Will Evans: The Texas Hipster Behind Global Literary Translation

Will Evans, a literary enthusiast from Texas, founded a nonprofit that has published over 1,200 books in 75 languages from more than 100 countries, addressing the scarcity of translated literature in the US.

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Quick Summary

1Will Evans, a literary enthusiast based in Texas, founded a nonprofit publishing house to address the lack of translated literature in the United States.
2Initially motivated by his fascination with Russian classics that were unavailable in English, Evans has since expanded his mission globally.
3His small editorial team has successfully published over 1,200 books, representing works from more than 100 countries and spanning 75 different languages.
4This extensive effort highlights a significant gap in the American publishing market, which traditionally focuses heavily on domestic works.

Quick Summary

Will Evans, a literary enthusiast based in Texas, founded a nonprofit publishing house to address the lack of translated literature in the United States. Initially motivated by his fascination with Russian classics that were unavailable in English, Evans has since expanded his mission globally. His small editorial team has successfully published over 1,200 books, representing works from more than 100 countries and spanning 75 different languages. This extensive effort highlights a significant gap in the American publishing market, which traditionally focuses heavily on domestic works. Evans argues that reading international literature serves as a vital cultural exchange, describing it as a 'good vaccine against populism' and a reminder of global interconnectedness. The project has managed to translate works from every continent except Antarctica, demonstrating a commitment to diverse voices. Evans' work underscores the importance of literary translation in fostering global understanding and combating cultural isolationism.

The Genesis of a Literary Mission

The initiative began with a specific frustration: Will Evans was fascinated by Russian literature but found that many essential classics were not available in English. This gap in accessibility prompted him to take direct action. Rather than simply lamenting the lack of translated works, he decided to establish a nonprofit publishing house dedicated to bringing these texts to an English-speaking audience. His goal was to bridge the divide between American readers and the vast world of international literature that remained largely untapped in the US market.

What started as a solution to a personal problem quickly evolved into a broader cultural mission. Evans recognized that the scarcity of translated books was not limited to Russian literature but was a systemic issue affecting works from many nations. By focusing on quality and diversity, his small editorial team began curating a catalog that would eventually grow to immense proportions. The initial focus on specific classics expanded to include a wide array of genres and voices from around the world.

"Leer algo escrito fuera de tu país es una buena vacuna contra el populismo. No existimos solos"

— Will Evans

Global Reach and Scale 🌍

From its humble beginnings, the Texas-based nonprofit has achieved remarkable scale. The press has published more than 1,200 books, a testament to the demand for international literature and the efficiency of the operation. These publications are not limited to a few dominant languages; they span 75 different languages, showcasing a commitment to linguistic diversity. The sources of these works are equally diverse, originating from over 100 countries across the globe.

The scope of this project is nearly global, covering almost every inhabited continent. The publishing house has successfully brought works from regions including:

Europe (specifically Russian classics)
Asia
Africa
South America
North America
Oceania

The only continent that has yet to contribute to the collection is Antarctica, as there are no known literary works produced there. This near-universal coverage highlights the publisher's ambition to make global literature accessible to everyone.

Cultural Impact and Philosophy

Beyond the sheer volume of books, Will Evans emphasizes the philosophical importance of his work. He believes that reading literature from outside one's own country is essential for a healthy worldview. Evans explicitly stated that "Leer algo escrito fuera de tu país es una buena vacuna contra el populismo. No existimos solos" (Reading something written outside your country is a good vaccine against populism. We do not exist alone). This sentiment drives the nonprofit's mission to foster global interconnectedness through storytelling.

The project serves as a counter-narrative to isolationist tendencies. By exposing readers to different cultures, perspectives, and histories, the publishing house aims to break down barriers. The availability of these books allows American readers to engage with the world in a profound way, moving beyond headlines and political rhetoric. Evans' work suggests that literature is a powerful tool for empathy and education, capable of bridging cultural and political divides.

The Future of Translated Literature

The success of Will Evans and his nonprofit highlights a significant opportunity in the publishing industry. The fact that over 1,200 books could be published from 100+ countries suggests a previously underserved market. As the world becomes more digitally connected, the appetite for diverse stories continues to grow. Evans' model proves that there is a sustainable path for bringing international works to the English-speaking world, even without the backing of a major commercial publisher.

Looking ahead, the project continues to seek out new voices and untold stories. The goal remains to fill the gaps in the literary landscape, ensuring that readers have access to the full spectrum of human creativity. The work of this Texas-based team serves as a blueprint for other aspiring literary translators and publishers. It demonstrates that with passion and a clear mission, it is possible to change the way a nation reads and thinks about the world.