In early November 1829, Edward Carey withdrew his partnership from his brother's company, Carey, Lea, & Carey, to form Carey & Hart alongside Abraham Hart.[2] The duo took over the retail book business of Edward's former company and remained in the same building alongside Carey, Lea, & Carey, now renamed Carey & Lea.[2] The companies were located on the southeast corner of Fourth and Chestnut Streets.[2]
The company remained successful for 25 years, although Carey and Hart's partnership saw its end following Edward Carey's death on June 16, 1845. The establishment continued under the name Carey & Hart until September 1849.[2] Hart's business throve until his retirement in 1854, which marked the end of Carey & Hart publishing company.[3]