SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

Samuel French, a publisher of inexpensive editions of literary works, also published plays via hisFrench's American Dramaseries. From this he raised enough capital to buy out his major competitor, William Taylor and Company, in 1854. The company bearing French's name provided all manner of theatrical services from its beginnings, but by the end of the 19th century it ultimately settled on publication of acting editions of plays and licensing stage works for performance. Along with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.,* it is the most significant company serving this purpose.