Frank Leslie Publishing House

CHATTERBOX COVERS

Frank Leslie (& Mrs Frank Leslie’s) Publishing House – New York

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Both Frank Leslie, and after his death in 1880, Mrs Frank Leslie, cashed in on the good name of Chatterbox by publishing their own versions of the book. The publishing house was successfully sued by Estes & Lauriat in the 1880’s so it is interesting to note they were still printing Frank Leslie’s Chatterbox in 1889/90 ! Both were fascinating characters who left a substantial legacy to America. Born Henry Carter in Ipswich, England in 1821, Frank Leslie was already established as an artist for the Illustrated London News before departing for the States in 1848. After illustrating for Barnum for a while, he set up his own publishing house where he acquired fame with some 22 periodicals and over 70 books. His Civil War coverage was second to none. He went bankrupt in 1877 and died in 1880 in New York. His wife, formerly Miriam Follin - actress & later Mrs Miriam Squier – editor, was an amazing lady. She changed her name to Frank Leslie after his death and gave the publishing house a new lease of life. The business was sold in 1902 when she became “the Baroness de Bazus”, society lady and fighter for women’s suffrage. She died in 1914 leaving a multi-million dollar estate.
Chatterbox 1877		Chatterbox 1878		Chatterbox 1879
	Chatterbox 1880		Frank Leslie’s Chatterbox March 1880
Frank Leslie’s Chatterbox May 1880		Frank Leslie’s Chatterbox Oct 1880		Frank Leslie’s Chatterbox 1881
	Frank Leslie’s Chatterbox 1882		Frank Leslie’s Chatterbox 1883
Frank Leslie’s Chatterbox 1884		Frank Leslie’s Chatterbox 1885		Frank Leslie’s Chatterbox 1885
	Frank Leslie’s Chatterbox 1896