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| George Munro may have been the first philanthropist to contribute to Dalhousie, starting a tradition of supporting the university that continues today. |
"She was leaning on his breast, sobbing gently, her repentant face turned towards him. He held her there in his strong protection, his enduring tenderness. My wife! My darling! Now and always."
(from East Lynne, by Mrs. Henry Wood, George Munro & Co.)
Philanthropist George Munro is best remembered as the reason behind Dalhousie's unique February holiday, but the less known details of Munro's storied past make for interesting reading.
Munro made his fortune publishing women's fiction, often characterized as romance novels. East Lynne, excerpted above, launched his Seaside Library series. This series would prove to be his most popular and profitable venture. It was also his longest-running series, enduring from 1887 to 1893.
Each year, Dalhousie remembers philanthropist George Munro with a unique holiday. Here is how some Dal students plan on spending this most welcome February break. Research and photography by University of King's College student Sarah Phillips. View Gallery
Also see: The Man behind Munro Day
Popularity, and volume sales, were the key to his business success. His companies (initially, Irwin Beadle & Co.; then George Munro & Co.; and briefly George Munro's Sons) amassed a fortune. At the time of his death in 1896, his estimated worth was $10 million.
The women's writing he made available to a general audience included works that are now considered classics, and his authors included the Bronte sisters. In addition, he published adventure novels, including Rudyard Kipling's The Light that Failed, also part of the Seaside Library series.
The New York based publisher was also an innovator in the field of rapid publishing. For instance, in 1881, English readers were able to purchase the revised version of the New Testament on May 20. The very next day, Munro's company published both the King James version, and the revised New Testament, and made them available to the American public.
Munro may have been the first philanthropist to contribute to Dalhousie, and the scope of his gifts were far reaching. Thanks to his generosity, professors were hired in Physics, History, English Literature and Constitutional and International Law. These donations reached $333,000 in total, roughly comparable to $6.25 million at present.
The tradition of supporting Dalhousie continues today, with gifts ranging from $10 to millions, but every gift contributes to the continued success of the university.