André Schiffrin

Schiffrin charts a unique path in progressive publishing by advocating for serious literary works that transcend commercial constraints. His early experiences in Paris and New York as part of a European Jewish intellectual family infused his career with a deep commitment to cultural and political discourse. While at Pantheon Books, Schiffrin championed international authors like Boris Pasternak and Michel Foucault, alongside American thinkers such as Noam Chomsky. This approach cultivated a diverse catalog that broadened American readers' exposure to global and intellectual ideas, despite market pressures.\n\nSchiffrin’s founding of The New Press further demonstrated his dedication to publishing in the public interest, creating a non-profit platform that challenged the profit-driven industry norm. His influential books, including "The Business of Books: How the International Conglomerates Took Over Publishing and Changed the Way We Read," critically examine the consolidation of publishing houses and the resulting impact on cultural expression. Through both his roles as an author and a publisher, Schiffrin tirelessly advocated for works of social and moral significance, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire those seeking intellectually enriching literature.