Peter Pugh, founder and chairman of Icon Books, died February 24, the Bookseller reported. He was 76. Pugh founded the nonfiction publishing house, a member of the Independent Alliance, in 1992, starting with just four titles in the Beginners series (now called "Introducing," with about 90 titles). The publisher features works across popular science, history, psychology and current affairs. Recent bestsellers include The Etymologicon and The Billion Dollar Spy.
"Peter was immensely proud of what Icon had achieved and we will honor his legacy by continuing to build on his creation," said managing director Philip Cotterell.
Pugh's son, Alex, will take over immediately as chairman and his wife, Felicity, will be appointed alternate director.
Cotterell added: "If there was one word which encompasses everything that Peter was, it is 'generous'.... Peter was like something from the 1950s but was also so switched on. He was very hands on and would come into the office regularly so was involved in the day-to-day running and this was reflected in the enthusiasm the staff had for him. He was active until the very end. He was the quintessential gentleman and absolutely charming, an absolute one-off. I don't think we'll see his kind again."