Smith, Elder & Co. was a British publishing company that operated in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The company was founded in 1816 by George Smith and Alexander Elder, and it quickly became known for publishing works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Smith and Elder were known for their discerning taste, and they published many important works by famous authors, including Charlotte Bronte, George Eliot, and Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The company also published important works of science and scholarship, and it was known for its high standards of quality and production. In the early 20th century, Smith, Elder & Co. merged with several other publishing companies, including John Murray and Methuen & Co. Despite this, the company's legacy continues to influence the world of publishing and literature today, and it is remembered as one of the most important publishers of the Victorian era.