Based in Boston, Massachusetts, and established in 1885 as the Lewis Company, it changed its name the following year as part of a reorganization.

[2] The company was highly regarded among the leading publishers and printers for its work, some of the methods of which were of their own invention.

[1] Under the title of the Lewis Company, it was stated in 1983 that they were responsible for "some of the best books ever published up to the present day".

[1] In February 1891, the company began publishing The Engraver and Printer,[2] an illustrated monthly journal demonstrating the newer methods of illustration.

[2] Their offices were originally located at 27 Boylston Street;[1][4] later at 56.