Byron Dobell facts for kids

Byron Dobell (born May 30, 1927 – died January 21, 2017) was an American editor and artist. He was known as a very important editor in the world of magazines in New York. He worked for popular magazines like American Heritage and Esquire. Byron Dobell also helped many famous writers, including Tom Wolfe and Mario Puzo, start their careers. In 1998, he was honored by being added to the American Society of Magazine Editors Hall of Fame. Besides his editing work, Dobell also wrote essays and poems that appeared in different publications.

A Career in Journalism

Byron Dobell had a long and successful career in journalism. He was known for his sharp eye for good stories and for helping writers develop their unique styles.

Helping Tom Wolfe Shine

One famous story about Dobell involves the writer Tom Wolfe. In 1963, Wolfe wanted to write about the exciting world of hot rod cars in California for Esquire magazine. But he had trouble finishing the article.

Dobell suggested that Wolfe just send him his notes. Wolfe, feeling stuck, typed a long letter to Dobell explaining everything he wanted to say about the cars. He didn't follow any normal rules for writing an article. When Dobell received the letter, he simply removed "Dear Byron" from the top and published it as the article!

This unusual piece, called "There Goes (Varoom! Varoom!) That Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby," became very popular. It helped Tom Wolfe publish his first book with the same name. Wolfe later said that Dobell also gave him the idea to change the main character in his famous novel Bonfire of the Vanities from a writer to a bond trader.

Working with Mario Puzo

From 1967 to 1969, Dobell was the editor of Book World. During this time, he published many book reviews by Mario Puzo, who later became famous for writing The Godfather. Puzo said that Dobell was the only editor who would have published his very first book review, and even put it on the front page.

Becoming an Artist

In 1990, Byron Dobell decided to follow another passion: painting portraits. He left his journalism career to focus on art.

In the years that followed, Dobell painted many of his friends and people he knew. He also received special requests to paint others, including New York Magazine founder Clay Felker and Tim Forbes, who worked at Forbes magazine.

Some of Dobell's paintings are now in important collections. His portraits of Ted Kennedy, Betty Friedan, and Clay Felker are part of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C.

Dobell was also a member of the Century Association in New York. In 2006, he was a Visiting Artist at the American Academy in Rome, which is a special honor for artists. Between 1994 and 2015, Dobell had 11 solo art shows in New York City. These shows featured his landscapes, still life paintings, and studies of people.