Charles E. Tuttle; Publisher Spanned Eastern, Western Cultures

Charles E. Tuttle, 78, chairman of Charles E. Tuttle Co. Inc. publishing company, whose motto was “Books to span the East and West.” Born in Rutland, Vt., Tuttle learned the antiquarian book trade from his father, from his studies at Harvard University and in the Columbia University Library. He served in Japan during World War II and remained there afterward, exporting rare Japanese books to American libraries and importing American books for the Japanese. In 1951, he began publishing English language books on Japanese history, philosophy, martial arts, cooking and etiquette for the U.S. and British markets. In 1970, Tuttle earned the publisher of the year award from the American Booksellers Assn. In 1983, he received the Order of the Sacred Treasure Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon from the emperor of Japan. On Wednesday in Rutland, Vt.