Farrar, Straus and Giroux is an American book publishing company, founded in 1946 by Roger Williams Straus Jr. and John C. Farrar. FSG is widely recognized for publishing exceptional literary books, and its authors have earned prestigious accolades, including Pulitzer Prizes, National Book Awards, and Nobel Prizes.
The early years of the publisher were quite challenging until the release of the diet book Look Younger, Live Longer by Gayelord Hauser in 1950, which became a commercial success selling 500,000 copies. Founders Roger Straus and his wife Dorothea actively scouted for international talent in Italy, discovering memoirs and rising authors to build their foundational catalog.
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SubscribeIn 1955, Robert Giroux joined the company and later became a partner, leading to a name change to Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Giroux brought a multitude of celebrated literary authors with him, establishing a legacy of attracting top-tier writers through editorial excellence and personal relationships.
Roger Straus continued running the company for decades until 1993, when he sold a majority interest to the German publishing conglomerate Georg von Holtzbrinck Publishing Group due to their strong reputation for serious literature. Today, the publisher remains an essential pillar under Macmillan Publishers with modern leadership continuing its literary tradition.
Evolution and Imprints of FSG
Throughout its history, the publishing house underwent several name changes reflecting shifts in partnerships, including periods as Farrar, Straus and Young and Farrar, Straus and Cudahy before adopting its current enduring moniker.
In the twenty-first century, the company has continued to expand its footprint through specialized imprints and lines like FSG Originals, which was established in 2011 to release notable paperback and digital original works.
Additionally, FSG Books for Young Readers has maintained a stellar track record of publishing celebrated children's and young adult literature, earning multiple National Book Awards over the decades.
Operated as a key division under Macmillan, Farrar, Straus and Giroux maintains its headquarters in New York City, preserving its status as a premier home for world-class literature and esteemed authors.