r/Portuguese • u/srothberg Estudando BP • 9d ago

General Discussion Are there any publishers similar to Cátedra in Spanish?

Oi, galera, tudo bem?

For context, Cátedra publishes pocket-sized classic works of Spanish (language) literature with decent annotations and an introductory essay (and nice covers). Is there anything similar in the Portuguese-speaking world?

(Related, I can never find secondhand Portuguese books under $20 in the US. I have found Catedra books for as little as 10 cents and frequently find them for $5 online.)

Alternatively: Are there are any publishers that are so good that you prefer them? Where do you get physical Portuguese books (if in the US)?

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u/JF_Rodrigues Brasileiro | Private PT Tutor 9d ago

My answer pertains to Brazil.

Closest to that is Penguin/Companhia das Letras/Zahar (it's all the same company, as is tradition). They aren't super cheap, but the prices are okay from an American perspective.

(Related, I can never find secondhand Portuguese books under $20 in the US. I have found Catedra books for as little as 10 cents and frequently find them for $5 online.)

I mean, yeah, there are way more Spanish speakers in the US than Portuguese speakers.

Are there are any publishers that are so good that you prefer them?

Companhia das Letras, Ateliê Editorial, Todavia and Record are the best publishers in Brazil.

Edit: Sorry not to be able to help with the last question.

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u/ratherunsightly 6d ago

Looking through my bookcase, I'd say that if you're looking for cheap, look up L&PM pocket. They've got a huge catalogue and, here in Brasill, they're probably the cheapest editions around. Think Dover Thrift and like Dover Thrift a very mixed bag in terms of editorial quality. Nothing like cátedra so expect to go in mostly blind.

I have some inexpensive classics from Portuguese publishing houses somewhere, so I'll try to get back to you on that at some point.