Leo Margulies papers , 1943-1977

Leo Margulies, born in Brooklyn in 1900, was a publisher and editor of pulp magazines. He attended Columbia University but was persuaded to give up his studies by the famous editor, Robert H. Davis, who insisted that practical experience was the way to learn the job. Margulies worked with Davis, who was editorial director of the Munsey magazines, selling subsidiary rights to stories. When Davis opened his own agency, Margulies moved with him.

Margulies went on to head the research department for Fox Films on the east coast, a position he held for five years. After a while, Margulies opened his own literary agency. When Woolworth stores became the first national chain to sell magazines, Leo Margulies was in on the venture.

In the early 1930s, Margulies joined Ed Pines to form Standard Magazines, for which, at its zenith, he simultaneously edited forty-four magazines. Many of today's writers were first published in the pulps, and Margulies is credited with recognizing their talent and providing them with a vehicle whereby they could train and improve.

He married Sylvia Kleinman in 1937; she too was a respected editor. Together they worked to build their publishing enterprise, Renown Publications, which began in New York. During World War II, Margulies served as a Navy war correspondent, and Kleinman joined the WACS.

Renown Publications moved to California in the early 1970s, with Margulies publishing Weird Tales, Charlie Chan Mystery Magazine, Mike Shayne Mystery Magazine, and Zane Grey Western Magazine. In addition to publishing these magazines, he compiled anthologies in the mystery and science fiction genres. Margulies is also credited with being a founder of the Popular Paperback Library.

During a flight to England in 1975 to attend a writers' convention, Leo Margulies became seriously ill. He was flown back to Los Angeles, where he died of a stroke on December 26, 1975.