The Press: New Hand at the Economist

When scholarly, kewpie-shaped Geoffrey Crowther took over as editor of the London Economist in 1938, its circulation was a low 10,000 and its influence on British political life was even lower. Under Crowther's sure hand and facile pen, Economist circulation soared to 50,640, and it became Britain's most influential periodical. Nine of every ten Britons who have a hand in major policies read it. About two years ago, Crowther began to spend less time at the Economist, more with his private business (he is a director of five companies—insurance, hotels, etc.). Last week the Economist announced that it will lift the editorial burden from Crowther in March, make him a managing director.

To replace Editor Crowther the Economist will bring in Donald Tyerman, 47, onetime Economist writer and deputy editor (1937-44). Later, Tyerman joined the London Times, moved up to deputy editor. Like Crowther, Tyerman is a liberal in politics and a conservative in economics; thus the Economist's slightly left-of-center line is unlikely to change. But Crowther will be around to lend a hand if necessary. Says he: "I'm not disinteresting myself in any part of the paper."