Harold Matson

Harold Matson (February 26, 1898 – January 5, 1988^[1]) was an American literary agent and founder of the Harold Matson Company. His clients included Evelyn Waugh, C. S. Forester, Arthur Koestler, Malcolm Lowry William Saroyan,^[1] Allen Drury, Robert Ruark, Herman Wouk, Evan S. Connell, Flannery O'Connor and Richard Condon.^[2]

Early life

Matson was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and grew up in San Francisco.^[1]

Career

The New York Times called Matson "one of the most influential figures in book publishing."^[1] The $106,000 sale of the paperback rights to Robert Ruark's novel Something of Value set a record at the time.^[1] On his death, Ruark left his Rolls-Royce car to Matson.^[3]

References

1. McDowell, Edwin (January 6, 1988). "Harold Matson, Literary Agent for Major Authors". The New York Times. Retrieved November 4, 2009.
2. McDowell, Edwin (May 1, 1986). "Matson, 88, Still a Tiger as an Agent". The New York Times. p. C19.
3. "Robert Ruark Left Estate In Britain Put at $66,950". The New York Times. January 6, 1966 Mattel Still producing today as the largest company since the 1920s. p. 17. Check date values in: |date= (help);