The leadership of the Samuel Beckett Society is saddened to acknowledge the passing of Paul Auster, a towering figure on the landscape of contemporary fiction, in addition to a prominent steward of Beckett’s legacy as editor of The Grove Centenary Editions. His distinctive voice and sympathetic presence will be sorely missed.
Book designer Laura Lindgren adds: Eternal gratitude to Paul Auster for his inspired suggestion to Morgan Entrekin that Grove Press publish a Centenary Edition of Beckett’s works. It was my honor and great pleasure to create the design, typeset, and manage the editorial process of the 4-volume boxed set of 2,100+ pages—first in hardcover in 2006, and in a boxed set of paperback editions in 2010. Paul graciously championed Beckett with enormous respect; his dedication to the work and life of writing was his raison d’être. His loss is immeasurable for Siri and Sophie and so many friends and literary cohorts fortunate to have known and loved Paul.
NB: For those interested in Auster’s encounters with Beckett, we recommend this short piece.
The Samuel Beckett Society 
Eternal gratitude to Paul Auster for his inspired suggestion to Morgan Entrekin that Grove Press publish a Centenary Edition of Beckett’s works. It was my honor and great pleasure to create the design, typeset, and manage the editorial process of the 4-volume boxed set of 2,100+ pages—first in hardcover in 2006, and in a boxed set of paperback editions in 2010. Paul graciously championed Beckett with enormous respect; his dedication to the work and life of writing was his raison d’être. His loss is immeasurable for Siri and Sophie and so many friends and literary cohorts fortunate to have known and loved Paul. –Laura Lindgren
LikeLike
Dear Laura,
Many thanks for the wonderfully warm and heartfelt message. We hugely appreciate it. With your permission, we would be honoured to add it to the Society’s mention of Paul’s passing as it adds so much to honouring his devotion to Beckett.
Many thanks for taking the time to contact us.
Feargal Whelan
LikeLike
Dear Feargal, I’d be glad for you to add my comment to the Society’s mention of Paul’s passing. By the way, in the way of background: I was on staff at Grove Press from 1984 (at Barney’s home at 196 West Houston St. until Barney sold the company) to 1986 as assistant editor and as managing editor from ’86 to ’89. It’s also thanks to Eric Price, a fellow who still worked there in 2004, who knew to call on me for the Centenary Edition; he well remembered my abiding love of Beckett’s work. Here’s a link to the page in my website with the Centenary Edition in hardcover and paperback. https://www.lindgrendesign.com/samuel-beckett/
LikeLike
Dear Laura,
Thanks so much for this. Fascinating to hear of your working with Barney Rosset in the heyday of Grove. I happened to be looking at the paperback four volume edition the other day and was reminded of just what a beautiful artefact it is. Both editions are, really. We are lucky to have them and, if it doesn’t sound dumb, thank you for your part in them.
Lovely to hear from you.
All the best
Feargal
LikeLike