zaro

What happened to the World publishing Company?

Published in Publishing Company History 1 min read

The World Publishing Company was disbanded in 1980, leading to the sale of its various divisions to different entities.

Dispersal of Assets

Upon its disbandment, the company's distinct publishing divisions were acquired by other publishers, ensuring that many of its well-known publications continued to be available.

  • Dictionary Division: The highly regarded dictionary division, including the rights to the Webster's New World Dictionary, was sold to Simon & Schuster. Simon & Schuster continues to publish this widely recognized dictionary today.
  • Other Publishing Segments: The remaining assets, which included Bibles, children's books, and a range of trade books, were acquired by various other companies. Some of these publications remain in print, demonstrating the lasting legacy of the World Publishing Company's diverse catalog.

This structured approach allowed its intellectual property and ongoing publishing efforts to continue under new ownership, rather than simply vanishing.