RR Donnelley - Lakeside Classics

Lakeside Classics

The Lakeside Classics is a series of books printed annually, at Christmas time, by RR Donnelley. This tradition was begun in 1903 by Thomas E. Donnelley, who was then the company president. The basic format of these books has remained essentially the same since inception, as a hardcover, cloth wrapped and gold embossed.

Subject matter tends to cover elements of American history. Many early volumes contained speeches and writings of noted Americans, including Benjamin Franklin, whose autobiography was published as the first Lakeside Classic.

Lakeside Classics are never sold and are only made available to RR Donnelley employees, clients and others associated with the company. The week before Christmas, each employee is given one copy of that year's volume. As such, some of the volumes have become scarce, and are in demand on the collectors' market. Antiquarian bookstores often have a section devoted to Lakeside Classics, and early volumes command large sums from book collectors.