About us

‘One of the great achievements in contemporary publishing is the Littman Library of Jewish Civilization, founded by Louis Littman for the express purpose of publishing classic scholarly works which might find it difficult to gain the support of commercial presses.‘
Albert H. Friedlander, European Judaism

The Littman Library of Jewish Civilization, founded by Louis Littman in memory of his father to explore, explain, and perpetuate the Jewish heritage, published its first book in 1965. In its early years it published under the auspices of established houses, most famously Oxford University Press. As its list of published titles grew and its reputation developed, it became clear that its goals would be better served by publishing independently. The Littman Library is now known throughout the world of Jewish studies as a leader in the field.

Littman’s academic books are selected for their outstanding scholarship, objectivity, and new insights. Many are considered definitive in their field. Littman’s more general titles, written in an accessible style, aim to make important ideas available to a readership concerned with the state of the Jewish world. Littman’s translations of classic Hebrew works let English-speaking readers enjoy a range of exceptional works from the Jewish religious and literary corpus.

The Littman Library’s dedication to quality is reflected in its choice of books to publish and in the care devoted to each book at every stage of its production. Littman has acquired a reputation for publishing books of a very high standard, works that are both definitive and well-written.

Since Louis Littman’s death in 1987, his vision has been continued by his family, through a charitable foundation. Their involvement in the Littman Library’s work and support for its objectives provides the strong basis upon which Littman builds and develops its founder’s legacy and maintains his traditions of quality in publishing. Littman is now registered as a UK charity, in recognition of its role as a publisher of quality books that might not otherwise be commercially viable. Any profits earned from the sale of books are all reinvested in the publication of new titles.

Registered charity number 1000784

Incorporated in England and Wales; registration number 2448795

VAT registration number 596 4881 74