Charles Bloch, Bantam Books’ Agent, Dies at 71

Charles B. Bloch, one of the few book publisher’s representatives on the West Coast and head of his own motion picture development company, died Monday of an apparent heart attack at his North Hollywood home.

The editorial representative for Bantam Books for the last two decades, credited with launching the career of British author Barbara Cartland among others, was 71.

Bloch presided over the West Coast glory days of the book business, when hundreds of books were being made into motion pictures to the delight of authors and their agents. But recently he had been quoted as saying publishers are becoming cool to works of fiction and the resultant movie deals.

Bloch was also involved with stage and film production through much of his career. In 1973 he produced the short-lived Broadway production “Look Away,” a two-character production based on a biography of Mary Todd Lincoln.

His survivors include a son; a daughter; two grandchildren and three sisters. In lieu of flowers the family is asking contributions to the Robert and Jessica Ryan Dyslexic Learning Center, North Hollywood.