Harper & Brothers was a prominent American publishing company that operated from 1817 to 1962. The company began as a small printing shop but rose to fame in 1825 with the publication of "The Sketch Book" by Washington Irving. Harper & Brothers went on to become one of the largest publishers in the country, producing influential works of fiction and non-fiction, including Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which helped to galvanize anti-slavery sentiment in the North.

In addition to its literary output, Harper & Brothers also played a significant role in shaping American culture through its publication of Harper's Magazine in 1850. This literary magazine quickly became one of the most popular in the country and featured contributions from many of the era's leading writers.

One of Harper's most notable publications was Harper's Weekly, a newspaper that covered current events, politics, and culture. It was a leading publication during the Civil War and played a significant role in shaping public opinion during that time. The newspaper also had an extensive coverage of sports, including baseball, which was gaining popularity in the late 19th century.

Harper's Weekly coverage of baseball was notable for its extensive reporting and detailed illustrations. The newspaper helped to popularize the sport and provided in-depth coverage of games and players, including the first-ever coverage of the World Series in 1903.

In 1962, Harper & Brothers merged with Row, Peterson & Company to form Harper & Row, which later became part of HarperCollins. Despite the company's eventual dissolution, its legacy lives on through its many enduring publications, including Harper's Weekly, which helped to shape American culture and sports in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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