In the same year he began publishing a series of "Diamond Classics", miniature books[2] set in tiny type that were offered in a uniform binding of paper (later cloth) or leather.
In 1833 Pickering purchased a share in the Gentleman's Magazine, and started a new series in January 1834.
He chose as its editor the clergyman John Mitford, known for his writings on old English poets and on sacred poetry.
[citation needed] This was named the Aldine Edition of the British Poets; the books were printed by Charles Whittingham.
Some of the poets were: Pickering died shortly after being declared bankrupt in 1853, which resulted in the sale by auction of his extensive stock of books and personal library.