Births on May 1

Naim Attallah, Palestinian author and publisher

Naim Ibrahim Attallah (Arabic: نعيم إبراهيم عطالله), whose remarkable life spanned from May 1, 1931, to February 2, 2021, was a profoundly influential Christian Palestinian-British businessman and a distinguished writer. He carved out a significant and memorable niche within the British literary and publishing landscape, perhaps best recognized as the dynamic publisher behind the independent house Quartet Books and the visionary owner of the pioneering The Women's Press.

A Life Forged in Palestine and Britain

Born in 1931 within the historical bounds of the British Mandate of Palestine, Attallah carried with him a rich cultural heritage that undeniably shaped his unique perspective on life, business, and literature. This background as a Palestinian-born entrepreneur, who later made an indelible mark in Britain, provided him with a distinctive lens through which he approached both his commercial ventures and his literary pursuits, fostering a diverse and often unconventional approach to the arts.

A Pillar of Independent Publishing

Attallah's journey into the heart of British publishing began in earnest when he took over Quartet Books in 1976. This independent publishing house, initially founded in 1972 by a quartet of enterprising individuals—Ken Banerji, John Boothe, William Miller, and Brian Thompson—truly flourished under Attallah's astute stewardship. He cultivated a reputation for championing diverse voices, often challenging conventional norms and bringing fresh perspectives to the forefront of the literary world. Beyond his direct management of Quartet Books, his influence extended significantly to other esteemed literary ventures; he was a steadfast and generous backer of both the witty and incisive *Literary Review* and *The Oldie* magazine, both known for their distinctive contributions to British intellectual and cultural life.

Furthermore, Attallah was the proprietor of the London-based The Women's Press, which he acquired after its establishment in 1977. Under his ownership, this publishing house became a crucial and celebrated platform for feminist literature, offering an invaluable space for women's voices to be heard, debated, and celebrated in what was, and in many ways still is, a predominantly male-dominated industry.

A Distinctive Public Persona and Literary Contributions

Beyond his astute business dealings and keen eye for literary talent, Naim Attallah possessed a memorable public persona that often drew attention. *The Guardian* newspaper, in a feature article published in 2000, famously described him as a "legendary adorer of beautiful women." This characterization, while perhaps playful or even provocative, hinted at his charismatic, often flamboyant, and undoubtedly unconventional approach to life and work, distinguishing him as a colorful figure in London's social and literary circles.

As a writer himself, Attallah eloquently chronicled a significant period of his life in his compelling book of memoirs, *Fulfilment and Betrayal: 1975–1995*, which was released in 2007, offering readers a candid glimpse into his world. Interestingly, the intricate process of authorship sometimes involved collaborative efforts, as revealed in Jennie Erdal's 2005 memoir, *Ghosting*. Erdal detailed her experiences as the ghostwriter for some of Attallah's books, articles, and various other written works, shedding light on a fascinating and often unseen aspect of literary creation.

Recognition and Enduring Legacy

In profound recognition of his enduring and significant contributions to literature and the arts, Naim Attallah was deservedly appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the prestigious 2017 New Year Honours. This high accolade underscored a career dedicated to fostering literary talent, courageously supporting independent voices, and enriching the cultural landscape of both Britain and the wider world. His legacy endures vibrantly through the diverse and impactful imprints he championed and, perhaps most importantly, through the myriad writers whose voices he brought to public attention, leaving an indelible mark on publishing history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Naim Ibrahim Attallah?

Naim Ibrahim Attallah was a Christian Palestinian-British businessman and writer (1931–2021). He was widely known as the publisher of Quartet Books and the owner of The Women's Press, making significant contributions to the British publishing industry.

What were Naim Attallah's main contributions to publishing?

He was instrumental in the success of Quartet Books, an independent publishing house he took over in 1976. He also owned The Women's Press, a crucial platform for feminist literature, and backed other literary ventures like the *Literary Review* and *The Oldie*.

What was Naim Attallah's background?

Naim Attallah was born in 1931 in the British Mandate of Palestine. He was of Christian Palestinian heritage and later became a prominent figure in British business and literature, embodying a unique Palestinian-British identity.

What prestigious award did Naim Attallah receive?

For his extensive services to literature and the arts, Naim Attallah was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours.

Did Naim Attallah write his own books?

Yes, Naim Attallah authored his own memoir, *Fulfilment and Betrayal: 1975–1995*, published in 2007. However, it was also revealed in Jennie Erdal's memoir *Ghosting* that she served as the ghostwriter for some of his other books, articles, and writings.