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January 17, 2003|Volume 31, Number 15|Two-Week Issue



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John Donatich



Former Basic Books publisher
takes the helm at Yale Press

The Yale University Press has begun the new year with a new director -- John Donatich, formerly of Basic Books.

Donatich, who assumed his new post on Jan. 13, succeeds John Ryden, who retired as director of the University Press after 23 years of service. Donatich's appointment was announced in December by the board of governors of the Yale Press; he will report to President Richard C. Levin.

As publisher and vice president of Basic Books during the last six years, Donatich was responsible for the publication of over 100 nonfiction and scholarly books annually. He built the editorial, marketing, production and design teams that contributed to the growth and financial strength of the noted publishing house. Prior to joining Basic Books, Donatich was at HarperCollins 1992-1996, first serving as director of national accounts, and then as vice president and director of product and marketing development. He was director of National Accounts for the Putnam Publishing Group 1989-1992.

"John's energy, editorial acumen and commitment to serious scholarly publishing make him the ideal leader for Yale University Press," Levin said. "He will also help the Press draw the best from the world of trade publishing while remaining true to its primary mission of disseminating knowledge."

Donatich said, "I am thrilled to be joining this prestigious press and invited to help shape its future. Yale University Press commands a unique and leading position among university presses. I can't imagine a better place for scholars and intellectuals to publish books."

Among the authors Donatich has edited are Yale law professor Stephen Carter, Alan Dershowitz, David Frum, Christopher Hitchens, Douglas Hofstadter, Steven Pinker and Adam Phillips. He created the successful "Art of Mentoring" series, whose future authors include Jessye Norman, Todd Gitlin, Mary Pipher, Daniel Boulud and Wynton Marsalis.

Donatich graduated magna cum laude from New York University in 1982 where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. In 1984 he received a master's degree summa cum laude from New York University. He has published articles and commentaries in numerous journals including the Atlantic Monthly, Harpers, The Nation and Bloomsbury Book Review, and he is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He and his wife, Betsy Lerner, a literary agent and author, have a daughter, Raffaella.

Yale University Press was founded in 1908 by George Parmly Day. It was formally made a department of Yale in 1961, but remains financially and operationally autonomous. The Press publishes about 200 new hardcover and 100 new paperback books annually, and has about 3,000 books in print comprising a broad and distinguished backlist. Yale University Press books have won many prizes, including five National Book Awards, two National Book Critics Circle Awards and four Pulitzer Prizes.


T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Psychologist Peter Salovey named new dean of the Graduate School

Science Watch ranks University's researchers . . .

Peabody exhibition sheds light on mysteries of Machu Picchu

Talks, services to mark Yale's tribute to King

DeVane Lectures to explore literary, artistic realism

'Father of fractals' wins Japan Prize

Law School events focus on controversial Roe v. Wade opinion

Former Basic Books publisher takes the helm at Yale Press

Exhibits recall era of 'Romantics and Revolutionaries'

Exhibit features 'modernist' works by Edgar Degas

Show explores children's interest in the law and law-breakers

Artist's reinventions of Vermeer masterpieces are showcased

Ward Davenny, noted pianist and long-time Yale teacher, dies

Study shows benefits of exercise in reducing intra-abdominal fat

Drama school stages Shakespearean tale about a hero . . .

Playreading festival in New York City will feature new works . . .

Peabody celebrating MLK Day with family activities, music . . .

Talk and screening by alumnus to highlight Asian American film festival

Campus Notes


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