Frank Moore Colby (1865 – 1925) was an American educator, historian, and editor, known for his contributions to encyclopedias and literary criticism. His work helped shape modern reference publishing in the early 20th century.
Born in Washington, D.C., he graduated from Columbia University in 1888. He briefly taught at Amherst College, later lecturing at Columbia and Barnard College. By 1900, he was a professor of economics at New York University. His expertise in history, economics, and political science made him a sought-after editor.
Colby was instrumental in developing major reference works. He worked on Johnson’s Universal Cyclopaedia, the International Year Book, and was a key editor of the New International Encyclopedia (1902, 1914). Additionally, he wrote critical essays for Bookman and North American Review.
His editorial career spanned decades, shaping public access to knowledge. He passed away in 1925, leaving a legacy in academic publishing and historical writing.