During his early years as an acquisitions editor at MIT Press in the late 1980s, Bob Prior played a key role in managing a burgeoning list of computer science titles.
Thirty-six years later, Prior has edited hundreds of commercial and academic works across diverse fields such as neuroscience, natural history, electronic privacy, evolution, and design. His portfolio even includes a single novel amidst his non-fiction titles. In recent years, as the editor for biomedical sciences, neuroscience, and business sciences, his focus has been on general-interest scientific books, particularly in life sciences, neuroscience, and natural history.
Despite the consistency in his role, Prior notes that his work has always been varied year to year. « You use the same set of skills, but in service of very different authors and projects, » he says.
After over three decades at the press, Prior is set to retire at the end of June.
He leaves behind an incredible legacy, described by Bill Smith, MIT Press’s director of sales and marketing, as a « master networker, shrewd acquisitions editor, and champion of rigorous and brilliant scholarship. » Smith adds, « His curious mind is always on the lookout for brilliant scientists and authors with something significant to say to the world. »
Amy Brand, director and publisher of the press, appreciates Prior’s « excellent instinct and competitive spirit as an acquisitions editor, as well as his passion for his work and the research in his fields. » She adds, « In recent years, he has been very generous in providing me and other colleagues with insightful advice on specific projects and our overall acquisitions program. »
Smith further praises Prior for pushing boundaries and constantly challenging preconceived notions about what a smart general-interest book can be.
Some of Prior’s favorite projects during his career have been the most personal ones.
One book he is particularly proud of is « The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist, » written by renowned neuroscientist Ben Barres and completed just before Barres’s death from pancreatic cancer in 2017. Prior was tasked with editing Barres’s book posthumously.
« It’s an incredibly personal story; he talks about his experiences as an undergraduate at MIT, his transition, and the challenges of his life, » Prior explains. With the diligent care that characterizes Prior’s work, he helped bring Barres’s final work to the public. « It’s a book I’m very proud of because of Ben’s legacy and who he was, and because everyone I know who has read it has been transformed in some way, » Prior says. « The book has profoundly influenced my worldview. »
Other notable books acquired by Prior include « The Laws of Simplicity » by John Maeda; « The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World » by Adam Gazzaley and Larry D. Rosen; « Consciousness: Confessions of a Romantic Reductionist » by Christof Koch; « Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are » by Robert Plomin; and « The Alchemy of Us: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another » by Ainissa Ramirez.
Gita Manaktala, MIT Press’s editorial director, attributes Prior’s dedication and incredible success throughout his career to more than just coincidence. « For nearly 40 years, Bob Prior has shown us how to cultivate books written by scientists and technologists, » Manaktala says. Each week, Prior writes to a list of people he has never met but whose work he admires. Sometimes he gets a response; often, he does not, or at least not immediately. Despite this, Prior has never given up, knowing that books and relationships take time and effort to build.
« His sustained interest in people, ideas, and their impact on the world is what makes a great editor, » Manaktala adds. « Bob has helped grow hundreds of essential books from small seeds. The world of ideas is a richer, greener, and more fertile place for his efforts. »
« Personally, I will miss him and his insights greatly, » says Brand.
« Even though my life after MIT Press will be filled with family, friends, and meaningful work in my community, I will certainly miss the world of publishing and the hunt for great authors, » Prior reflects on his 36 years at the press. « What I will miss most are my incredible colleagues; what an amazing place to build a career. »
