Frederic G. Melcher
Frederic Gershom Melcher | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Malden, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | March 9, 1963 (aged 83) |
| Occupation(s) | Publisher, bookseller, editor |
| Known for | Establishing the Newbery Medal and Caldecott Medal; leadership in library science and book trade |
Frederic Gershom Melcher (April 12, 1879 – March 9, 1963) was a prominent American publisher, bookseller, editor, and a key influencer in library science and the book trade. He is most renowned for establishing the Newbery Medal and Caldecott Medal, two prestigious honors in children's literature. Melcher earned recognition as one of the century’s foremost leaders in library science and was acclaimed as "the greatest all-around bookman in the English-speaking world."
Born in 1879 in Malden, Massachusetts, Melcher spent his formative years near Boston, where he developed an early enthusiasm for reading and libraries.
Bookstores and bookmen
Melcher embarked on his career in the book industry at age 16, joining Estes and Lauriat in Boston. Over an eighteen-year tenure, he progressed from the mailroom to roles in sales and acquisitions. During this period, he deepened his interest in children’s literature, partnering with librarian Caroline Hewins to broaden the store’s children’s offerings. In 1910, he married Marguerite Fellows, a children’s author. By 1912, Melcher had become president of the Boston Booksellers League, establishing a reputation as a knowledgeable and dynamic bookseller.
In 1913, he relocated to Indianapolis to oversee the W.K. Stewart Bookstore for five years. Despite facing obstacles like flooding and fire, he championed materials related to regional history. During this time, he remained active within the Indiana Public Libraries Association.
Beginning in 1918, Melcher joined R.R. Bowker, dedicating 45 years to the company and ascending to its presidency in 1934. At Publishers Weekly, he was instrumental in instituting specialized coverage for children’s books. In 1919, alongside Franklin K. Mathiews and Anne Carroll Moore, he co-established Children's Book Week.
In 1922, Melcher proposed the creation of the Newbery Medal to honor "the most distinguished book for children," naming it after British bookseller John Newbery. He personally financed much of its development and commissioned Rene Paul Chambellan to design the medal. Later, in 1937, he introduced the Caldecott Medal to acknowledge outstanding achievement in children’s picture books, named for illustrator Randolph Caldecott.
By 1945, celebrating half a century in publishing, Melcher was honored at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. That same year, he received Honorary Membership from the American Library Association as well as a medal from The American Institute of Graphic Arts recognizing his significant contributions to graphic arts and standards in book production.
Melcher stepped down as president of R.R. Bowker in 1958 but continued as chairman of the board. In 1962, he was awarded the Regina Medal by the Catholic Library Association for his lifelong dedication to children’s literature.
Religious ties
An engaged member of the Unitarian Universalist church, Melcher’s influence extended beyond publishing into religious communities. His work supporting free expression and opposing censorship contributed to the establishment of the Frederic G. Melcher Book Award in 1964. This accolade is presented annually to works that make notable contributions to religious liberalism.
Other interests
Although best known for his contributions to children’s literature, Melcher possessed a broad expertise encompassing bookselling, publishing, and libraries. He also advocated for global book trade cooperation, opposed censorship efforts, and promoted international copyright legislation.
Friendship with Frost
Frederic G. Melcher shared a significant and enduring relationship with the American poet Robert Frost. The University of Virginia Library preserves the Frederic G. Melcher–Robert Frost Collection, which includes photographs and manuscripts dating from 1865 to 1963. In 2006, an unpublished poem by Frost was uncovered, written inside a book that Frost had gifted to Melcher in 1918.
Death
Melcher passed away on March 9, 1963, at the age of 83. His ashes were scattered at the family’s vacation residence in Cape Cod. Following his passing, his son Daniel carried forward much of Melcher’s work, including the sponsorship of several literary awards.
External links
- American Library Association Newbery Medal
- American Library Association - Caldecott Award
- Frederic G. Melcher Book Award
- ALA Frederic G. Melcher Scholarship
- Frederic G. Melcher at Library of Congress Authorities — containing 11 catalog entries