The Kanaga mask stares back. It’s the logo of Matthes & Seitz Berlin. A striking image. A symbol of vibrant diversity.
This unassuming building on Ghrener Strasse houses Matthes & Seitz Berlin. Founded in 2004 by Andreas Rtzer. It’s a continuation. A legacy. It carries on the tradition of Matthes & Seitz Munich. A publishing house established in 1977. Axel Matthes and Claus Seitz were the founders.
Rtzer worked as an accountant in Munich. He then established the Berlin branch. He chose a new logo. A Kanaga mask from a 1920s French magazine. It depicted North African rock engravings. A powerful symbol. It suggests a diverse editorial program. A program that challenges rationalism. The mask’s presence is more than just a logo. You can even find it as graffiti around Berlin. A testament to its influence.
Matthes & Seitz Berlin publishes about 100 titles a year. Both fiction and non-fiction. They feature contemporary authors. German authors like Frank Witzel and Anne Weber. They’ve also won prestigious awards like the Deutscher Buchpreis. There are also French writers like Emmanuel Carrre. And Russian authors including Warlam Shalamov.
The publishing house is known for its commitment to quality. It is not afraid to be rebellious. Rtzer aims to perpetuate the original spirit. He wants to keep it wild. Dirty. Restless. And rebellious. It’s a challenge to remain independent. The publishing world is competitive. Yet Matthes & Seitz Berlin thrives. It has acquired other brands. Friedenauer Presse. Rohstoff Verlag. And August Verlag. Each brand adds a unique dimension.
They focus on classics. But also contemporary works. Italian classics like Italo Svevo and Leopardi. They are also committed to book design. Creating books that will last. Books with antiquarian value. Books that might even sell for high prices in secondhand shops.
Matthes & Seitz Berlin bridges the gap between the past and the present. It stays with the trouble. It remains relevant. It is a publishing house that matters. A place where ideas live. A place of vibrant energy. A place where the Kanaga mask watches over the work. It is a testament to a continuing legacy. A legacy of intellectual independence. A legacy of rebellious spirit. A legacy that continues to shape the literary landscape.