Peter Humblot
Peter Humblot | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Berlin, Germany |
| Died | December 11, 1828 (aged 49) |
| Occupation(s) | Bookseller, publisher |
Peter Humblot (13 March 1779 – 11 December 1828) was a notable German bookseller and publisher.
Life
Peter Humblot was born in Berlin as the second son of a knife craftsman originally from Langres, Champagne, who had moved to Berlin seeking improved commercial prospects. He received a thorough education in Berlin before undertaking an apprenticeship at the "Franckesche Buchhandlung." To equip himself for the book industry, Humblot dedicated his free time to studying literary history, bibliography, and encyclopedias, utilizing his excellent memory and linguistic talents.
In 1798, he shifted his apprenticeship to the "Thomassche Buchhandlung" located in Braunschweig. Upon completing this training, he relocated to Basel in 1800 to work with the "Deckersche Buchhandlung," where he developed important professional connections. Returning to Berlin in 1802, he joined the publishing firm following the death of its owner.
Humblot briefly pursued business opportunities in Paris but was back in Berlin by 1806 amid the French occupation. His associate Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Duncker managed the publishing enterprise of Heinrich Frölich after Frölich's sudden passing that year. Despite resistance from Frölich’s widow, Duncker revived the company and convinced her to sell it in 1808. The following year, on 1 January 1809, Duncker and Humblot became equal partners in ownership, rebranding the firm as Duncker & Humblot, which continues to operate today.
In 1828, Humblot was chosen as a deputy member of the Berlin city council but passed away later that same year.
Personal
Peter Humblot married Amélie Jordan (1789–1877), daughter of a jeweler from Berlin, in 1812. Their daughter Bertha later wed physicist and chemist Heinrich Gustav Magnus.