Leonard Riggio, 83, Dies; Founded Barnes & Noble and Upended Publishing

Published On Aug 30, 2024, 3:41 PM

Leonard Riggio, the founder of Barnes & Noble, passed away at 83 from Alzheimer's disease. He transformed the bookselling industry by turning a small bookstore into the largest chain in the U.S., introducing the concept of bookstore superstores that offered a wide variety of books and amenities. Under his leadership, the chain dominated the market, but also faced criticism for driving many independent bookstores out of business. His legacy is marked by both his contributions to the literary world and the controversy surrounding his business practices.