Foreign Languages Publishing House (Soviet Union)

The Foreign Languages Publishing House (FLPH), later known as Progress Publishers, was a Soviet state-owned publishing house based in Moscow. It was primarily responsible for translating and publishing literature from Russian and other languages of the Soviet Union into various foreign languages, especially English, German, French, and Spanish.

The FLPH played a significant role in disseminating Soviet ideology, culture, and scientific achievements to international audiences. Its publications included classic Russian literature, works by Soviet authors, political treatises by Marxist-Leninist thinkers, scientific and technical books, and language-learning materials. A key aim was to present a positive image of the Soviet Union and promote its socio-political system.

The FLPH often targeted specific ideological and political groups in foreign countries, offering subsidized or free copies of its publications to promote pro-Soviet sentiment. The quality of translations varied, and some publications were criticized for being overtly propagandistic. However, the FLPH also provided valuable access to Russian and Soviet literary and intellectual works that might not have been otherwise available to international readers.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Progress Publishers, the successor to the FLPH, continued to operate, albeit on a smaller scale and with a shift away from purely ideological publications. It now focuses on a broader range of subjects, including literature, science, and language learning.