Iosif Knebel Book publisher, cultural scientist, philanthropist Date of Birth: 21.09.1854

1. Childhood and Education
2. Business Career in Moscow
3. Publishing Enterprise
4. Typographic and Publishing Leadership
5. Artistic Publishing and Legacy

Childhood and Education

Ivan Nikolaevich Knebel was born on September 21, 1854, in the merchant family of Buchach. In 1867, he moved to Vienna and attended the Philological Faculty of the University of Vienna (graduating in 1887) and the Academy of Commercial Sciences (1880).

Business Career in Moscow

In 1880, Knebel relocated to Moscow and worked as a clerk before becoming the manager of the Moscow branch of the Riga publishing house "I. Deibner." In 1882, he co-edited and published a "Guide to Moscow" in German. That same year, he co-founded the bookstore "Grossman and Knebel" (specializing in art books and magazines), which had branches in St. Petersburg, Warsaw, and Kiev. In 1885, he launched a paid lending library.

Publishing Enterprise

After the death of his partner Grossman in 1890, Knebel became the sole owner of the firm. In 1894-1895, he began publishing works by Ibsen, Sudermann, and others. In 1890, he acquired the bookstore "Library for Reading." He pioneered the publishing of books for preschool children and collaborated with the artist Georgy Narbut. Knebel's publications earned acclaim at book exhibitions.

Typographic and Publishing Leadership

Knebel was a shareholder in the "Partnership of A. A. Levenson's Fast Printing House," one of Moscow's finest printing establishments, where many of his editions were printed. In 1907, he became head of the printing house's publishing activities. In 1915, he founded the Society of Visual Aids, which was later nationalized after the Russian Revolution.

Artistic Publishing and Legacy

From 1925, Knebel became head of the publishing division of the Tretyakov Gallery. He produced over 700 publications, including 400 for children. Notable works included "History of Russian Art" (1910-1916), edited by I.E. Grabar, and monographs on artists Vrubel, Levitan, and Serov. Knebel also published "Pictures of Russian History." His editions were renowned for their exceptional quality and artistic design, earning recognition at international book fairs.