'One of the great achievements in contemporary publishing is the Littman Library of Jewish Civilization, founded by Louis Littman for the express purpose of publishing classic scholarly works which might find it difficult to gain the support of commercial presses.’ European Judaism

Founded by Louis Littman in memory of his father to explore, explain, and perpetuate the Jewish heritage, the Littman Library of Jewish Civilization published its first book in 1965. It has gone on to publish many highly regarded titles and has established a reputation as one of the world’s leading publishers in the field.      

Littman's academic books are selected for their outstanding scholarship, objectivity, and new insights. Many are considered definitive in their field. Littman’s more general titles, written in an accessible style, aim to make important ideas available to a readership concerned with the state of the Jewish world.   

Since Louis Littman's death in 1987, his vision has been continued by his family, through a charitable foundation established in recognition of Littman’s role as a publisher of important works that might not otherwise be commercially viable. Any profits earned from the sale of books are reinvested in the publication of new titles. The attainment of charitable status, coupled with the family’s ongoing involvement in the Littman Library’s work and support for its objectives, ensures a sound basis upon which to develop its founder’s legacy.   

In 2017 Littman formed a publishing partnership with Liverpool University Press, which assumed responsibility for the sales, marketing, and distribution of its titles in order to further expand the Library’s potential. At the same time the Library entered the field of digital publishing with the launch of its first e-books: The Littman E-Library of Jewish Civilization.