Klaus Piper; Expanded German Publishing House

Klaus Piper, 88, who made his family’s publishing house into one of the most important scholarly presses in Germany. Piper Verlag was founded in 1904 by his father, Reinhard, who concentrated on literature, art and philosophy. Klaus Piper joined the company in 1932 and took over after his father’s death in 1953. Under his guidance, the house broadened its catalog to include books on history and politics as well as social and natural sciences. Among the authors published by Piper were philosopher Karl Jaspers, political theorist Hannah Arendt, pianist Alfred Brendel and violinist Yehudi Menuhin. Five years ago, Piper sold his 80% share of the publishing house to the Swedish media group Bonnier, saying he wanted to secure the firm’s long-term future. He remained as an advisor for three years. Among Piper’s numerous awards was an honorary doctorate in 1986 from Washington University in St. Louis. On Saturday in Munich, Germany.