Haymarket Books

Founded in 2001, Haymarket Books began as the publishing division of the International Socialist Organization (ISO). The press operated out of Chicago with a clear mandate to produce literature aligned with socialist and anti-capitalist ideologies. When the ISO dissolved in 2017, the organization restructured as an independent non-profit. This transition allowed it to expand its reach beyond the immediate circle of the former parent group while maintaining its core mission to advance left-wing politics.

The company now operates from Haymarket House, a historic mansion in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood that serves as both headquarters and a community space. Publishers Weekly has noted the press as one of the fastest-growing independent houses in the industry. Its financial model relies on book sales and donations, with net proceeds directed back into operations and community projects.

Haymarket Books publishes titles across politics, history, and culture, often focusing on marginalized voices and incarcerated writers. Recent years have seen the press engage in educational outreach, such as providing free e-books to students in Florida. The organization also hosts the Writing Freedom Fellowship in partnership with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support writers from diverse backgrounds. [edit]

The press aims to publish books that contribute to struggles for social, economic, and environmental justice. It describes itself as a radical publisher of politics, culture, and current events. Every dollar generated from sales and donations goes directly back into the press's operations and projects, reflecting a commitment to financial transparency and reinvestment in its cause. [edit]

The organization emerged in 2001 to serve as the publishing arm of the International Socialist Organization. Its founding addressed a market gap for radical political texts that aligned with socialist and anti-capitalist ideologies. The press maintained this specific editorial vision for over a decade, building a catalog focused on labor rights, feminism, and anti-imperialism.

In 2017, the dissolution of the ISO triggered a structural shift. Haymarket Books reorganized as an autonomous non-profit entity, severing direct organizational ties while preserving its operational structure and editorial goals. This independence allowed the press to broaden its audience to include activists, scholars, and general readers interested in progressive thought.

A significant milestone occurred later in 2017 when the organization purchased a historic mansion in the Buena Park neighborhood of Uptown, Chicago. Dubbed Haymarket House, the property became the permanent home for the press and a hub for community organizing. The acquisition sparked local debate regarding gentrification but ultimately secured a long-term base for operations.

Recent years have seen the press expand its programming. In October 2023, Haymarket Books announced a partnership with TRiiBE. By April 2026, the organization had launched its third cohort of the Writing Freedom Fellows, following successful programs in 2024 and 2025. The press continues to release new titles addressing contemporary issues, with reviews of works by Vicky Osterweil and Nancy Holmstrom appearing in early 2026. [edit]