Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

The Globe Pequot Publishing Group

The Globe Pequot Publishing Group is an American book publishing company founded in 1947 in , specializing in titles that preserve history, celebrate regional interests, and cater to enthusiasts in , lifestyle, cooking, , and related fields. Initially focused on history through collaborations with historical societies, the company expanded nationally in 2000 by acquiring enthusiast imprints such as and TwoDot, broadening its scope to include travel guides, hiking resources, and cultural narratives. In 2014, Globe Pequot was acquired by Rowman & Littlefield, an academic and trade publisher, which facilitated further growth through additional imprints like Stackpole Books in 2015, , and others, resulting in dozens of imprints and a catalog exceeding 12,000 titles. As of 2025, following Rowman & Littlefield's 2024 sale of its academic division to —which retained the trade publishing as The Globe Pequot Publishing Group—and the November 2025 acquisition of Rio Nuevo Publishers, it remains a leading independent trade publisher in the United States, emphasizing quality editing, market-driven regional content, and bestselling backlist titles that highlight untold stories and niche passions, such as , , and pop .

History

Founding and early years

The Pequot Press was founded in 1947 by Williams D. Haynes in , operating initially as an extension of his Stonington Printing Company. The company began with a focus on printing and publishing Connecticut town histories and genealogies, serving local historical societies and community groups in the region. Haynes, a and , named the press after the local tribe and produced early works in and formats to preserve regional narratives. Among its first publications was Haynes's own Stonington Chronology, 1649-1949, a year-by-year record of life in the Connecticut town, released in 1949 and donating royalties to local causes. This marked the press's transition from general printing services to dedicated book publishing, emphasizing New England historical content such as town origins, family records, and local guides. The early catalog remained regionally oriented, prioritizing accessible works on Connecticut and neighboring areas to foster community connections and historical preservation. Key early developments included the 1960 sale of the company by Haynes, which allowed for continued operations under new management. In 1967, a subsequent owner relocated the small publishing operation to , into the historic Pratt Smithy, enabling expansions in output and collaboration with broader historical entities. These 1960s shifts supported initial growth in titles, building a foundation that later ownership changes would expand upon, culminating in a 1981 renaming.

Ownership changes

In 1981, The Pequot Press was acquired by The Boston Globe Newspaper Company, which renamed it Globe Pequot Press. The company changed hands again in 1988 when it was sold to a subsidiary of based in . In 1994, was acquired by , which later reorganized the cellular operations as AT&T Wireless Services, thereby bringing Globe Pequot Press under AT&T's ownership. By 1997, Morris Communications of Augusta, Georgia, purchased the company from AT&T. This period of ownership under Morris lasted until 2014, when Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group acquired Globe Pequot Press from Morris Communications and integrated it as a trade publishing division, renaming it Globe Pequot. In 2024, following Rowman & Littlefield's sale of its academic publishing divisions to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for $83 million—a transaction that excluded the trade arm—Globe Pequot was renamed The Globe Pequot Publishing Group to reflect its independent status.

Key milestones and expansions

In 1967, The Pequot Press relocated from Stonington to , where it occupied the historic Pratt Village Smithy, a repurposed shop that supported the company's early expansion into regional publishing. Three years later, in 1970, new owner Robert Wilkerson moved the operations up the to , into a 200-year-old that became a symbol of the company's cottage-industry roots while enabling growth in New England-focused titles. The company continued to evolve through the 1980s and early 1990s, shifting from localized histories to broader regional guides. In 1992, it relocated from to a new 30,000-square-foot facility in , consolidating publishing and distribution operations to accommodate increasing output. This move marked a phase of infrastructural growth under subsequent ownership. By 1999, Globe Pequot Press shifted again to an enlarged office in , further streamlining logistics as its catalog diversified beyond history into and . The early 2000s brought significant expansions through targeted acquisitions that broadened the company's scope. In 2000, Globe Pequot acquired FalconGuides from Bill Schneider in , adding specialized titles; TwoDot, enhancing Western history offerings; and Insiders’ Guides, bolstering series. The following year, in 2001, it purchased Lyons Press, a prominent publisher of books on , , and sports, which integrated seamlessly to strengthen the enthusiast lineup. Over decades, publication growth transformed Globe Pequot from a niche regional press to a major publisher, evolving from Connecticut-specific histories to a catalog exceeding 12,000 active titles by 2025, with approximately 300 new releases annually focused on outdoor activities, , nature, , crafts, and lifestyle topics. In 2022, the company returned to its roots, opening a renovated 7,000-square-foot at 64 South to support ongoing operations amid this expanded portfolio. Recent acquisitions in 2025, including Waterford Press (April), Square One Publishers (April), Bower House Books (May), and Rio Nuevo Publishers (November), have been integrated to further diversify the backlist without altering core operations.

