Edwin S. Grosvenor is a distinguished writer, publisher, and nonprofit manager, best known for his works on his great-grandfather, Alexander Graham Bell. Grosvenor was born on September 17, 1951, in Washington, D.C., and obtained his Bachelor of Arts from Yale University, followed by a Master of Science in journalism and an MBA from Columbia University. With over three decades of experience in publishing, web development, and management of new ventures, Grosvenor has made significant contributions to the literary world.
Grosvenor’s fascination with photography began at an early age, and he developed his skills as a freelance photographer for National Geographic magazine. He completed 23 assignments in various countries, including Belize, France, Iceland, and Spain, to name a few. Grosvenor’s talent for capturing the world’s beauty with his camera was evident in his father’s articles on sailing, which were accompanied by his thoroughly documented and stunning photographs.
In 1979, Grosvenor launched Portfolio, a fine arts magazine that quickly became the highest circulating publication in its category, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulation. Although he was only 27 years old, Grosvenor served as the magazine’s editor-in-chief, setting an example for aspiring young writers and publishers. In 1983, Portfolio was nominated for a National Magazine Award for General Excellence, a testament to Grosvenor’s talent and leadership.
In 1992, Grosvenor founded Current Books, a literary magazine that published excerpts from recent books by renowned authors such as E.L. Doctorow, Jane Goodall, and Salman Rushdie. Within three years, Current Books claimed to be the most widely distributed book publication in bookstores, with copies for sale in 3,840 stores. Grosvenor’s work with Current Books was widely recognized, and he was asked to serve on the NEA’s Literary Publishing Panel. The panel elected him as its Chairman, a testament to his exceptional leadership and contributions to the literary community.
In 1996, Grosvenor founded KnowledgeMax, an online bookseller and e-learning company that merged with Sideware Systems in 2000, forming KnowledgeMax, Inc. Grosvenor’s innovation and entrepreneurship contributed significantly to the company’s success, which became publicly traded until 2003.
Grosvenor’s most notable work is Alexander Graham Bell: The Life and Times of the Inventor of the Telephone, co-authored with Morgan Wesson and published by Harry N Abrams in 1997. The biography chronicled the life of his great-grandfather, Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone. Grosvenor’s insights into Bell’s life and work offered a new perspective on one of the most influential inventors of the modern era.
Grosvenor also edited several anthologies from American Heritage and Horizon magazines, adding to his already impressive body of work. His contributions to the literary community were widely recognized, with awards and memberships from several notable organizations. In 2012, he received the President’s Award from Historic Deerfield, a testament to his contributions to preserving the heritage of the United States.
In 2007, Grosvenor led a group of investors who purchased American Heritage from Forbes, preserving the publication’s rich history and continuing its legacy. Grosvenor believed that American Heritage’s importance could not be overstated, stating, “It’s important to save battlefields and historic homes, but this is the magazine that writes about the battlefields and the historic homes.” In 2012 and 2013, Grosvenor led a team that developed Fourscore, an educational website offering thousands of essays and documents for teaching American history and government.
Grosvenor’s tireless efforts to promote education led to the creation of the American Heritage Society, a nonprofit organization focused on education, in September 2011. Grosvenor raised over $1 million in donations, federal and foundation grants in 2012, cementing his legacy as an educational pioneer. Grosvenor’s contributions to the literary community and his passion for education continue to inspire generations of writers and educators.
Grosvenor’s dedication to preserving American history and promoting education is a testament to his commitment to shaping the future. His contributions to American literature and culture have earned him a place among the greats, and his work will continue to inspire generations of readers and writers for years to come.
Throughout his illustrious career, Edwin S. Grosvenor has made significant contributions to the world of literature, photography, and education. His passion for education and commitment to preserving American history have earned him accolades and recognition from prestigious organizations worldwide. Grosvenor’s legacy is a testament to the power of knowledge and its ability to shape the future.
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