The word "Harpers" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end, which means it is pronounced with a long "a" sound in the first syllable, and a schwa sound in the second syllable. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription for "Harpers" is /ˈhɑːrpərz/, with the symbol /ɑː/ representing the long "a" sound, and /ə/ representing the schwa sound. This spelling convention is known as "magic e" or "silent e," and it is commonly used in English to indicate a change in vowel sound.
Harpers is a noun that refers to a publishing company, specifically Harper & Brothers. It was founded in 1817 by James Harper and his brother John Harper. Originally a bookstore in New York City, it eventually expanded into publishing. Harpers became known for publishing a wide range of literature, including popular fiction, non-fiction, children's books, and scholarly works.
Over the years, Harpers has published notable authors such as Mark Twain, Edith Wharton, Harper Lee, Maurice Sendak, and J.D. Salinger, among many others. The company has played a significant role in the American literary landscape and has helped shape modern literature through its diverse catalog.
Harpers has also been known for its influential magazine, Harper's Magazine, which was first published in 1850. The magazine covers a broad range of topics, including politics, culture, art, and literature. It has gained a reputation for its thought-provoking essays, investigative journalism, and literary criticism.
In summary, Harpers is a publishing company synonymous with the Harper & Brothers imprint. It has a rich history of publishing diverse literature and has contributed significantly to the literary world. Additionally, Harpers also encompasses Harper's Magazine, a highly regarded publication covering a wide array of subjects.
The word "Harpers" has its etymology rooted in the Middle English term "harpere". "Harper" was derived from the Old English word "hearpere", meaning someone who plays the harp or a harpist. The Old English term itself can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*harpōną", which shared a similar meaning. The "harp" part of the word can be traced even further back to the Old Norse word "hǫrpr" or "hǫrp", which ultimately goes back to the Proto-Germanic "*harpǭ". Therefore, "Harpers" as a plural form of "Harper" essentially refers to a group of people associated with playing the harp.