Private company

George Allen & Unwin Limited

British publishing company

George Allen & Unwin was a British publishing company. Its history goes back to the 19th century when it was founded by George Allen with the backing of John Ruskin. When Allen died in 1907, the business continued under two of his sons, but merged with Swan Sonnenschein.2 It ceased to exist in 1986.1 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

1871Founded1
  • HeadquartersLondon1
  • Legal formprivate company limited by shares1

George Allen & Unwin was a British publishing company. Its history goes back to the 19th century when it was founded by George Allen with the backing of John Ruskin. When Allen died in 1907, the business continued under two of his sons, but merged with Swan Sonnenschein. After Sir Stanley Unwin purchased a controlling interest, the company changed its name to include Unwin's in 1914.2

The story

Founded by George Allen, John Ruskin and Stanley Unwin in 1871.1

Leadership

Who has led George Allen & Unwin Limited, and when. Pick a name to see everywhere that person has worked.

Subsidiaries and ownership

Owners

From Wikidata.1

Acquisitions

  1. 1976Allen & Unwin became a subsidiary1

Former names

  • George Allen & Unwin Ltd1914 to 19861
  • Geroge Allen & Co Ltd1911 to 19141
  • George Allen & Sons1890 to 19111

Timeline

  1. 1986Dissolved Dissolved1
  2. 1914Renamed Name changed to George Allen & Unwin Ltd1
  3. 1911Renamed Name changed to Geroge Allen & Co Ltd1
  4. 1871Founded Founded1

Sources

The numbers on this page point here. Each one links to the record it came from.

  1. 1
  2. 2