Christian Steen (publisher)
Christian Steen | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1786-10-06 Steenbroen, Tårs Parish, Vendsyssel, Denmark |
| Died | 1861-04-02 |
| Occupation(s) | Bookseller, publisher |
| Known for | Introducing children's literature and cartographic works to the Danish market; founding Valdemarshåb paper mill |
Christian Steen (born 6 October 1786 – died 2 April 1861) was a prominent Danish bookseller and publisher. He initially operated under the name Chr. Steen before adopting the title Chr. Steen & Søn when his son became involved in the business. Steen was instrumental in introducing children's literature and cartographic works to the Danish market. In addition to running his bookstore and publishing enterprise, he managed a substantial paper wholesale operation and established the Valdemarshåb paper mill near Køge in 1844.
Early life
Born on 6 October 1786 in Steenbroen, Tårs Parish, Vendsyssel, Steen was the son of Christen Christensen, a smallholder and carpenter, and Kirsten Margrethe Nielsdatter.
Career
In 1807, Steen relocated to Copenhagen where he served an apprenticeship at Arentzen & Hartier located at Børsen. Following the company's insolvency in 1810, he acquired its assets and inaugurated a bookstore on Helligeiststræde. This establishment was later moved to the intersection of Pilestræde and Sværtegade. By 1820, he had purchased property at Kronprinsensgade 37.
Steen broadened his activities into book and magazine publishing under the name Chr. Steen. The business was renamed Chr. S. & Søn in 1846 after his son Hans Christian Frederik Steen joined as a partner. His notable publications encompassed J. Kr. Høst's De franskes Keiser Napoleons Levnet (1810–14), the periodical Adrastea (1815–17), the series Gallerie for danske og fremmede Classikere (1832–36) edited by Georg Carstensen, as well as works authored by Beatus Dodts, Carit Etlar, and Meïr Goldschmidt. Furthermore, he issued language textbooks, Danish translations of F. Marryat’s novels, educational materials, and elaborate illustrated herbariums produced through his own printing facilities.
As Denmark’s inaugural publisher specializing in children’s books and picture books—primarily German translations—Steen also pioneered the publication of Danish maps and atlases.
Beyond his literary pursuits, he maintained an extensive paper distribution business and invested in establishing the Valdemarshåb paper factory near Køge in 1844; however, this venture incurred considerable financial losses.
In 1837, he played a key role in founding the Association of Booksellers in Copenhagen.
Personal life and legacy
On 12 August 1810, Steen married Hansine Christiana Margrethe Ussing (1784–1865) in Christianshavn. She was the daughter of Niels Ussing and Margrethe Kirstine Anchersen.
Christian Steen passed away on 2 April 1862 and was laid to rest at Assistens Cemetery. His son briefly continued managing the company but suffered from illness and blindness before passing away a decade later. Subsequently, management fell to his widow Laura Steen (née Sønderberg, 1831–1916), who ultimately sold the firm to V. Pio in 1885.