Imprints

Current imprints

The Globe Pequot Publishing Group maintains a diverse portfolio of active imprints as of 2025, focusing primarily on nonfiction titles in , regional history, , enthusiast hobbies, and specialized references, encompassing over 12,000 titles across dozens of brands. These imprints are organized into categories such as Trade Leaders, Enthusiast, and Local/Regional, with recent acquisitions expanding the group's reach into , , and niche guides. Under Trade Leaders, Lyons Press specializes in outdoor and adventure books, including titles on , , sports, and , originating from its in as a key acquisition for the group. Stackpole Books, with a 98-year , publishes works on , crafts, and outdoor activities such as and . The Enthusiast category features McBooks Press, dedicated to nautical fiction and maritime history, offering reprints and new works by authors like and . Gooseberry Patch focuses on home cooking and community cookbooks, emphasizing simple recipes, crafts, and seasonal themes drawn from contributor submissions. Local and regional imprints form a core strength, with Globe Pequot Press producing travel guides and destination overviews for U.S. regions, including series like Insiders' Guides for city and state explorations. Down East Books centers on culture, history, and lifestyle, covering topics from Maine lobster shacks to regional . FalconGuides provides practical handbooks for , such as trails, camping, and paddling in national parks and wilderness areas. TwoDot publishes books on Western American history, , and stories of the frontier. Recent 2025 acquisitions have bolstered the portfolio. In March, the group acquired Waterford Press, known for compact folding reference guides on , fish identification, and topics. In late April, Square One Publishers joined, bringing titles in health, wellness, and , including and books. The May acquisition of Bower House Books added approximately 100 titles on , incorporating its imprints: Conundrum Press for fiction, poetry, and of the Mountain West; Johnson Books for and ; and Trails Books for guides and trail narratives. In November, the group acquired selected assets from Rio Nuevo Publishers, adding approximately 45 titles focused on Southwest regional history, culture, and illustrated , which will continue as an imprint under Globe Pequot. Other active imprints include Adirondack Books, which publishes regional titles on the Adirondack Mountains' history, environment, and recreation; Anacus Press, focusing on specialized nautical and maritime references; and Derrydale Press, specializing in reprints of classic hunting, sporting, and field sports literature.

