Noshing With Charles Scribner III – November 16, 2023

Author, Scribners: Five Generations in Publishing

Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast welcomes a fascinating guest this week – Charles Scribner III, author of “Scribners: Five Generations in Publishing.” This episode offers listeners a deep dive into the incredible legacy of one of America’s most prominent publishing families, Scribner’s Publishing House, and the influential role it has played in shaping literary history.

Charles Scribner III, a respected art historian and an influential figure in the literary world, shares an intimate look into the Scribner family’s five-generation-long journey in the world of books, literature, and publishing. Through personal anecdotes and historical insights, Charles reveals how the Scribner Book Company Publisher became a cornerstone of American literature. This episode not only explores the illustrious history of Charles Scribner’s Sons but also delves into how literary classics are born, nurtured, and preserved for future generations.

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Who is Charles Scribner III?

Charles Scribner III is no stranger to the world of art and literature. Having received his PhD in Art History from Princeton University in 1977, he is a distinguished scholar who has made significant contributions to the field of Baroque art. Beyond his academic pursuits, Charles joined his family’s legendary publishing house, Charles Scribner’s Sons, where he worked alongside his father and contributed to the Scribner Publishing House’s continued success through decades of change and evolution.

Over the years, Charles Scribner III has become a well-known commentator for various television documentaries on iconic authors such as Edith Wharton, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ernest Hemingway. His involvement in these projects has solidified his reputation not only as a literary historian but also as an authority on the cultural and historical significance of literature. For more insights into his work and legacy, visit Charles Scribner Official Website.

The Inspiration Behind “Scribners: Five Generations in Publishing”

In this episode, Charles discusses the inspiration and motivation behind his latest book, “Scribners: Five Generations in Publishing.” While the book is not a comprehensive historical record, it serves as a memoir that captures the essence of the Scribner family’s unique impact on the literary world. Charles opens up about how he wrote the book in just one month, channeling his passion and dedication to telling the story of his family’s profound influence on Scribner’s Publishing House and the broader New York Scribner literary scene.

According to Charles, the heart of the book lies in exploring how the Scribner Publishing Company has shaped the lives of countless authors and readers. He also reflects on his father’s invaluable teachings and the profound relationship his father had with iconic authors like Ernest Hemingway. Through these personal and historical narratives, Charles paints a vivid picture of the Scribner’s Publisher legacy.

A Glimpse into the Scribner Legacy

Scribner’s Publishing has a rich history of curating and publishing literary classics. From its founding days to the modern era, the Scribner Book Company has been at the forefront of publishing some of the most influential works in American and world literature. In his conversation with Ira, Charles Scribner III discusses the publishing house’s journey through three major ownership changes – Macmillan, Maxwell, and Viacom – and how it navigated these shifts while maintaining its literary heritage.

He emphasizes the role of Maxwell Perkins, whom he regards as the greatest editor of the 20th century, in cultivating the careers of literary giants. Perkins’ editorial guidance helped authors like Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Thomas Wolfe bring their masterpieces to the world. Charles also talks about the future of books and how Scribner’s Sons Publishing is adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the publishing industry.

Charles Scribner’s Role in the Art World

In addition to his involvement with Scribner Publishing, Charles Scribner III is a renowned art historian. He has authored several books on Baroque art, including “The Triumph of the Eucharist: Tapestries by Rubens” (1982), “Rubens” (1989), “Bernini” (1991), “The Shadow of God” (2006), “Home by Another Route” (2016), and his latest, “Sacred Muse” (2023). His contributions to art history have seen him lecture at prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Gallery, Getty Museum, Frick Collection, and Morgan Library.

During the podcast, Charles re...