Modern Library

The Modern Library is a literary imprint with a long history of making important works accessible to readers. Founded in 1917 by Boni and Liveright, it began by publishing inexpensive reprints of European modernist titles alongside works by a small number of contemporary American writers. In 1925, Horace Liveright sold the imprint to Bennett Cerf, who later founded Random House.

Today, The Modern Library publishes treasured classics, essential writings, major translations of works from around the world, and literary and historical rediscoveries. Its mission is to honor writers whose work broke new ground and challenged established ideas, while encouraging readers to see the literary canon as an evolving collection shaped by engagement across generations. Its offerings include The Modern Library Classics, the Modern Library Torchbearers series, which highlights women writers known for boldness, creativity, and resistance, and featured titles such as The RSC William Shakespeare Complete Works. The imprint also presents a Modern Library Top 100 Books list and shares news about new and forthcoming titles, with email updates available to readers.