author
Rufus Merrill
1803–1891
A 19th-century Concord, New Hampshire bookseller and publisher, Rufus Merrill helped bring affordable, illustrated reading to young audiences. His imprint produced charming chapbooks on animals, birds, riddles, flowers, and other subjects for children.
2 Audiobooks
Stories About Indians
by Rufus Merrill
Book about Animals
by Rufus Merrill
About the author
Rufus Merrill (1803–1891) was a bookseller, stationer, and publisher based in Concord, New Hampshire. A surviving advertisement describes his shop as carrying toys, juvenile books, schoolbooks, and stationery, reflecting the broad range of materials available through his business.
Merrill published children’s chapbooks from at least 1843 through the 1860s, including A History of Beasts, A History of Birds, A Riddle Book, and My Flower-Pot. These small, accessible books often featured woodcut illustrations and simple educational or entertaining texts. His publishing business also operated under partnerships, including Merriam & Merrill and Merrill & Son.