Henry Vizetelly

Henry Vizetelly

Henry Vizetelly
Born	1820 London, England
Died	1894 London, England
Occupation	Publisher, writer, translator

Henry Vizetelly (1820–1894) was an English publisher, writer, and translator. He played a significant role in the development of English literature and the publishing industry during the 19th century.

Early Life and Career

Henry Vizetelly was born in London, England in 1820. He began his career in the publishing industry at a young age, working for his father's publishing firm, Vizetelly Brothers & Co. He gained valuable experience in the field and developed a passion for literature and the written word.

Publishing Career

In 1852, Henry Vizetelly became a partner in his father's publishing firm, which was renamed Vizetelly & Co. Under his leadership, the company flourished and became known for its high-quality publications. Vizetelly was particularly interested in promoting foreign literature and translated many works from French, German, and other languages into English.

Vizetelly's publishing house played a crucial role in introducing European literature to the English-speaking world. He published works by renowned authors such as Émile Zola, Victor Hugo, and Honoré de Balzac, among others. His translations were highly regarded for their accuracy and literary merit.

Legal Troubles

Despite his contributions to the publishing industry, Henry Vizetelly faced legal troubles due to the content of some of the books he published. In 1872, he was charged with obscenity for publishing an English translation of Émile Zola's novel La Terre. The trial resulted in his conviction and imprisonment for three months.

This incident sparked a significant debate about censorship and freedom of expression in Victorian England. Vizetelly's case brought attention to the need for reform in obscenity laws and the importance of artistic freedom.

Later Life and Legacy

After his release from prison, Henry Vizetelly continued his publishing career, but the legal battle had taken a toll on his health and reputation. He retired from the publishing business in 1887 and focused on writing and translating.

Vizetelly authored several books on wine and gastronomy, reflecting his interest in the subject. He also wrote a memoir, Memoirs of the Life of Henry Vizetelly, which provided insights into his experiences in the publishing industry and the challenges he faced.

Henry Vizetelly's contributions to the publishing industry and his advocacy for foreign literature left a lasting impact. His translations and publications helped shape English literature and introduced readers to a wide range of international authors. Despite the legal challenges he faced, Vizetelly's dedication to promoting literature and his commitment to artistic freedom remain significant aspects of his legacy.

External links

• Henry Vizetelly on Wikipedia
• Works by Henry Vizetelly on Project Gutenberg