James Harper (publisher)

James Harper
Engraving of James Harper by Frederick Halpin (1805–1880); the photograph from which this portrait was drawn was taken just two days before Harper's death in 1869.
65th Mayor of New York City
In office 1844–1845
Preceded by	Robert Morris
Succeeded by	William F. Havemeyer
Personal details
Born	(1795-04-13)April 13, 1795 Newtown, New York
Died	March 27, 1869(1869-03-27) (aged 73) New York City, New York
Profession	publisher

James Harper (April 13, 1795 – March 27, 1869) was an American publisher and politician in the early-to-mid 19th century. Along with his brother, John, James Harper formed publishing company J. & J. Harper (now Harper) in 1817. He incorporated his brothers Joseph and Fletcher Harper into the company in 1825, changing its name to Harper & Brothers.

Harper company's first successful publishing was Maria Monk's Awful Disclosures in 1836. Eight years later, Harper would be elected as the 65th Mayor of New York City. Beginning his term as mayor in 1844, his tenure would be cut short by an ousting in April 1845. Outside of publishing and politics, Harper was a trustee of Vassar College until his death in 1869. Harper's company would later be merged with another publisher to form Harper & Row in 1962 and HarperCollins in 1990 under the News Corporation banner.