Robert Giroux, RIP

I'm sure there are still some publishers who might one day be considered literary heroes or cultural icons. But it seems that the business of books has made it harder for publishers and agents to pursue quality like they used to, to hold fast to their ideals like they used to.

Robert Giroux died a few days ago. The 94-year old played a pivotal role in the all-too-short career of Flannery O'Connor, and his warm friendship with her is obvious in their published letters.

To get a sense of Giroux's personal and professional interest in O'Connor, read (or re-read) the publisher's introduction to Flannery O'Connor: The Complete Stories over on the "Speaking of Faith" site.