Da Capo Press: A Legacy of Music, Culture, and Nonfiction Publishing
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Da Capo Press is a distinguished American publishing house known for its diverse catalog of nonfiction. Now operating as an imprint of the Hachette Book Group, the company has evolved from a specialized music publisher into a broad general trade publisher covering a wide array of cultural and scientific topics.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1964 as a division of Plenum Publisher.
- Parent Company: Hachette Book Group (via Hachette Books).
- Headquarters: Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts.
- Specializations: History, music, performing arts, sports, popular culture, and health.
- Notable Imprints: Lifelong.
The Evolution of Da Capo Press
The company began its journey in 1964, initially focusing exclusively on music books. The name "Da Capo" is derived from an Italian musical term meaning "from the beginning," which is commonly used in sheet music to instruct a performer to repeat a piece from the start.
By the mid-1970s, the company expanded its scope to become a general trade publisher. This transition allowed them to move beyond music and explore a broader range of subjects. By 2008, the company's growth was evident, reporting net sales exceeding $2.5 million.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Corporate Transitions and Acquisitions
The ownership of Da Capo Press has shifted through several major industry players. After Plenum was sold to the Dutch company Wolters Kluwer, Da Capo Press was sold to the New York City-based Perseus Books Group in 1999. For a period, the company maintained a wide geographic footprint with offices in New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Emeryville, California.
A significant shift occurred in April 2016 when the Hachette Book Group acquired the Perseus Books Group. Following this acquisition, the sister imprint Seal Press was briefly placed under the Da Capo umbrella. By 2018, a reorganization saw Da Capo become an imprint of Hachette Books, while Seal Press moved to Basic Books.
Editorial Focus and Imprints
In recent decades, Da Capo Press has focused primarily on nonfiction titles in both hardcover and paperback formats. Their core subject areas include:
- History and Popular Culture
- Music and the Performing Arts
- Sports
Health and Wellness: Lifelong Books
In 2003, the company established Lifelong Books, an imprint dedicated to health and wellness. This imprint expanded significantly in 2007 when Marlowe & Company became part of the group. This merger brought in the New Glucose Revolution series and a variety of titles focusing on diabetes, psychology, personal growth, sexuality, and healthful cooking.
The company has also experimented with digital accessibility; for example, in 2009, they provided the science portion of the book Jetpack Dreams for free on the web.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Company Overview Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1964 |
| Origin | United States |
| Current Parent | Hachette Book Group |
| Primary Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Key Imprints | Lifelong |
| Primary Format | Nonfiction (Hardcover & Paperback) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name "Da Capo" mean?
Da Capo is an Italian musical term that translates to "from the beginning." In music notation, it indicates that a piece of music should be repeated from the start.
Who currently owns Da Capo Press?
Da Capo Press is currently an imprint of Hachette Books, which is part of the Hachette Book Group.
What types of books does Da Capo Press publish?
The publisher focuses on nonfiction, specifically in the areas of history, music, performing arts, sports, and popular culture.
What is Lifelong Books?
Lifelong Books is a health and wellness imprint founded by Da Capo Press in 2003, covering topics such as diabetes, psychology, and healthful cooking.
Where is Da Capo Press headquartered?
The company is headquartered at Exchange Place in Boston, Massachusetts.