About August Brentano
Lived 1828 – 1886 (aged 57). August Brentano was an Austrian bookseller.
August Brentano (December 23, 1828 – November 2, 1886) was an Austrian-born American newspaper dealer in New York.
Background
August Brentano was born on December 23, 1828, in Hohenems, Austria. He immigrated to the United States in 1851.
Career
Brentano started a business as a newspaper carrier. Before arriving in New York, he opened a large stand at the Revere House in Boston, Massachusetts. Brentano later ran a store at 636 Broadway. His business was significant because of its large circulation, varied distribution sites, and being among the first in the United States to import newspapers from London and other cities in England.
Expansion As of 1868, where their trade built a fine reputation. In 1877 Brentano sold his business interest in New York City to his nephews. They established additional newspaper businesses in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, Illinois, which were managed by August Brentano.
Brentano's (bookstore)
In 1853, "Brentano's" independent bookstore started as a newsstand in front of the New York Hotel. In 1883, the first branch opened in Washington, D.C. In 1884, a second branch was opened in Chicago.
Death
Brentano died at the age of 57 on November 2, 1886, in Chicago, Illinois, where he had lived since 1883. Brentano, who never married, was survived by three nephews, August, Arthur, and Simon Brentano, all of them residing in New York City. Brentano's funeral, a Jewish service, was carried out at the home of Mrs. Simon Brentano at 12 Livingston Place. August Brentano was buried at Cypress Hills Cemetery in New York City.
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Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped August Brentano's
Frequently asked questions
Who was August Brentano?
American newspaper dealer (1828-1886)
When was August Brentano born?
August Brentano was born on 23 December 1828 in Hohenems.
When did August Brentano die?
August Brentano died on 2 November 1886 in Chicago.
What was August Brentano's occupation?
August Brentano was a bookseller.
What nationality was August Brentano?
August Brentano was Austrian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). August Brentano. https://biography.guide/august-brentano/
MLA: "August Brentano." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/august-brentano/.
Chicago: "August Brentano." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/august-brentano/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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