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| Hugh Van Dusen | |
Hugh Van Dusen, who has been an editor at HarperCollins for 60 years, is retiring, effective August 30. In a memo to staff, publisher Jonathan Burnham wrote, "Many generations of colleagues at Harper have enjoyed his congenial company, his warmth and kindness and wisdom, and I am sure they will all join us in wishing Hugh the very best in the future."
Van Dusen joined the company on June 21, 1956, and worked first in the religious publishing division, then helped launched Torch Books, Harper's first trade paperback line. In 1968, he was made editor/manager of Torch Books. He also helped with the addition of the Colophon and Perennial imprints and has remained closely involved with Harper Perennial since then. In 1985, he was named an executive editor at Harper & Row and in 1990 was made v-p.
His many authors include Jacques Barzun, Fernand Braudel, Robert Bly, James Hillman, Robert Remini and Trevor Corson, and for many years he worked closely with Harper Lee. He has also worked with several estates, including that of Thornton Wilder.
Burnham added: "Hugh is literally irreplaceable: his knowledge of our company's history, his stewardship of a large and varied backlist, and his connection to previous generations of editors and publishing professionals have all contributed significantly to the quality of life at Harper in recent years, and his colleagues have benefited from his depth of experience and the length of his memory."
In retirement, Van Dusen plans to continue to enjoy cooking, painting landscapes, and indulging his latest hobby--quilting.