Obits

Lewis H. Lapham, 89, longtime editor of Harper’s and editor of Lapham Quarterly’s, died on July 25 in Rome. Lapham served as editor in chief of Harper’s from 1976 to 2006. In 2006, he founded Lapham’s, an eclectic magazine focused on literature and history. His last book, Age of Folly: America Abandons Its Democracy, was published in 2016.

George A. Young, 88, editor of bestselling career guide What Color Is Your Parachute? died on June 15. Young began his career in the late 1960s when he was recruited by Ian Ballantine and went on to become editor-in-chief of Ballantine Books. He went on to serve as vice president and editor-in-chief of Ten Speed Press. Young spent his later career years as a consulting publisher for independent presses, including Heyday Books, Crisp Publications, Shelter Publications, and Bull Publishing. Ten Speed Press writes, “Well known for his wide-ranging and sophisticated interests, canny street smarts, and support of independent presses and […]

Albanian writer Ismail Kadare, 88, died on Monday, after being rushed to the hospital, reportedly experiencing cardiac arrest. In novels including The General of the Dead Army, he wrote about Albania’s history and angered the country’s communist government. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature 15 times and won the Booker International Prize in 2005, the award’s first year, given for his body of work. Albanian President Bajram Begaj said in a statement, “Albania and Albanians lost their genius of letters, their spiritual emancipator, the Balkans (lost) the poet of its myths, Europe and the world (lost) one […]

Ryland Peters & Small’s owner and managing director David Peters, 66, has died of cancer. Peters founded RPS in 1995 with Anne Ryland and Jacqui Small. The publisher writes, “His loss leaves a large hole for all those who knew him, and to his colleagues both in the UK and US. With RPS, he has created a great legacy… Losing David is devastating for everyone at RPS. Throughout his long career, he cultivated long-standing relationships all around the world. We know David will be sorely missed by many. His legacy will be carried on through his loyal staff and partners […]

Gary Urda, 59, senior vice president of sales at Simon & Schuster, died suddenly on the morning of June 24, after collapsing at the gym. Urda began his career at S&S in 1996 as vp for sales development at Pocket Books and held a series of positions in both Atria/Pocket Books and the sales division before becoming senior vice president, sales. S&S ceo and president Jonathan Karp writes, “Gary was the best kind of colleague – engaged, thoughtful, attentive, constructive, upbeat, humorous, warm, and always approachable, personable, and capable. He was a quintessential sales executive, with a deep knowledge of […]

Thomas J. McCormack, 92, longtime chairman, ceo, and editorial director of St. Martin’s Press, died at his home on Saturday, June 15. McCormack began his book publishing career as an editor for Anchor books in 1959. He became ceo of St. Martin’s Press in 1970, expanding the publisher from $2.5 million in annual sales to more than $250 million. The company writes: “McCormack was a legend in the industry. He inspired a generation of publishing leaders through his generosity of spirit and knowledge, business savvy, and deep passion for the work we do as publishers. Quite simply, he was one […]