Hamlyn (publisher)

Hamlyn was a British publishing house, originally founded by Paul Hamlyn as Paul Hamlyn Publishing Group in 1947. It became known for producing affordable, high-quality illustrated books, particularly in the areas of cooking, gardening, natural history, and children's books.

Hamlyn achieved early success with budget-priced books sold through non-traditional retail outlets such as Woolworths. This innovative distribution strategy broadened access to books for a wider audience.

Over time, the company expanded its range to include reference books, encyclopedias, and fiction.

In 1964, the Paul Hamlyn Publishing Group was acquired by the International Publishing Corporation (IPC). Throughout the following decades, Hamlyn continued to be a significant force in the publishing industry, undergoing various ownership changes and restructuring.

Later, Hamlyn became part of Reed Elsevier, and its identity was gradually integrated into larger publishing imprints. While the Hamlyn name is no longer as prominent as it once was, its legacy remains significant for its contribution to popularising affordable, informative books. The imprint is currently part of Octopus Publishing Group, a division of Hachette UK.