George Palmer Putnam

George Palmer Putnam was a prominent American publisher and author best known for his pivotal role in promoting the career of aviator Amelia Earhart, whom he later married. A scion of the distinguished Putnam family, he leveraged his position at the family firm G. P. Putnam's Sons to publish works by notable explorers and adventurers, significantly shaping popular perceptions of exploration and heroism in the early 20th century. His later life was deeply intertwined with Earhart's historic flights and the enduring mystery of her disappearance over the Pacific Ocean.

Early life and education

He was born into the influential Putnam family in Rye, New York, the son of publisher John Bishop Putnam and Frances Faulkner. His grandfather, George Haven Putnam, was a noted Union Army officer and a leading figure in the publishing world. He received his early education at private schools before attending Harvard University, though he left before graduating to pursue a career in the family business. This early immersion in the world of New York publishing provided him with invaluable connections and a keen understanding of the literary market.

Publishing career

He began his career at G. P. Putnam's Sons, where he quickly demonstrated a flair for promotion and an eye for compelling narratives. He played a crucial role in publishing the works of famous explorers like Richard E. Byrd and Charles Lindbergh, capitalizing on the public's fascination with polar exploration and aviation. In 1926, he was appointed editor of the firm's periodical, Putnam's Magazine, further solidifying his influence. His promotional genius was most famously applied to the literary career of Amelia Earhart, whose books he published and aggressively marketed, helping to transform her into an international icon.

Marriage to Amelia Earhart

After a protracted courtship, he married Amelia Earhart in 1931, becoming both her husband and her relentless manager. He masterminded her lucrative lecture tours, endorsement deals, and book contracts, including her bestselling autobiography, *The Fun of It*. He was instrumental in planning and financing her ambitious 1937 world flight, which aimed to circumnavigate the globe at the equator. Following her disappearance near Howland Island, he tirelessly supported search efforts and later helped establish the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund to support women in aviation.

Later life and death

After Earhart's disappearance, he continued his work in publishing and authored several books, including the biographical account *Soaring Wings*. He served as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, working in the Office of the Chief of Staff. He married his third wife, Margaret Haviland, in 1939. He died suddenly of a heart attack on January 4, 1950, while on a business trip to the Searles Valley mining town of Trona, California.

Legacy and honors

His legacy is inextricably linked to his role in creating and sustaining the public legend of Amelia Earhart. His publishing acumen helped bring the stories of numerous Twentieth-century explorers to a mass audience. In recognition of his support for aviation, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as a civilian. The George Palmer Putnam Collection of Earhart memorabilia is housed at Purdue University, and his son, George Palmer Putnam Jr., became a notable publisher in his own right, heading G. P. Putnam's Sons for many years.

Category:American publishers Category:1887 births Category:1950 deaths