Former imprints

In May 2024, The Globe Pequot Publishing Group, as part of the broader Rowman & Littlefield structure, sold its academic and professional publishing division to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for $83 million, marking Bloomsbury's largest acquisition to date and adding approximately 40,000 titles focused on arts, humanities, social sciences, and related fields. This divestiture included several key imprints previously under the group's umbrella, which were integrated into Bloomsbury's academic catalog to enhance its North American presence in scholarly nonfiction. Among them were Lexington Books, specializing in social sciences, history, and cultural studies; Applause Books and Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, dedicated to performing arts, theater, and film; Backbeat Books, emphasizing music, entertainment, and popular culture; Jason Aronson, an imprint on psychology, mental health, and psychotherapy; and Scarecrow Press, known for library science, bibliography, and information studies. These imprints, originally acquired or developed through Rowman & Littlefield's expansions, were transferred to streamline the group's focus on trade and consumer publishing. In September 2024, The Globe Pequot Publishing Group divested Sundance Newbridge Publishing, an educational imprint providing supplemental literacy resources for K-8 students, to Lerner Publishing Group. Based in , Sundance Newbridge offered over 3,600 titles in reading, writing, and arts, including leveled books, graphic novels, and support materials, and the acquisition included its 14 employees to continue operations as a Lerner division. This sale allowed Globe Pequot to refocus resources away from educational markets toward its core trade nonfiction strengths. Several other imprints have transitioned to backlist-only status under The Globe Pequot Publishing Group, where existing titles remain available for sale but no new publications are issued, preserving legacy content in niche areas. Madison Books, founded in 1985 and focused on general including and biography, continues to offer its catalog through the group's channels. Taylor Trade Publishing, acquired in 2001 and known for sports, regional interest, and lifestyle books, similarly maintains its backlist without active development. Two-Can, an educational children's imprint acquired in 2007 emphasizing illustrated and activity books, also operates on a backlist basis, with titles still distributed but no ongoing editorial program. These arrangements reflect strategic decisions to sustain historical value while prioritizing new releases under active imprints.

Operations

Distribution

Prior to 2025, The Globe Pequot Publishing Group managed its distribution through its in-house affiliate, the National Book Network (NBN), which handled wholesale and retail channels in the United States while NBN International oversaw international markets. This setup supported the dissemination of physical and digital formats across bookstores, wholesalers, and online retailers for the company's extensive catalog. In a significant operational shift announced in late 2024, NBN began winding down its activities, leading to its full closure by September 2025. Effective September 1, 2025, Globe Pequot transitioned its North American distribution to Distribution Services, which now manages fulfillment for over 14,000 titles in the United States and . This partnership enhances access to major retail networks and electronic ordering systems like PubEasy and PubNet. For international distribution post-transition, Globe Pequot partners with Ingram Publisher Services (IPSUK), ensuring global reach for both and digital titles beyond . This arrangement maintains continuity in serving international wholesalers and retailers while leveraging IPSUK's technology-driven . The overall scope covers efficient delivery of Globe Pequot's diverse portfolio, including outdoor, , and travel books, to a worldwide audience.

Headquarters and facilities

The Globe Pequot Publishing Group's headquarters is located at 64 South Main Street in Essex, Connecticut, following a relocation completed in July 2022 from its previous base in Guilford. This move marked a return to the company's early roots in the region, with the facility comprising two renovated historic office buildings totaling approximately 7,000 square feet. The Essex headquarters serves as the central hub for core operations, including editorial acquisition and development, marketing and publicity campaigns, and production oversight for its trade non-fiction titles. As a mid-sized independent trade publisher focused on enthusiast and regional non-fiction across categories like , , and , the company maintains a streamlined organizational structure at its Essex facility, with approximately 95 employees supporting its annual output of approximately 400 new titles. Key leadership includes Robert Marsh, who was promoted from to on March 31, 2025, overseeing promotions and broader operational strategy. Historically, the company's facilities evolved to meet growth demands, with relocations in the through including a shift to in 1967 and in 1970, before consolidating and warehousing operations into a 30,000-square-foot facility in Old Saybrook from 1992 to 1999. The current setup emphasizes efficient office-based functions, complemented by external partnerships for warehousing and fulfillment since the transition to distribution in September 2025, while supporting digital operations such as production and online .

