About Us

Founded in Toronto in 1966, Fitzhenry & Whiteside is one of Canada’s most storied independent publishers. For nearly six decades, the company has played a vital role in Canadian literary and cultural life, publishing literary fiction, poetry, biography, adult nonfiction, children’s and young adult books, educational resources, and regional and lifestyle titles. Throughout its history, Fitzhenry & Whiteside has been dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and promoting Canadian authors and illustrators, helping to launch and sustain many distinguished careers.

From its earliest publication, Mildred Schwartz’s Public Opinion and Canadian Identity (1967), Fitzhenry & Whiteside has built a list defined by intellectual rigor, literary excellence, and a commitment to Canadian perspectives. Over the decades, its authors have been recognized with numerous honours, including multiple Governor General’s Literary Awards. The company’s publishing program expanded significantly through the acquisition of several respected Canadian presses, including Fifth House (1998), Red Deer Press (2005), and Whitecap Books (2012), each bringing distinctive strengths in areas such as Indigenous studies, children’s literature, regional nonfiction, and food and lifestyle publishing. Together, these imprints represent more than 200 years of combined publishing heritage.

Fitzhenry & Whiteside remained family-owned and operated for much of its history, guided by successive generations who strengthened its reputation as a publisher of quality, integrity, and national importance.

In 2025, Fitzhenry & Whiteside entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Sutherland House, an independent Toronto-based nonfiction publisher committed to editorial excellence and long-term stewardship of this important literary institution. This transition ensures the continuation of Fitzhenry & Whiteside’s publishing legacy while positioning it for future growth.

Today, Fitzhenry & Whiteside continues to publish under the godwit colophon, honouring its legacy while supporting new voices and ideas. With a catalogue encompassing more than 1,400 titles and a tradition rooted in Canadian storytelling, the company remains dedicated to producing books of lasting cultural and literary value for readers across Canada and beyond.