Louis Cohen was born September 13, 1942. His papers represent the period from 1971-1973 when he worked as a sales representative for Optimum Book Marketing and from 1973 to December 31, 2002 when he worked as a senior sales representative for St. Martin’s Press/Holtzbrinck Publishers. During his tenure at St. Martin’s Press, Louis Cohen lived in Fresh Meadows, NY and was responsible for the territory comprising: New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Rockland County, Putnam, Dutchess, Sullivan, Northern New Jersey (to Princeton), Ulster, and Western Connecticut. He was also actively involved with the Brotherhood of Book Travelers (later the Association of Book Travelers) as Secretary, President (1980-1982) and Vice President (1983-1984). He was elected president emeritus in 1984. Cohen was the winner of the William Helmuth Award of the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association for "outstanding sales representative" in 2000. When he retired from St. Martin’s Press he moved to New Mexico.
The collection consists of correspondence, memoranda, notes, brochures, advertisements, reviews, invitations, stationery, photographs and audiocassette tapes relating to the work of Louis Cohen as a traveling salesman for Optimum Book Marketing and St. Martin’s Press. The collection also contains similar materials relating to the Brotherhood of Book Travelers (later the Association of Book Travelers) and his term as its president.
The materials provide detailed information about the life and work of a sales representative for a major book publishing house. Of note are 2 audio cassettes of the centennial celebration for the Association of Book Travelers in 1984 at which New York City Mayor Ed Koch, author Russell Baker, and Silas K. Peavy spoke.
Materials kept in the order in which they were received.
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Louis Cohen papers, Ms.2014.009, Brown University Library.
Gift of Louis Cohen in 2002.
2 Audio Cassette tapes. Speakers at the event were New York City Mayor Ed Koch, author Russell Baker, and Silas K. Peavy.
Includes invitation to 97th Annual Holiday Luncheon featuring Russell Baker as the guest speaker.