Fitzcarraldo Editions

Fitzcarraldo Editions was founded in 2014 by Jacques Testard, a former editor at The White Review. The press's name is a tribute to Werner Herzog's film Fitzcarraldo, reflecting a spirit of ambition and perseverance in publishing. Testard aimed to create a list that prioritizes literary quality over commercial trends, with a particular emphasis on translated works and innovative fiction. The press's minimalist cover design—a consistent blue-and-white palette—has become instantly recognizable and is often credited with helping to establish a strong brand identity in a crowded market.¹

Fitzcarraldo has published works by authors such as Mathias Énard, Annie Ernaux, and Olga Tokarczuk, many of whom have gone on to win major international prizes. The press's titles have been shortlisted for and won the Man Booker International Prize, the Nobel Prize in Literature, and the International Booker Prize. For instance, Olga Tokarczuk's Flights, translated by Jennifer Croft, won the 2018 Man Booker International Prize, bringing the press widespread attention. The press also publishes the Fitzcarraldo Editions Essay series, which features long-form nonfiction on culture, politics, and philosophy.²

The editorial approach at Fitzcarraldo is characterized by a slow, careful curation of its list, releasing only a limited number of titles each year. This selectivity allows the press to devote significant attention to each book's translation, editing, and production. The design, overseen by Testard himself, uses a consistent typographic style and a single accent color, creating a cohesive library that stands out on shelves. The press has been praised for its commitment to literary fiction and essays, often taking risks on unconventional narratives and voices that larger publishers might overlook.

Beyond its well-known titles, Fitzcarraldo has a number of lesser-known facets. The press runs a small but active events program, hosting readings and discussions in London and at international festivals. It also collaborates with independent bookshops on exclusive editions and has a subscription model that offers signed copies and early releases. Notably, Fitzcarraldo's translation grants have supported emerging translators, and its commitment to publishing works from underrepresented languages has been recognized by literary organizations. The press's name itself is a nod to the film's theme of impossible dreams, which resonates with its mission to publish challenging, ambitious literature.

Man Booker International Prize

An annual literary award for a single book translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland.

Translation grant

Funding provided to support the translation of a literary work, often from a less-common language.