Louis Antoine Godey

American editor and publisher (1804-1878)

Louis Antoine Godey (June 6, 1804 – November 29, 1878) was founder and publisher of the 19th-century women's magazine, Godey's Lady's Book.

Louis Antoine Godey
BornJune 6, 1804
New York City, New York
DiedNovember 29, 1878
St. Augustine, Florida
Occupation(s)Publisher, Godey's Lady's Book
SpouseMaria Duke

He was born in poverty in New York City, New York. His parents were survivors of the French Revolution. He was mostly self-educated. Godey went to work as a paperboy at age 15, moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and went to work for the Daily Chronicle.

Within a few years, he began publishing his own magazine, The Lady's Book. Contributors included Harriet Beecher Stowe, Edgar Allan Poe, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Godey also published The Young People’s Book in 1841, and the Lady’s Musical Library in 1842.

On August 31, 1833, Godey married Maria Duke. They had five children. He retired to St. Augustine, Florida. He died after a short illness in Philadelphia in 1878.

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