Melcher, Frederic Gershom

Melcher, Frederic Gershom

(1879–1963) editor, publisher; born in Malden, Mass. A contagiously enthusiastic book lover, he won prominence as manager of an Indiana bookstore (1913–18) that became a mecca for writers and artists. He was longtime coeditor of Publisher's Weekly magazine (1918–58) and also served as president of its parent company, R. R. Bowker (1934–59). An early promoter of quality children's literature, he established the Newbery and Caldecott Medals for children's books.