Robert Coover, 92, died on October 5 in Warwick, England. Coover was one of the pioneers of post-modern American fiction. His first book, The Origin of the Brunists, was published in 1966. His many other books include the short story collection Pricksongs and Descants, the novel The Public Burning, and his most recent novel Open House, published in 2023. A longtime teacher at Brown University, his students included Rick Moody, Joanna Scott, Jim Shepard, Sam Lipsyte, Ben Marcus, and Alexandra Kleeman.
Obits
Obituary: Nicholas Byam Shaw
Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Byam Shaw, ceo and chairman of Macmillan for 30 years, died on September 25. He joined Macmillan in 1964 as an international sales executive, and his work eventually spanned divisions including Pan Macmillan, Macmillan Publishers US, Macmillan Education, Macmillan Learning and Nature. Stefan von Holtzbrinck, ceo of Holtzbrinck Publishing Group writes, “Nicky will be remembered as a rare leader who blended a deep intellectual curiosity with sharp business insight. His leadership at Macmillan was not just about financial success but about fostering a culture of excellence and human connection, one that continues to define the company today. Macmillan’s reputation for quality and innovation stands as a testament […]
Obituary: Nelson DeMille, 81
Author of 23 books Nelson DeMille has died. His family said in a statement to CBS: “Nelson fought a valiant nine-month battle with esophageal cancer. True to form, he faced this ordeal with courage, grace, and good humor. We are grieving, but also celebrating his wonderful life and his lasting legacy as a father, friend, and storyteller.”
Obituary: Noah Genner
Longtime president and ceo emeritus of BookNet Canada Noah Genner died on August 27. The organization writes: “Noah’s impact on the Canadian publishing industry cannot be overstated…. Over his twenty-plus years with BookNet, Noah led the launches of nearly all of BookNet’s marquee projects, including SalesData, CataList, and BiblioShare…. His relentless dedication, positive attitude, and innovative mind will leave a lasting legacy.”
Len Riggio Dies at 83
The man who built Barnes & Noble into a bookselling powerhouse Len Riggio died at age 83 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to building and running Barnes & Noble, Riggio also founded Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, MBS Textbook Exchange, and GameStop. BN said in a statement, “His leadership spanned decades, during which he not only grew the company but also nurtured a culture of innovation and a love for reading.” A mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday, Aug. 30, at 10:00 am at The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, 263 Mulberry Street, with a public […]
Obituary: Betty Prashker
Betty Prashker, 99, former editor in chief of the Crown Publishing Group, died on July 30 at her daughter’s home in the Berkshires. During her 50-year career, she was also associate publisher at Doubleday. Her authors included Jean Auel, Erik Larson, Kate Millett, Judith Krantz, and Dominick Dunne. Former Crown publisher Tina Constable said in a statement, “Without Betty, there would have been no Crown Publishing as we know it…. I am just one of many colleagues who benefitted greatly from her experience, and from her unwaveringly championing advancement and higher pay for women in publishing.” PRH writes in a remembrance, […]