16 Facts About Jonathan Cape

Jonathan Cape is a London publishing firm founded in 1921 by Herbert Jonathan Cape, who was head of the firm until his death in 1960.

Jonathan Cape received a basic schooling and in his early teens he was taken on by Hatchards bookshop in Piccadilly as an errand-boy.

Four years later, in 1899, Jonathan Cape joined the London office of the American publishers Harper and Brothers, where he worked, successively, as clerk, general utility man and travelling salesman, first in the provinces and later in London.

Jonathan Cape quickly saw that Howard had a fine sense of design in book production, as well as a good business head; the two became friends and allies.

Each of the three principals brought his own contribution to the firm's success: Jonathan Cape was experienced in publishing; Howard ensured high quality design and production; and Garnett was given the freedom to foster talent and build up a fine publishing list.

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The Jonathan Cape edition sold out and had to be reprinted several times.

Jonathan Cape Ltd became Lawrence's publishers, issuing Revolt in the Desert, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and The Mint .

Jonathan Cape was among the first British publishers to seek out American authors.

British and other European authors published by Cape included H E Bates, Peter Fleming, Robert Graves, Christopher Isherwood, James Joyce, Malcolm Lowry, Andre Maurois, Douglas Reed, and Henry Williamson.

Jonathan Cape opened an American publishing house in 1929, first in partnership with Harrison Smith and later with Robert Ballou.

In 1927 Jonathan Cape married Olyve Vida James, with whom he had a son and a daughter; Olyve Jonathan Cape died in 1931.

Jonathan Cape suffered two strokes in 1954, which impaired his speech, but he fought his way back to health.

Jonathan Cape was still running the firm when he celebrated his 80th birthday in November 1959.

Jonathan Cape died suddenly at his London flat on 10 February 1960.

Jonathan Cape signed up Len Deighton, whose series of spy novels was a gritty alternative to the far-fetched adventures of James Bond.

In 1987 Jonathan Cape was taken over and became an imprint of Random House.