Lane, Allen (1902–1970)

English publisher and pioneer of paperback books. He founded the paperback publishers Penguin Books Ltd in 1935, a revolutionary step in the trade. Starting with reprints of novels in paper covers at sixpence each, he expanded to other series such as nonfictional Pelicans and children's Puffins, establishing a highly successful publishing concern.

Lane was born and educated in Bristol. In 1919 he was apprenticed to the Bodley Head publishing house under its founder and his uncle John Lane (1854–1925). He rose to become managing director before resigning to form Penguin. He was knighted in 1952, and retired as managing director of Penguin in 1969.