House of Anansi Press, founded in Toronto in 1967 by poet Dennis Lee and author Dave Godfrey, is one of Canada’s most vital and celebrated independent publishers. Established during Canada’s centenary year, its mission was to create a dedicated platform for unique Canadian voices when the market was dominated by British and American literature.
Founding Vision and the Atwood Era
The press is named after Anansi, the West African trickster god of stories, symbolizing its clever and impactful approach to publishing. Anansi became famous almost immediately for discovering nascent Canadian talent. Most notably, it was the first publisher for Margaret Atwood, launching her iconic career and cementing the press’s reputation as the birthplace of modern Canadian literature.
Independence and Philanthropic Spirit
After a period of dormancy, the press was revitalized in 2002 by publisher and philanthropist Scott Griffin. Under his stewardship, Anansi flourished again, expanding its reach nationally and internationally. The current catalog brilliantly balances critically acclaimed literary fiction, bold non-fiction on contemporary issues, and cutting-edge poetry.
Global Recognition and Artistic Excellence in 2025
As of 2025, House of Anansi remains fiercely independent, a rarity in today’s consolidated publishing world. Its authors consistently win top awards, including the Booker Prize and the Giller Prize. The press is known for its exquisite book design and high production standards. Anansi is not just a publisher; it is a cultural guardian that continues to challenge the status quo and champion the next generation of Canadian literary giants.