For example, the book Woodward's National Architect was retitled A Victorian Housebuilder's Guide.

[citation needed] The company published its first book, Tables of Functions with Formulas and Curves, when the German copyright was voided by the United States as a result of World War II.

The book was an unexpected success and established the Dover business model of publishing esoteric works at a low price.

Beginning in the 1950s Dover also issued a series of Listen & Learn language courses prepared primarily using teachers from Columbia University.

[11] Some, such as selected recordings of Schubert's solo and chamber works featuring pianist Friedrich Wührer, were reissues of earlier monaural releases from other labels.

In keeping with its thrifty philosophy, by using lower recording levels, leading to narrower grooves, Dover was able to include more minutes than usual on each LP; however, the lower recording levels meant more noise and more vulnerability to scratches.

Dover's foray into recordings was not as successful as its core business of book republication, and the company eventually abandoned it.