Publishing Giants and Their Writers: A Biography of Jack Maclean

Author: James King (Canada)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-11-01
Features: This book is written by one of Canada's most outstanding biographers today, showcasing the extraordinary life of Jack Maclean, a remarkable figure who brought profound changes and influence to the Canadian publishing industry. Jack took over MS Publishing Company from his father and broke away from the path of following in the footsteps of British and American publishers, determined to become a publisher with a distinct Canadian flair. Amidst the fierce competition with publishing giants from the United States and the United Kingdom, he toiled tirelessly and navigated the harsh business landscape, elevating a host of Canadian authors like Margaret Atwood, Owen Sound, Pierre Burton, Margaret Laurence, Leonard Cohen, and Farley Mowat to the center stage of world literature. In the end, he became a leading figure among publishers and gained global acclaim. In this book, the author presents detailed facts in an objective and nuanced manner, revealing the personality traits of the subject, Jack, as well as the unique ways he achieved his remarkable success, while also depicting his weaknesses and even his vices. The joys, sorrows, and failures he experienced in his career make this biography not only a compelling work but also a faithful record of the operations and management of a major publishing company. This book holds significant reference value and inspirational meaning for Chinese readers, especially publishers and writers.