Ernst Steiger

Ernst Steiger
Born	Template:Birth date Gastewitz, Kingdom of Saxony
Died	August 2, 1917(1917-08-02) (aged 84) Sea Gate, Long Island, New York, United States
Occupation(s)	Bookseller, publisher, bibliographer
Known for	Publishing for German American community; language learning materials; Kindergarten education resources

Ernst Steiger (October 4, 1832 – August 2, 1917) was a prominent American bookseller, publisher, and bibliographer.

Background

Steiger was born in Gastewitz, Kingdom of Saxony. In 1848, he began an apprenticeship under Bernhard Hermann, a bookseller based in Leipzig, where he progressed from a delivery assistant to an office clerk. By 1853, he was employed at the bookshop of W. Türk in Dresden.

In America

After relocating to New York City in 1855, Steiger joined B. Westermann & Co. and eventually became a silent partner. He established his own enterprise in 1866, focusing on bookkeeping supplies, importing German-language books, and publishing activities. Proficient in German, English, French, and Spanish, Steiger produced significant publications for the German Americans community as well as language learning materials and resources supporting the developing Kindergarten education system.

Among his important works were Der Nachdruck in Nordamerika (1860), Das Copyright-Law in den Vereinigten Staaten (1869), Periodical Literature (1873), and the series titled Steiger's Educational Directory.

In recognition of his publishing achievements, Steiger was awarded the Prussian Order of the Crown and the Imperial Austrian Order of Franz Joseph by 1898.

He passed away in 1917 at his summer residence located in Sea Gate, Long Island. His son Ernst Jr., along with a daughter, continued as partners in E. Steiger & Co.