Kitab-Verlag

Kitab-Verlag is a publishing house in Klagenfurt, Austria. It primarily focuses on books about the history of the culture of the near east and on modern literature from Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. “Kitab” is the Arabic word for “book” and "Verlag" is German for "publishing house".

The Kitab-Verlag was founded in 1999 by Wilhelm Baum and Robert Gutounig, who had the intention of publishing books, that should contribute to the understanding that the human race should be taken in its entirety and that it has a common cultural legacy that ought to be preserved. At the same time, it should be possible for the voices of smaller intellectual groups, often defined as local minorities, to find a broader reception. Another key objective for the publisher is therefore to keep alive critical voices of the “underground history of revolutions” (Bloch). System analysis and critique are part of this approach, as well as the promotion of authors, who have continuously sought to transcend national, cultural and religious boundaries. The series “Tangenten” was specifically introduced to promote such “border crossers” between cultures and nations.

The publisher’s other major objective is the promotion of important cultural and literary texts from other world cultures, such as those of Asian, African or Latin American origin. After Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who said that “everything great is either translated or ought to be translated”, the publisher strives to make valuable contributions to world culture, which have in the past been overlooked by the more established publishers. Repressed humanist efforts should be made visible as well as delayed impulses of the enlightenment. Contemporary authors, who have dedicated themselves to cross-cultural communication, or who are prepared to follow new directions, should also be able to express themselves. During a time of globalisation and international cross-linkage, the Kitab-Verlag seeks to establish contacts with non-German publishers and publishes texts in other languages, which, according to the publisher, should be available worldwide. It is a particular concern for the publisher to tighten links between European and Oriental cultures.

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