Houghton Mifflin was a prominent American publishing company with a long and distinguished history in literature, education, and reference. Founded in Boston in the nineteenth century, it grew from earlier partnerships into one of the most respected names in American publishing.
Its literary list was remarkable, having published or been associated with many major American writers across generations, and it built a parallel strength in textbooks and educational materials for schools and colleges.
In reference publishing the company is especially known for the American Heritage Dictionary, first published in the 1960s, which became a leading American dictionary noted for its usage guidance and its panel of expert advisers.
Over time the firm expanded through acquisitions and mergers, eventually combining with Harcourt to form Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, carrying its publishing traditions into a larger modern company.
Its reference and educational titles, particularly its dictionaries, were widely used in American schools and households for many decades.
