Peter Usborne dies aged 85: Publisher of iconic ‘Usborne Book of’ children’s series dies ‘suddenly but peacefully’
ICONIC children’s book publisher Peter Usborne has died “suddenly but peacefully” aged 85.
Tributes are now pouring in for the “genious” publisher, who had “child-like energy and curiosity”.
Usborne Publishing said their founder and chairman died yesterday “suddenly but peacefully” surrounded by his heartbroken family.
The company added: “Peter was, in the truest sense of the word, a genius – his brilliance was matched only by his determination to make books accessible to all children.
“This determination was fuelled by his passion for ‘doing things better’ than any other children’s book publisher, matched with a child-like energy and curiosity that made him light up every room he stepped into.
“He was an exceptional publisher, an inspirational leader and a very kind, generous man who will be sorely missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him. “
His daughter Nicola Usborne, managing director of Usborne Publishing, said she was “heartbroken” by the death of her father.
Nicola described her father as a “brilliant, ever curious, ever enthusiastic man, who was also very kind, very generous and honourable and principled to his core”.
Her statement added: “He was the best dad I could imagine.
“He always joked that he intended never to die, and we all hoped he’d have many more years. We take some solace in the fact that he had such a very full life right up until the end.”
She said Peter had a “whole day meeting” with HarperCollins US during his “very last day”.
Nicola added: “He never ever understood why anyone would want to retire, and he would have been so pleased that he never, even remotely, did.”
Peter is survived by his wife, Wendy, children Nicola and Martin, and five grandchildren.