Harold Macmillan Obituary – Cause of Death : Chairman of Macmillan Dies at 75

Allegedly, Nicky Byam Shaw found himself in a rather peculiar situation at the Waldorf Hotel in New York on St Cecilia’s Day in 1980. He ended up following Leonard Bernstein into the restroom during a party celebrating the publication of The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. It seems Bernstein had some issues with his entry in the dictionary, and Byam Shaw, as the managing director of Macmillan, was tasked with calming down the fiery conductor.

The New Grove Dictionary project was no small feat, taking ten years and $7.5 million to complete. Macmillan, a long-standing family-owned publishing company, had a rich history in literature, working with esteemed authors like Charles Kingsley and Rudyard Kipling. Byam Shaw, under the guidance of Harold Macmillan, the former British prime minister, rose through the ranks swiftly to become Macmillan’s right-hand man.

Byam Shaw’s tenure at Macmillan saw significant expansion both geographically and in terms of the company’s scope. He was instrumental in the creation of influential journals like Nature Medicine and Nature Genetics, showcasing his keen understanding of the academic market. His attention to detail and innovative ideas propelled Macmillan to new heights, making it a powerhouse in the publishing industry.

One of Byam Shaw’s biggest projects was The Grove Dictionary of Art, a massive 34-volume publication that took sixteen years and $50 million to complete. This project felt like overseeing a convoy of ships nearing port, a labor of love that brought many families together over the years.

Despite facing challenges like book piracy and power struggles within the company, Byam Shaw emerged victorious and led Macmillan to new horizons. His legacy as a publisher, a family man, and a visionary leader lives on, as he passed away in 2024 at the age of 90 after a series of strokes. His story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a love for the written word.