Publishing House 'Pētergailis': From Awakening Bulletin to International Book Fairs
After regaining independence, Latvia's private publishing sector flourished. Founded in 1990, 'Pētergailis' is one of the enduring examples of this transformative era.
Latvian publishing as we know it today was rebuilt after the restoration of independence. During the Soviet occupation, it was subject to strict state control, like all other sectors of the economy. Only after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on 4 May 1990 and the subsequent development of the Law on Entrepreneurship did it become possible to establish private enterprises, including publishing houses with their own direction and portfolio. Later, the Law on Press and Other Mass Media abolished the existing censorship.
Immediately after the opening, the publishing sector experienced rapid growth: in 1990, there were 40 publishing houses in Latvia, and by 1991 that number had risen to 140. Currently, the number of active publishers in Latvia is around four hundred. One of the publishing houses founded in 1990 is 'Pētergailis', which continues to operate while maintaining its unique character.
'Pētergailis' stands out for not only surviving the transition period but also evolving into a recognizable brand in the Latvian book market. Its journey from an Awakening-era bulletin to participating in international book fairs demonstrates the ability of Latvian publishing to adapt and compete globally.
