The Editor

At the start of her career in 1949, a young Judith Jones was working at Doubleday’s Paris office, spending her days wading through countless manuscripts. Serendipity struck when she stumbled upon Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, a manuscript that profoundly impacted her. Convincing her employer to publish it, Jones set the stage for the book to become an international bestseller and a staple in literature. This discovery marked the beginning of a culture-defining career in the publishing industry.

Judith Jones’ tenure at Alfred A. Knopf spanned over fifty years, during which she nurtured the careers of literary giants including Sylvia Plath, Anne Tyler, and John Updike. Her editorial insight extended beyond traditional literature; she was at the forefront of the culinary writing revolution, introducing the world to iconic food writers such as Julia Child, Edna Lewis, M.F.K. Fisher, Claudia Roden, Madhur Jaffrey, and James Beard. Jones's unwavering belief in these voices not only turned them into household names but also broadened the public's culinary horizons and expectations.

Her work, deeply intertwined with America's most significant cultural shifts from post-World War II to the civil rights movement and the women's liberation movement, positioned the books she championed as tools of subtle yet profound resistance and change. Jones's impeccable judgement and keen eye for talent significantly influenced literary and food culture, impacting millions of readers and home cooks around the globe.

In The Editor, Sara B. Franklin offers an unprecedented exploration of Judith Jones's life and legacy. Based on exclusive interviews, never-before-seen personal papers, and exhaustive research, this biography paints a rich and intimate portrait of a woman whose contributions to literature and cuisine remain unparalleled. This “thorough and humanising portrait” (Kirkus Reviews) is a testament to Jones's indelible impact on modern culture and stands as a tribute to her extraordinary career.

Whether you are a lover of literature, an enthusiastic cook, or someone fascinated by the behind-the-scenes power of editing, The Editor provides a compelling and insightful look into the life of a woman whose visionary work continues to resonate. This biography is not only an homage to Judith Jones’s extensive achievements but also a celebration of the timeless books and authors she championed.