author
Frederick Saunders
1807–1902
A lively man of letters who moved from London to New York, he spent decades at the center of the city’s book world as a librarian, editor, and literary compiler. His career connected publishing, journalism, and libraries at a time when American literary culture was rapidly growing.
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About the author
Born in London in August 1807, he came from a publishing family and was sent to New York in 1837 on business for the firm of Saunders and Ottley. He stayed, built a career in books and journalism, and became known in literary circles as an energetic editor, compiler, and advocate for authors and readers.
Over the years he worked with the New York Evening Post, Harper & Brothers, and George P. Putnam. He later joined the Astor Library, where he served first as assistant librarian and then, from 1859 to 1896, as librarian, making him an important figure in New York’s library life during the nineteenth century.
He also wrote and edited a wide range of books, including anthologies, literary collections, and reminiscences such as Evenings with the Sacred Poets, Festival of Song, and Pastime Papers. He died in Brooklyn in December 1902, leaving behind the record of a long career spent among books, writers, and readers.