Bompiani

Bompiani, founded in Milan in 1929 by Valentino Bompiani, is one of Italy’s most prestigious literary institutions. Known for its sophisticated editorial standards and its motto “Books to help us live better,” the house has played a decisive role in introducing international avant-garde literature to the Italian public.

The Legacy of Umberto Eco

The history of Bompiani is inextricably linked to Umberto Eco. As a long-time editorial consultant and author, Eco shaped the publisher’s identity. In 1980, Bompiani published his debut novel, The Name of the Rose, which became an unprecedented global bestseller. Eco’s influence ensured that Bompiani remained at the intersection of high academic discourse and popular literary success, a rare feat in the publishing world.

Editorial Vision and Global Reach

Under Valentino Bompiani’s leadership, the house became a pioneer in publishing translated works from American and European masters. It was the first to bring authors like Albert Camus, T.S. Eliot, and John Steinbeck to Italian readers. The publisher is also famous for its monumental Bompiani Dictionary of Works and Authors, an essential reference for scholars across Europe.

Contemporary Standing

In 2016, following the merger of Mondadori and Rizzoli, Bompiani was acquired by Giunti Editore to ensure market competition. This move allowed Bompiani to retain its distinctive boutique feel and editorial autonomy. Today, it continues to publish prestigious contemporary authors, Nobel Prize winners, and influential non-fiction, maintaining its reputation as a “publisher of ideas.”

Artistic Integrity

Bompiani remains a lighthouse for readers seeking intellectual rigor. Whether through its beautifully designed literary classics or its provocative essays on modern society, the house continues to honor its founder’s vision of literature as a bridge between cultures and a tool for human understanding.