References

  1. [1]
    About Us - Globe Pequot
    Since 1947, The Globe Pequot Publishing Group has been at the forefront of the movement to save history for future generations. Our books tell untold or little ...Missing: website | Show results with:website
  2. [2]
    Our Imprints - Globe Pequot
    Founded in 1947 in Connecticut, Globe Pequot Publishing Group (GPPG) began as a publisher for New England history. With the acquisition of many enthusiast ...Missing: website | Show results with:website
  3. [3]
    Celebrating 75 Years: Close-up Globe Pequot - Publishers Weekly
    Mar 22, 2022 · Globe Pequot began publishing history books on Connecticut in the 1940s and expanded into New England, working with historical societies and ...
  4. [4]
    Globe Pequot: Home
    Globe Pequot brings together dozens of imprints and more than 12,000 titles across outdoor, nature, history, craft, travel, and more. With a publishing legacy ...Prometheus Books · Categories · Books · About Us
  5. [5]
    Our Story - Globe Pequot
    The Pequot Press became a publisher for New England historical societies and assisted neighboring towns and other local groups with their publishing needs. 1967.
  6. [6]
    CT independent book publisher Globe Pequot returns to Essex
    Jul 22, 2022 · It was founded in 1947 by Williams Haynes, who owned Stonington Printing Co. The company originally published Connecticut town histories and ...
  7. [7]
    Stonington Chronology, 1649-1949 - Williams Haynes - Google Books
    Stonington Chronology, 1649-1949: Being a Year-by-year Record of the American Way of Life in a Connecticut Town. Front Cover. Williams Haynes. Pequot Press ...
  8. [8]
    Rowman & Littlefield Buys Globe Pequot Press - Shelf Awareness
    23 may 2014 · The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group has bought Globe Pequot Press from Morris Communications. The deal includes Globe Pequot Press.
  9. [9]
    Bloomsbury Buys Rowman & Littlefield Academic Division for $83 ...
    May 29, 2024 · The transaction is exclusive to Rowman & Littlefield's academic publishing division, and does not include its trade publishing arm, Globe Pequot ...
  10. [10]
    Guilford book publisher relocating to downtown Essex this summer
    Feb 17, 2022 · A McCaw subsidiary bought Glob Pequot Press from the newspaper in 1988, according to Capozza. While owned by McCaw, Globe Pequot Press ...
  11. [11]
    FINDING A NEED, FILLING A NICHE - The New York Times
    May 17, 1987 · In 1969, the company was purchased, was moved to Essex and renamed the Pequot Press (after a New England Indian tribe).
  12. [12]
    The New Globe Pequot Press - Publishers Weekly
    May 1, 2015 · The press was founded in Stonington, Conn. as the Pequot Press (named after a local tribe), and in 1981 it was acquired by the Boston Globe.
  13. [13]
    CT independent book publisher Globe Pequot returns to Essex
    Jul 22, 2022 · Globe Pequot, a Connecticut independent book publisher, has officially returned to its roots in downtown Essex.Missing: relocations | Show results with:relocations
  14. [14]
    Globe Pequot Makes Third Acquisition this Year - Publishers Weekly
    5 may 2025 · In its second acquisition in two weeks, the Globe Pequot Publishing Group has acquired Bower House Books, an independent book publisher based in Denver.
  15. [15]
    Stackpole Books - Globe Pequot
    Stackpole Books is a trade book publisher with a proud, 98-year history of publishing titles in the categories of Outdoors, Crafts and Military History.
  16. [16]
    Featured Titles - Globe Pequot
    The imprint is rooted in New England history, cooking, traveling, architecture, gardening, entertainment, and anything that celebrates New England and travel.Missing: list | Show results with:list
  17. [17]
    Globe Pequot Acquires Square One Publishers
    Apr 28, 2025 · The Globe Pequot Publishing Group, Inc. announced today that it has agreed to purchase Square One Publishers, an independent press specializing in nonfiction ...Missing: relocations Chester Old Guilford
  18. [18]
    Imprints A-Z - Globe Pequot
    Lyons Press · FalconGuides · Stackpole Books · Prometheus Books · Waterford Press · See All Imprints. Column. Resources. Email Sign Up · Contact Us · Order ...Missing: acquisitions | Show results with:acquisitions
