This publishing firm had its origins when Dana Estes joined Henry Degen. The Degen, Estes and Company publishing firm was the immediate predecessor to Estes and Lauriat which was founded in 1872. Because of financial difficulties Charles Lauriat left the publishing firm in 1898 and Dana Estes carried on with Dana Estes and Company. This publisher was well known for deluxe bindings. Among its most well known publications were the Zigzag books by Hezekiah Butterworth.

School Days was published in its Silk Rep Series in 1894. Two formats were published: Full cloth gilt and cloth. These editions had 53 illustrations engraved by Andrews.