Stanley Unwin Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Sir Stanley Unwin (1884-1968) was a renowned British publisher who helped shape the literary landscape of the 20th century. Born at 13 Handen Road in Lewisham, London, Unwin went on to establish himself as one of the most influential figures in the publishing world.

Unwin founded his own publishing company, George Allen & Unwin, in 1914. The firm became known for its commitment to quality literature and its support of emerging writers. Under Unwin’s leadership, George Allen & Unwin published works by some of the most celebrated authors of the time, including J.R.R. Tolkien, Bertrand Russell, and Thor Heyerdahl.

One of Unwin’s most notable achievements was the publication of Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” in 1937. Despite initial skepticism about the book’s potential, Unwin’s intuition proved correct, and “The Hobbit” became a global success. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between Unwin and Tolkien, with George Allen & Unwin subsequently publishing “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

Throughout his career, Unwin’s contributions to the literary world were widely recognized. He was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1946 and later became a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1968. Today, the blue plaque at his birthplace in Lewisham serves as a testament to his enduring legacy and impact on British publishing.