George Putnam was an influential American publisher known for founding the Putnam Publishing Group in 1838. He played a significant role in the publishing industry, promoting various authors and works that contributed to American literature. His company became known for its high-quality books and innovative marketing strategies. Under Putnam's leadership, the publishing house published notable authors such as Mark Twain and Henry James. He was also instrumental in the development of the modern publishing business model, focusing on both literary merit and commercial success. His legacy continues to impact the publishing world today.