Editorial Juventud celebrates its 90th anniversary

It all started by publishing accounting books, back in 1923, but its founder, José Zendrera soon distinguished himself as a great and pioneering editor, being the first to publish pocket paperbacks in his country, and focusing on children's and young adult literature. In this exclusive interview for ARS, Marta Calvo spoke to Luis Zendrera, CEO of Editorial Juventud and grandson of its founder.

By Marta Calvo

Hi Luis. 2013 marks the 90th anniversary of Editorial Juventud. Tell us about your grandfather, José Zendrera. What were the first steps taken by Editorial Juventud back in 1923?

Editorial Juventud's initial venture was publishing accounting books. However, José Zendrera soon distinguished himself as a great and pioneering editor. He was the first to publish pocket paperbacks in our country and the first to co-publish books with French and English publishing houses. I always say he was the only editor of the family, with the exception of his daughter Conchita, who in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s created a children's books catalogue that endures to this day: Hergé, Blyton, Rodari, etc., etc.

How did your grandfather decide to focus on children's and young adult literature at a time when it was looked down upon as minor genre?

As I said, I consider him to be a visionary by being the first to translate into Spanish authors like the Brothers Grimm, Andersen, Barrie, Carroll, Spyri and her bees, Kaestner, etc., etc. And in meticulous editions followed by many of those in print today, with the best illustrators of the time such as Rackam, Atwell, or Mercé Llimona, to cite one from our own country.

What role did the love of the sea play in collections such as Astrolabio or Nostromo?

Since the 1950s, Editorial Juventud has produced several nautical collections, publishing both great navigator tales and technical books. The ones you mention specifically are more recent and are the fruit of a personal passion of mine. The Nostromo Prize winner is the only contemporary narrative that we publish. A panel convoked by myself, the Maritime Museum, and many other maritime-related private and public institutions, awards the prize which includes a stipend of 10,000 €.

How was the 90th anniversary of Editorial Juventud celebrated?

Well, the truth is that we've been celebrating for days. Perhaps the best celebration is the recognition that we have received from so many countries for the work that our publishing team, some for more than 20 years and others for less, has done to make Editorial Juventud the creative and efficient company it is today. On the 18th of this month, all the workers, employees, and ex-employees will get together to celebrate these first, I hope, 90 years.

And in regards to the digital world, what steps are you taking to include a digital offering in Editorial Juventud's catalogue?

I'll answer this last question in the most stereotypical but also most sincere manner possible. We are following the new trends and technologies closely, but we still think that there is no demand or market niche for our books in that format.

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