David R. Fideler

Born Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart y Martínez de Irujo in Madrid in 1954, Jacobo Siruela is a Spanish aristocrat, holding the title of Count of Siruela. He comes from the prominent House of Alba. After studying philosophy and literature, he embarked on a career in publishing.

In 1980, he began his editorial journey with a prize-winning bibliophile book. In 1982, he founded Ediciones Siruela, which became known for publishing Arthurian cycle novels and later, in 1987, a collection of fantastic literature titled 'El Ojo sin Párpado.' He also launched the interdisciplinary cultural magazine 'El Paseante' in 1985. Throughout his career at Ediciones Siruela, he curated collections featuring a wide range of influential writers, philosophers, and poets, including figures like Jorge Luis Borges, Henry Corbin, and Gershom Scholem.

In 2005, Siruela co-founded Ediciones Atalanta with his wife, Inka Martí. This publishing house focuses on collections such as 'Ars Brevis,' 'Memoria Mundi,' 'Imaginatio Vera,' and 'Liber Naturae,' featuring a diverse array of authors and themes, including esoteric and mystical traditions. He has also authored several books, including 'El mundo bajo los párpados' and 'Libros, secretos,' and has received awards for his editorial work.

Jacobo Siruela's publishing career is marked by a significant focus on literature that delves into the esoteric, mystical, and philosophical. After founding Ediciones Siruela, he established collections that introduced Spanish readers to a broad spectrum of thinkers and writers, including those interested in the fantastic, the occult, and comparative religion. His later venture, Ediciones Atalanta, continues this trajectory with collections like 'Memoria Mundi' and 'Imaginatio Vera.' These collections feature authors such as R. A. Schwaller de Lubicz, Pythagoras, Jakob Böhme, Peter Kingsley, the Zohar, and Joseph Campbell, alongside contemporary scholars of mysticism and esotericism like Jeffrey J. Kripal and Bernardo Kastrup. This curated selection highlights Siruela's commitment to publishing works that explore ancient wisdom, comparative mythology, and the deeper currents of human consciousness.

Beyond his extensive work as an editor, Jacobo Siruela has also established himself as an author. His literary debut, 'El mundo bajo los párpados' (2010), received critical acclaim, exploring themes that align with his broader publishing interests. He has also contributed to the field of fantastic literature through curated anthologies, including collections on vampires and a universal anthology of fantastic short stories. His essay 'Libros, secretos' (2015) further solidifies his engagement with literary and philosophical themes. Siruela has also authored a concise history of the House of Alba, demonstrating his connection to his aristocratic heritage while also engaging with historical narratives.

Born into the influential House of Alba, Jacobo Siruela inherited a noble title, becoming the 24th Count of Siruela. His upbringing and education in philosophy and literature provided a foundation for his distinguished career in publishing. Throughout his professional life, he has been recognized for his contributions to the cultural landscape. He received awards such as the National Prize for the Best Editorial Work and the Daniel Gil Prize for Editorial Design. His influence was further acknowledged when he was named 'Person of the Year' by a supplement of the newspaper Expansión and received the Medal of Merit from the Universidad Veracruzana.