Knopf, Alfred A.

Knopf, Alfred A. (kunopf', nopf) [key], 1892–1984, American publisher, b. New York City. After working (1912–14) for the Doubleday, Page Publishing Company, he founded (1915) his own firm (Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.), which remained independent until 1960, when the company was sold by Knopf to Random House, Inc.; the Knopf imprint remains in existence. Knopf emphasized translations of great contemporary European literature, at that time neglected by American publishers, and specialized in producing books that were outstanding for fine printing, binding, and design. His colophon, the borzoi, became synonymous with beauty and taste in book design and high standards in the selection of books for publication.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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