LEN LEONE
The publishing world lost a legend when Leonard P. Leone Sr.
passed away on July 1st, 2013 at the age of 89. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 11, 1924.
Len was the Art Director at Bantam Books for 30 years from
1955 to 1984. His innovations and the use of top illustrators helped to propel
Bantam to become a giant in the paperback book world.
Len’s use of a Who’s Who list of artists included James Bama,
Bob Larkin, Fred Pfeiffer, Boris Vallejo, Lou Feck, Tom Lovell, Robert Maguire,
Bob Peak, Barye Phillips, Robert Abbett, Dean Cornwall, Sandy Kossin, John
Berkely, Vincent DiFate, Roger Kastel, James Avati, Ron Lesser, Bernie Fuchs,
Mitchell Hooks, and many, many more.
Doc Savage fans owe a huge debt of gratitude to Len as he
influenced the decision to reprint the pulp stories, designed the Doc Savage
logo and book lettering, hired James Bama for the art, and directed Bama to give
Doc his iconic widow’s peak and musculature.
Len was good friends with Fred Pfeiffer, often having lunch or dinner with him and they played tennis together. Of course, Len gave Fred quite a few illustration jobs over the years.
Len was good friends with Fred Pfeiffer, often having lunch or dinner with him and they played tennis together. Of course, Len gave Fred quite a few illustration jobs over the years.
The world will never see another Len Leone. Thanks for all
the incredible eye candy, Len, RIP.
Courtney Rogers
Glendale, AZ
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