Sothis Press
About Sothis Press
Sothis Press is a new kind of public domain publisher. We believe that historic texts should always be available as good quality print editions, in a beautiful package and at a sensible price.
What is a ‘public domain’ book?
Any book that is without copyright is in the public domain. This means it can be published and reprinted by anyone — it’s public property. Books typically enter the public domain when the original copyright period expires, usually long after the author’s death, although some authors choose to put their books into the public domain as a matter of principle.
Do we need another public domain publisher?
Frankly, yes. Public domain book publishing gets a bad rep, and we’re out to change that. In fact, we’re aiming for nothing less than the complete re-imagining of the public domain book.
For too long, these texts have primarily existed as poorly scanned copies in digital repositories, occasionally made available in print with little to no thought for design or accessibility. We’re using technology to create thoughtfully designed, properly typeset editions, at scale, and make sure they are never out-of-print.
Thoughtfully designed, you say?
Yes, and properly typeset. With an emphasis on legibility and a good reading experience. Our body text is set in Garamond, that most bookish of book typefaces, and our covers are in Louize, an elegant and classically proportioned serif, each with a unique colour combination. Our books are all printed in the Demy format, so they just feel right in your hand, and look even better on your bookshelf.
Who’s behind Sothis Press?
Sothis Press is the culmination of years spent within an industry that we love. Gauthier Van Malderen and Matthew Jones previously set up Perlego — the world’s largest academic book subscription service, and Matthew Young was formerly Head of Design at Penguin, specialising in creating beautiful and distinctive printed books.
We believe in print. We believe in the ubiquity of access to the written word in a format that will actually be consumed, and in editions that you’re proud to collect on your bookshelf.
Matthew, Gauthier & Matthew, co‑founders
Please contact publisher@sothis.press