Stackpole Books: A Legacy of Military and Outdoor Publishing
From its early roots in Pennsylvania journalism to its status as a respected name in specialized nonfiction, Stackpole Books has carved out a unique niche in the American publishing landscape. With a history deeply intertwined with military service and a passion for the great outdoors, the company has evolved through various mergers and acquisitions to become a primary source for reference and history.
The Foundations of a Publishing Empire
The origins of Stackpole Books trace back to the early 19th century with the Evening Telegraph in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In 1901, E. J. Stackpole Sr. acquired a controlling interest in the Telegraph Press. The business was later managed by his son, Edward J. Stackpole Jr., a highly decorated World War I general who earned the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and three Purple Hearts.
The company expanded its reach in 1930 by acquiring the Washington, D.C.-based National Service Publishing Company (established in 1921). This entity was renamed the Military Service Publishing Company, focusing on textbooks for military services. One of its most enduring contributions is the Army Officer’s Guide, which remains in print today in updated editions.
During the same year, E. J. Stackpole Jr. and his brother Albert founded Stackpole Sons, a trade company with offices in New York City. By 1936, Stackpole Sons began publishing a diverse range of works, including autobiographies by Huey Long and Benny Goodman, as well as fiction by John Fante and Damon Runyon. While both the Military Service Publishing Company and Stackpole Sons operated as divisions of Telegraph Press, the trade division briefly merged with the Heck Company in the 1940s as Stackpole & Heck before returning to the name Stackpole Company.
Supporting the Troops: The World War II Era
During World War II, the Military Services Publishing Company played a vital role in providing entertainment to soldiers through "Superior Reprints." These were small, inexpensive paperback editions of fiction, primarily focusing on detective and mystery genres.
While these books were larger than the Armed Services Editions (ASEs), they were designed to fit easily into military uniform cargo pockets. Unlike the ASEs, which were provided for free, Superior Reprints were sold to the soldiers, offering noncontroversial entertainment during the war effort.
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Evolution into Nonfiction and Outdoor Expertise
By the 1950s, the company shifted its strategic focus toward nonfiction, specifically in the realms of history and the outdoors. Stackpole became well-known for publishing the works of wilderness survivalist Bradford Angier. His influential titles, such as Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants, Field Guide to Medicinal Wild Plants, Feasting Free on Wild Edibles, and Looking for Gold, continue to be available in new editions.
The company's commitment to history was further bolstered by E. J. Stackpole Jr., an esteemed author of American Civil War history. His notable works published by the house include They Met at Gettysburg, The Fredericksburg Campaign, Chancellorsville, and Sheridan in the Shenandoah.
Modern Era and Corporate Transitions
In 1959, the Military Service and Stackpole divisions merged to officially form Stackpole Books. The house maintained its reputation for military reference and history while becoming particularly noted for its literature on fly fishing. Over time, the catalog expanded to include travel, regional, and crafts books.
The company entered a new chapter in 2015 when it was acquired by Rowman & Littlefield. Shortly thereafter, in 2016, Stackpole Magazines were sold to Ampry Publishing.
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Key Facts
- Origins: Started with the Evening Telegraph in Harrisburg, PA.
- Military Ties: Led by Edward J. Stackpole Jr., a decorated WWI general.
- Key Publication: The Army Officer’s Guide remains a staple of their military catalog.
- WWII Contribution: Produced "Superior Reprints" for soldiers.
- Outdoor Legacy: Published seminal wilderness guides by Bradford Angier.
- Current Ownership: Acquired by Rowman & Littlefield in 2015.
| Period/Year | Entity/Event | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Early 19th Century | Evening Telegraph | Journalism/Press |
| 1930 | Military Service Publishing Co. | Military Textbooks |
| 1936 | Stackpole Sons | General Trade/Fiction |
| 1940s | Stackpole & Heck | Brief Merger |
| 1959 | Stackpole Books | Military, History, and Outdoors |
| 2015 | Rowman & Littlefield | Acquisition |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous military book still published by Stackpole?
The Army Officer’s Guide, originally published by the Military Service Publishing Company, remains in print in updated editions.
Who was Edward J. Stackpole Jr.?
He was a decorated World War I general and an esteemed author of American Civil War history who led the company for many years.
What were "Superior Reprints"?
These were small, affordable paperback fiction books (mostly mystery and detective stories) produced for soldiers during World War II, designed to fit in cargo pockets.
Which outdoor author is closely associated with Stackpole Books?
Wilderness survivalist Bradford Angier is highly associated with the house, known for his field guides on edible and medicinal wild plants.
Who owns Stackpole Books today?
Stackpole Books was acquired by Rowman & Littlefield in 2015.