Rossiter Johnson: A Legacy of Editorial Mastery and Historical Writing
Rossiter Johnson was a prolific figure in American letters, carving out a distinguished career as both a meticulous editor and a versatile author. His work spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during which he helped shape the accessibility of knowledge through the creation of massive encyclopedias, curated poetry collections, and detailed historical accounts.
Key Facts
- Editorial Leadership: Served as editor-in-chief of The Biographical Dictionary of America (1906) and World's Great Books (1898–1901).
- Diverse Portfolio: Authored works ranging from novels and poetry to military histories and biographies.
- Academic Contributions: Devised the Little Classics series and edited the 16-volume The Literature of Italy.
- Institutional Role: Spent six years as the secretary of the New York Authors Club.
A Distinguished Career in Editing
Johnson's editorial journey began in the mid-1860s, where he developed a reputation for managing complex publications. From 1864 to 1868, he worked with Robert Carter on the Rochester Democrat, a Republican newspaper, before moving to New Hampshire to edit the Statesman from 1869 to 1872.
His expertise soon shifted toward reference works. Between 1873 and 1877, he collaborated with George Ripley and Charles A. Dana on the American Cyclopædia. This penchant for comprehensive knowledge continued throughout his life; he edited the authorized Life of Farragut in 1878 and assisted Sydney Howard Gay with the final two volumes of Gay's History of the United States (1879–1880).
In the following decades, Johnson held several high-profile leadership roles, including editor of the Annual Cyclopaedia (1883) and managing editor of Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography (1886–1888). He also contributed to the editorial staff of the Standard Dictionary from 1891 to 1894.
Curating Literature and History
Beyond reference books, Johnson was passionate about making great literature accessible to the general public. He devised the Little Classics series, which began in 1874 and saw multiple editions through 1887. His curated collections include Works of the British Poets (1876), Fifty Perfect Poems (1882), and the massive 50-volume World's Great Books series.
His editorial reach extended to historical documentation, most notably in the four-volume A History of the World's Columbian Exposition (1898), documenting the 1893 Chicago event. He also co-edited the 16-volume The Literature of Italy with Dora Knowlton Ranous in 1906.
Contributions as an Author
While his editorial work was vast, Johnson was also a talented writer. He contributed frequently to periodicals, including the "The Whispering Gallery" section of the Overland Monthly. His bibliography is a testament to his range, covering fiction, poetry, and military history.
His historical writing focused heavily on conflict and diplomacy, with titles such as A History of the War between the United States and Great Britain in 1812-1815 and Short History of the War with Spain. He also explored the American Civil War through A Short History of the War of Secession and Episodes of the Civil War.
In addition to history, Johnson wrote the novel Phaeton Rogers, a Novel of Boy Life and published volumes of poetry, including Idler and Poet (1883), which featured the popular poem "Ninety-nine in the Shade." His later works included the instructional The Alphabet of Rhetoric (1903) and a biography of Helen Kendricks Johnson (1917).
Summary of Major Works
| Category | Notable Work | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | The Biographical Dictionary of America | 1906 |
| Reference | World's Great Books (50 vols.) | 1898–1901 |
| Literature | Little Classics | 1874–1887 |
| History | A History of the War between the US and Great Britain | 1882 |
| Poetry | Idler and Poet | 1883 |
| Biography | Biography of Helen Kendricks Johnson | 1917 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Rossiter Johnson's most significant editorial roles?
Johnson served as the editor-in-chief of The Biographical Dictionary of America and World's Great Books, and was the managing editor of Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography.
Did Rossiter Johnson write any fiction?
Yes, he wrote the novel Phaeton Rogers, a Novel of Boy Life, which was first published as a serial in St. Nicholas in 1881, as well as the story The End of a Rainbow (1892).
Which historical events did Johnson document in his writing?
He wrote extensively on the War of 1812, the French War (conquest of Canada), the American Civil War (War of Secession), and the Spanish-American War.
What was the "Little Classics" series?
The Little Classics was a series of volumes devised and edited by Johnson between 1874 and 1887, intended to provide accessible versions of classic literary works.
Was Rossiter Johnson involved in any professional literary societies?
Yes, he served as the secretary of the New York Authors Club for six years and co-prepared the Liber Scriptorum (1893).