This thesis critiques the business history of the early publishing activities of Angus & Robertson, Australia's longest running and most successful publishing firm. The study investigates the firm as publisher, examining in particular the role of George Robertson. A model of a successful publisher is constructed from the writings of British and US publishers who flourished about the time of Robertson, and Robertson's performance is measured against this model. The study concludes that while Robertson benefitted from publishing in the favourable cultural conditions of the 1890s he also brought unique personal qualities to Australian publishing.
