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Penguin to Become the First English Language Trade Publisher to Publish Classics in Portuguese in Brazil
Penguin has reached an exclusive agreement with Companhia das Letras to publish the Penguin Classics in Brazil. Penguin Classics is the largest and most comprehensive publisher of classic literature in the world. Companhia das Letras is one of the most prestigious publishing houses in Brazil, internationally renowned for its commitment to publishing the best in Brazilian and foreign literature. This new partnership makes history as Penguin becomes the first English language publisher to publish classics in Portuguese. The initial list of titles will launch in 2010.
The new imprint under Companhia das Letras will be called Penguin Companhia Classicos, and will also include an accompanying line called Penguin Companhia. Some of Companhia’s most renowned authors and masterworks of Portuguese history and fiction will be published under both imprints.
The classic titles published in this joint partnership will carry the world famous Penguin Classics livery with Portuguese text. The books will include Portuguese translations of existing Penguin Classics editions along with translations into Portuguese of additional titles commissioned by Companhia das Letras. The books will uphold Penguin Classics’ established standards of excellence and will be accompanied by introductions, notes, and other scholarly apparatus.
John Makinson, Penguin Chairman and Chief Executive, comments: “Penguin is thrilled to be introducing its iconic classics brand to Brazil, one of the most dynamic and promising publishing markets in the world. The opportunity is enormous and we could not wish for more compatible partners in this adventure than Luiz Schwarcz and Companhia das Letras. The publishing pedigree and style of Companhia are completely consistent with our own, and together we hope to reinvent the publishing of classic literature in Brazil.”
Pictured (left to right) Penguin Books' Stephen Morrison, Companhia das Letras' Luiz Schwarcz, and John Makinson.
David and Liz Shanks Host A Party Celebrating Tomie dePaola's 75th Birthday in New York
A cocktail reception was hosted by David and Liz Shanks at the swank Valbella restaurant last night to honor children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola's 75th birthday. Media, booksellers, librarians and Penguin staff gathered to celebrate the years Tomie has been with PGI, as well as the launch of his newest book, Strega Nona’s Harvest, which went on-sale this week. Tomie was honored by both David and Liz Shanks, who presented him with handmade marionettes created in the likenesses of Strega Nona, Big Anthony and Tomie himself. Don Weisberg, President of Penguin Young Readers Group, also presented Tomie with a donation from Penguin to create a water well in an underdeveloped country in Tomie’s name. Tomie and guests were also invited to assist the chef in creating some of the evening’s desserts - a fun and delicious way to end the evening!
Pictured: Tomie dePaola with David and Liz Shanks