  19. [19]
    Bloomsbury acquires Rowman & Littlefield Academic
    Bloomsbury acquired Rowman & Littlefield's academic imprints, doubling its US academic business, adding 40,000 titles, and strengthening its position in the US ...
  20. [20]
    Acquisition of Rowman & Littlefield's academic publishing business
    May 29, 2024 · Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (LSE: BMY), the leading independent publisher, today announces the acquisition of The Rowman & Littlefield ...
  21. [21]
    Acquisition of Rowman & Littlefield's academic publishing business
    Press Release: Bloomsbury [May 29, 2024]. Acquisition of Rowman & Littlefield's academic publishing business ... The transaction does not include Rowman & Littlefield's Globe Pequot lists (with the ...Missing: renaming | Show results with:renaming
  22. [22]
    Lerner Publishing Group Acquires Sundance Newbridge
    Sep 3, 2024 · Lerner Publishing Group announced today the acquisition of Sundance Newbridge Publishing from Globe Pequot Publishing.
  23. [23]
    NBN to Close, Clients Offered Opportunity to Move to S&S
    Nov 18, 2024 · The independent distributor of some 150 publishers will close by the middle of 2025 ... Globe Pequot and the family of client publishers at NBN. I ...
  24. [24]
    Distribution Change Announcement - Globe Pequot
    Beginning 09/01/2025, the Globe Pequot Publishing Group will be distributed by Simon & Schuster in the United States and Canada.
  25. [25]
    NBN FAQ for S&S Transition - Globe Pequot
    NBN is winding down operations in 2025 as Globe Pequot, NBN's parent company, transitions to Simon & Schuster (S&S) for distribution. This follows changes in ...
  26. [26]
    Booksellers - Globe Pequot
    We are distributed by Simon & Schuster (S&S) into wholesale and retail channels throughout North America Internationally, we are distributed by IPSUK. Here is ...Missing: international | Show results with:international
  27. [27]
    Rights Guide Autumn 2024 by Rowman & Littlefield - Issuu
    Oct 7, 2024 · Rowman & Littlefield's and GPPG's titles are distributed outside North America by Ingram Publisher Services UK and our global network of ...
  28. [28]
    Worldwide Book Distribution Services | IPS UK
    Expert Distribution and Publisher Services: Drive Global Sales. UK based global book and ebook distribution underpinned by best-in-class industry technology.Missing: Pequot 2025
  29. [29]
    Book publisher opens new HQ in Essex - Hartford Business Journal
    Jul 19, 2022 · Book publishing company Globe Pequot on Monday celebrated the official opening of its new headquarters in Essex.Missing: 1967 | Show results with:1967
  30. [30]
    https://www.globepequot.com/booksellers/
  31. [31]
    Globe Pequot Publishing Group Sr Marketing Manager Job Essex
    Oct 18, 2025 · You'll work closely with your colleagues across Editorial and Sales to position titles, create standout campaigns that grow author profiles ...Missing: facilities | Show results with:facilities
  32. [32]
    Globe Pequot Press | LinkedIn
    Globe Pequot Press is a mid-sized publisher and distributor with deep roots in major category publishing.
  33. [33]
    The Globe Pequot Press 2025 Company Profile - PitchBook
    Acquisitions (4)​​ The Globe Pequot Press's most recent deal was a Merger/Acquisition with Bower House Books. The deal was made on 05-May-2025.
  34. [34]
    Press Release Archives - Globe Pequot
    Globe Pequot Acquires Square One Publishers. 28 April 2025. Essex, CT, May 1, 2025 The Globe Pequot Publishing Group, Inc. announced today that it has agreed ...Missing: relocations Chester Old Guilford
  35. [35]
    Personnel Changes at Globe Pequot; Ingram; Simon & Schuster
    Apr 2, 2025 · COO Robert (Bob) Marsh has been promoted to president of the Globe Pequot Publishing Group. He succeeds Jed Lyons, who remains chairman and CEO.Missing: promotions | Show results with:promotions
  36. [36]
    How a Local Business Goes Cross Country - The New York Times
    Sep 24, 1995 · It moved from guidebooks in Connecticut, to New England, down the East Coast and then across country to the West coast. "What Globe Pequot ...Missing: relocation | Show results with:relocation