A Life in Publishing

As a young editor at Times Books, Henry Ferris signed up a memoir by a Chicago lawyer who, he was told, might someday become the first Black President of the United States. Ferris and future president Barack Obama worked together closely on the manuscript that became the acclaimed bestseller, Dreams from My Father. Now a publishing industry veteran, Ferris has also worked with celebrities such as astronaut Buzz Aldrin, novelist Amy Ephron, columnist Gail Collins, and political commentator Joy-Ann Reid. In this highly personal interview, he speaks about his craft, his life, and why good books need good editors.

This free online program is presented by The National Arts Club.