Very nice to see noted children's author Jennifer Beck being recognised for services to children's literature.
Twice a year these awards are made and from time to time an author will be included, even the occasional Knighthood or Damehood, which I applaud, but when was the last time a member of the commercial side of the book industry was honoured?
In my almost 50 years in the book trade I cannot recall a bookseller or publisher getting a gong? Key players in other industries regularly receive recognition. Perhaps it is time for the Booksellers and Publishers Associations to get together and talk this matter over?
5 comments:
Here's few that I've been able to find. Others may know of more:
1972 A.H.Reed, Knight Bachelor
1997 Janet Paul, DNZM
2012 Bridget Williams, ONZM
2013 Wendy Pye, DNZM
2014 Fergus Barrowman, MNZM
Cheers, Diane
And off the top of my head, Hugh Price MZNM 2009
More off-the-top-of -the head stuff:
George Griffiths (Otago Heritage Books) - can't remember the gong, but I recall him saying that it was higher than he thought and almost worth the airfares to Welly!
Christine Cole Catley - DCMZN 2006, changed to Dame CNZM 2009, QSM 1994
Ray Richards....
It's better than you think GB (and I've made a few recommendations in my recent time) but I think your suggestion of an industry discussion is a good one.
G
Geoff Walker got a gong a year or two back didn't he?
Another two publishers who have been recognised are Elizabeth Caffin and Rosemary Stagg.
However cant think of any booksellers.
In a discussion last night we thought Roy Parsons and Alan Preston were worthy of recognition because their reach was greater than just their locality. While there are many booksellers alive who are greatly valued by their customers, the only live (ex-)bookseller we could think of with a wide reach in the bookworld was Graham Beattie.
Anyone for nominating him.?
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