British publisher Penguin plans to print Chinese translations of 10 classical novels, the group's first foray into China under its own brand.
Penguin, owned by media giant Pearson, has struck a licensing agreement with Chinese firm Chongqing Publishing Group to publish such titles as 'Jane Eyre', 'Wuthering Heights', 'Oliver Twist' and 'Moby Dick', the China Daily said.
Founded in 1935, the firm is betting that titles such as Dante's 'Inferno' and Victor Hugo's 'Hunchback of Notre Dame' will capture readers' hearts and imaginations. A run of 10,000 copies per title is planned. Each book will cost $2.50 each.
China's bestseller lists overflow with management guides, self-help books and biographies of the rich and famous.
However, works by the Bronte sisters and Herman Melville are not unfamiliar to college students, who are given samples of world-famous literature to read in their language classes.
According to the newspaper, China's publishing market is growing by $300m a year, with about 400 new titles launched daily, over 95% of which are in Chinese.
