Jason Epstein

About

Jason Epstein was a pivotal figure in American publishing, known for his innovative contributions to the industry. Born on August 25, 1928, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Epstein studied English literature at Columbia University. He began his career in publishing at Doubleday in 1950 and, just six months later, launched Anchor Books, pioneering the trade paperback format. This move revolutionized the market by making high-quality literature accessible in affordable paperback editions. Epstein's impact extended beyond Anchor Books. He co-founded The New York Review of Books in 1963 and the Library of America in 1979, which publishes authoritative editions of American classics. Epstein served as editorial director at Random House from 1976 to 1995, editing works by notable authors like Norman Mailer and Philip Roth. He was recognized for his contributions with several awards, including the National Book Award for Distinguished Service. Epstein passed away on February 4, 2022, leaving a lasting legacy in the publishing world.