David Elliott, editorial director of Quartet Books and co-founder of Elliott & Thompson dies, aged 79

David Elliott, editorial director of Quartet Books and co-founder of Elliott & Thompson has died, aged 79. 

Elliott was born in Leyton, east London. His love of books was first ignited after working a summer job at Foyles. In 1976 he was introduced to Naim Attallah who had recently acquired Quartet Books. Elliott shortly became sales director and later editorial director. His partnership with Attallah lasted almost 50 years.  

During a hiatus from Quartet Books in the 1980s, Elliott established a small publishing house Elliott & Thompson, which he co-founded and ran with Brad Thompson. This was later purchased by the current owner Lorne Forsyth. 

Elliott also wrote several books including Boy with a Dolphin: The Life and Work of David Wynne (Quartet) and A Trade of Charms (Bellew) and ghosted other titles.  

Elliott’s godchild Sadie Hennessy said at his funeral: “We all miss that enthusiasm and gusto with which David approached not just pudding, but everything in life."

A statement from his friends continued: “David had a deep, lifelong love of classical music, opera, art, cinema and, above all, books. He was an effective campaigner on social issues – especially unpopular ones and above all he had a genuine gift of loyal friendship and unconditional love.” 

He is survived by his niece, Sara, and nephew Joe, and by his wife Barbara who lived with him for 47 years.