active in civic and political causes throughout his life. Despite health challenges, including blindness, Bowker continued to lead his company until his death on November 12, 1933. His legacy in the bibliographical profession remains significant, particularly through his company's ongoing role in the book trade.