Arthur Gelb

Arthur Gelb (February 3, 1924 – May 20, 2014) was an American editor, author and executive and was the managing editor of The New York Times from 1986 to 1989.

Arthur Gelb
Born	February 3, 1924 New York City, U.S.
Died	May 20, 2014 (aged 90) New York City, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Author, editor
Years active	1944–1989
Employer	The New York Times
Spouse(s)	Barbara Gelb (until his death 2014)
Children	Peter

Career

Gelb began working the night shift at The Times as a copy boy in 1944.[1] He ascended through the ranks, holding several titles in many different departments. His biggest impacts were while working in the drama department. He enjoyed the plays of Eugene O'Neill so much that he wrote a biography of the playwright (O'Neill: Life with Monte Cristo, 1974, ISBN 9780060114879) with his wife Barbara. He supported the creation of the New York Shakespeare Festival by editorializing Joseph Papp's productions. He has edited a number of works such as "Great Lives of the Twentieth Century" (ISBN 978-0812916256). Gelb retired from The Times in 1989 as managing editor.[2][3] "City room" (ISBN 9780399150753), a memoir of his life and career at The Times, was published in 2003.

After retiring from The Times, Gelb became president of The New York Times Company Foundation, which operated until 2009,[4] and director of The New York Times College Scholarship Program.[5]

Personal life

Gelb and his family lived in New York City.[3] Arthur and Barbara Gelb were the parents of Peter Gelb, General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

Death

Gelb died on May 20, 2014, at his home in Manhattan, New York, of complications of a stroke. He was 90.[6]

References

1. Talese, Gay. "The Kingdom and the Tower". The New York Observer. Retrieved 2014-02-06.
2. Gelb, Arthur. "Remembering Punch Sulzberger". The New York Times. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
3. "Arthur Gelb - About Arthur Gelb - Penguin Group (USA)". Penguin Group. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
4. Strom, Stephanie (2009-04-23). "Foundation of The Times Suspends Gift Program". The New York Times. Retrieved 2012-02-05.
5. "Contributor biographical information for Library of Congress control number 2003043154". Library of Congress. Retrieved 2014-02-06.
6. Roberts, Sam (May 20, 2014). "Arthur Gelb, Critic and Editor Who Shaped The Times, Dies at 90". The New York Times.

External links

• Appearances on C-SPAN