Guide to the Louis Cohen papers, 1971-2002

John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148
Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Published in 2014

Collection Overview

Title:	Louis Cohen papers
Date range:	1971-2002
Creator:	Cohen, Louis, 1942-
Extent:	1 linear foot
Abstract:	The collection consists of Louis Cohen’s correspondence with salesmen and sales managers during his employment as a sales representative with Optimum Book Marketing and St. Martin’s Press/Holtzbrinck Publishers. There are also memoranda, notes, brochures, advertisements, reviews, invitations, stationery, photographs and 2 audiocassette tapes relating to his work and to his association with the Brotherhood of Book Travelers, later the Association of Book Travelers, and to his term as president.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Collection number:	MS.2014.009

Scope & content

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.

Access Points

Subject Names

Subject Organizations

Subject Topics

Language and Literature

Arrangement

Materials kept in the order in which they were received.

Biographical note

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.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	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.
Use of the materials:	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.
Preferred citation:	Louis Cohen papers, Ms.2014.009, Brown University Library.
Contact information:	John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts Box A Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148 Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Acquisition:	Gift of Louis Cohen in 2002.


ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Betsy Fishman.
Encoding:	This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2014-04-30
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Inventory

Box 1, Folder 1

St. Martin’s Press Invitations

1972-1990

Box 1, Folder 2

St. Martin's Press - Ron Green Years

1971-1974

Box 1, Folder 3

St. Martin's Press - Eric Kampmann Years

1973-1975

Box 1, Folder 4

St. Martin's Press - Eric Kampmann Years

1976-1977

Box 1, Folder 5

St. Martin's Press - Eric Kampmann Years

1977

Box 1, Folder 6

St. Martin's Press - Charlie Hayward Years

1977-1983

Box 1, Folder 7