The Story of the House of Cassell
For some time before this it had been only too plain that the business was not on the right lines. An important financial newspaper roundly declared that the House once renowned for bold and successful enterprises had "become more famous for the excellent works they reject—only to hand them on to more enterprising rivals, who seldom fail to turn them to profit—than for the works they issue. This," the critic continued, "is a regrettable policy, which only the presence of a strong man at the helm can stop."
The strong man was found in Mr. (now Sir) Arthur Spurgeon, who brought to his task wide experience, abundant tact and patience, a singular gift for organization and for gathering about him loyal and capable helpers. Though more favoured in birth and education than John Cassell, he had started life on leaving school at seventeen as an apprentice to journalism in the office of the Eastern Daily Press. Seven years later he was managing editor of the Lowestoft Weekly Press; in 1894 he became Literary Manager of the National Press Agency; and in 1905, on the death of Sir Wemyss Reid, he was appointed General Manager of the House of Cassell. The death of Sir Wemyss Reid rendered vacant not only the post of General Manager, but also a seat on the Board. This vacancy was filled by the appointment of Sir Malcolm Morris.
The first three years of the new management were crowded with difficulties. The House had been aptly described as a "house of problems." And so the new general manager found it. He was confronted by the need for a reorganization of the staff, a reform of administration in every department, and the launching, doubly difficult at such a crisis, of a more generous and popular and up-to-date programme. He set himself also to establish a closer relationship between the House on the one hand and its shareholders, and authors, and salesmen on the other hand—to cultivate that sense of combined effort and responsibility which had been one of John Cassell's ideals.
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