Abrams Books

Abrams Books, a publishing house specializing in books, was established in 1949 by Harry Nathan Abrams. Located in New York City, New York, its initial focus was the publication of superior art and illustrated volumes. The company's early reputation was significantly boosted by Norman Rockwell's works under Harry Abrams' direction. A major success was achieved with The Art of Walt Disney, while Gnomes, authored by Wil Huygen and Rien Poortvliet, gained a spot on the New York Times bestseller list and saw a re-release in 2006. The publishing house became well-known for its in-depth monographic studies of contemporary artists. In 1966, The Times Mirror acquired Abrams, although Harry Abrams continued to lead the company. Upon Abrams' retirement in 1979, Paul Gottlieb assumed the roles of publisher and editor-in-chief, remaining in these positions until his passing in June of 2002.

The La Martinière Group, based in Paris, France, bought the company in 1997. In addition to its initial focus, Abrams Books now also concentrates on books about photography, design, architecture, art history, and natural history. The company has distribution agreements with prominent entities like Forbes magazine's book club, and it engages in co-publishing projects with cultural institutions and museums across the United States and Europe, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Guggenheim Museums. Furthermore, Abrams Books offers a selection of literature specifically for children, known as Abrams Books for Young Readers.