Random House

Random House is a major book publishing company and the largest general-interest paperback publisher in the world. Founded in 1927 by Bennett Cerf and Donald Klopfer, Random House has grown to become a significant player in the publishing industry, known for its diverse range of publications and imprints.

History

Random House was established in 1927 by Bennett Cerf and Donald Klopfer, who had acquired the Modern Library imprint from Horace Liveright. The name "Random House" was chosen because the founders intended to publish a "random" assortment of books. The company quickly expanded its catalog, publishing works by authors such as William Faulkner, James Joyce, and Sinclair Lewis.

In 1960, Random House was acquired by RCA, and in 1980, it was sold to Advance Publications, the parent company of Condé Nast. In 1998, Random House was acquired by the German media conglomerate Bertelsmann, which merged it with its own publishing division, Bantam Doubleday Dell.

In 2013, Random House merged with Penguin Group to form Penguin Random House, creating the largest trade book publisher in the world.

Imprints

Random House operates numerous imprints, each with its own distinct focus and editorial direction. Some of the most notable imprints include:

• Ballantine Books: Known for its science fiction, fantasy, and romance titles.
• Bantam Books: Publishes a wide range of genres, including thrillers and science fiction.
• Crown Publishing Group: Focuses on narrative nonfiction and popular fiction.
• Del Rey Books: Specializes in science fiction and fantasy.
• Doubleday: Known for its literary fiction and nonfiction.
• Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group: Publishes literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
• Modern Library: Reissues classic literature and modern classics.
• Pantheon Books: Focuses on literary fiction and nonfiction.
• Schocken Books: Specializes in Jewish literature and culture.

Notable Publications

Random House has published numerous bestsellers and critically acclaimed works. Some of the most notable publications include:

• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
• Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
• The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Impact on Publishing

Random House has played a significant role in shaping the modern publishing landscape. It has been at the forefront of adopting new technologies and distribution methods, including digital publishing and e-books. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its wide range of authors and genres.

Also see

• Penguin Random House
• Bennett Cerf
• Donald Klopfer
• Bertelsmann
• Publishing
• Book publishing companies