Knopf, << knopf, >> Alfred A. (1892-1984), was a leading American book publisher. Knopf published the work of hundreds of the most important authors of the 1900’s, including 16 winners of the Nobel Prize in literature. Working closely with his wife, Blanche, he introduced many European, Latin American, and Asian writers to American readers. Knopf also gained respect for insisting on high-quality printing and design.
Knopf was born on Sept. 12, 1892, in New York City. He founded the publishing company Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., in 1915. He was its president from 1918 to 1957, and chairman of the board from 1957 to 1972. From 1972 until his death on Aug. 11, 1984, he was chairman emeritus but maintained an active interest in the company. Knopf was also an amateur photographer, and he published many of his own informal portraits of authors he had known.
