# Buntbuch-Verlag

> German publisher

**Wikidata**: [Q1009768](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1009768)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/buntbuch-verlag

## Summary
Buntbuch-Verlag was a German publishing house founded in 1980 and dissolved in 1987. Based in Hamburg, it operated as a *Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung* (GmbH) and specialized in publishing books, with an ISBN prefix of 978-3-88653. It is notable for its brief but documented presence in the German publishing industry during the 1980s.

## Key Facts
- **Name**: Buntbuch-Verlag (aliases: Buntbuch Verlag, Buntbuch)
- **Type**: Publishing house, book publisher
- **Legal Form**: *Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung* (GmbH, limited liability company)
- **Founded**: April 15, 1980
- **Dissolved**: 1987
- **Headquarters**: Hamburg, Germany
- **Country of Origin**: Germany
- **ISBN Publisher Prefix**: 978-3-88653 (associated with the imprint "Buntbuch")
- **Identifiers**:
  - GND ID: 1065107145
  - VIAF ID: 313424327
  - FactGrid Item ID: M58
  - BookBrainz Publisher ID: 8f4936b9-7108-447f-a5f2-ee73cb678ab7
  - Open Library Publisher IDs: "Buntbuch-Verlag," "Buntbuch_Verlag," "Buntbuch"
  - Kalliope Verbund (GND) ID: 1065107145
  - Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/122z_gc4
- **Sitelinks**: 1 (German Wikipedia)
- **Location of Formation**: Hamburg, Germany
- **Wikidata Description**: German publisher

## FAQs
**When was Buntbuch-Verlag founded and when did it cease operations?**
Buntbuch-Verlag was founded on April 15, 1980, and dissolved in 1987, operating for approximately seven years.

**Where was Buntbuch-Verlag located?**
The publishing house was headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, where it was also originally formed.

**What type of legal entity was Buntbuch-Verlag?**
It was registered as a *Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung* (GmbH), a common form of limited liability company in Germany.

**What was the ISBN prefix associated with Buntbuch-Verlag?**
The publisher used the ISBN prefix 978-3-88653, specifically linked to the imprint "Buntbuch."

**What identifiers are associated with Buntbuch-Verlag?**
Key identifiers include its GND ID (1065107145), VIAF ID (313424327), and BookBrainz Publisher ID (8f4936b9-7108-447f-a5f2-ee73cb678ab7). It is also listed in the Kalliope Verbund and Google Knowledge Graph.

**Is Buntbuch-Verlag still active?**
No, the publisher was dissolved in 1987 and is no longer operational.

**What kind of content did Buntbuch-Verlag publish?**
While specific titles are not listed in the source material, it was classified as a book publisher, indicating it produced printed books under the "Buntbuch" imprint.

## Why It Matters
Buntbuch-Verlag represents a snapshot of Germany’s independent publishing scene in the 1980s. Though short-lived, its existence reflects the diversity of small-scale publishers during that era, contributing to the cultural and literary landscape of Hamburg and beyond. As a documented entity in bibliographic databases like GND and VIAF, it serves as a reference point for researchers studying German publishing history, particularly the niche or alternative presses of the late 20th century. Its dissolution in 1987 also highlights the challenges faced by small publishers in a competitive industry.

## Notable For
- Being a short-lived but documented German publishing house active in the 1980s.
- Operating as a GmbH (limited liability company) in Hamburg, Germany.
- Holding multiple bibliographic identifiers (GND, VIAF, BookBrainz) despite its brief existence.
- Using the ISBN prefix 978-3-88653 for its publications under the "Buntbuch" imprint.
- Being listed in the Kalliope Verbund and Google Knowledge Graph, ensuring its preservation in digital archives.
- Representing the independent publishing movement in Germany during its operational years.

## Body
### History and Timeline
Buntbuch-Verlag was established on **April 15, 1980**, in **Hamburg, Germany**, as a *Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung* (GmbH), a legal structure indicating limited liability. The publisher operated for seven years before dissolving in **1987**. Its lifespan coincides with a period of cultural and political change in Germany, including the late Cold War era and the rise of alternative media.

### Legal and Organizational Structure
The company was formally registered as a **GmbH**, a common business structure in Germany that limits financial liability for its owners. This classification placed it within the broader category of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the German publishing industry. Its headquarters and place of formation were both in **Hamburg**, a city known for its vibrant literary and publishing scene.

### Publishing Activities
Buntbuch-Verlag functioned as a **book publisher**, with its publications identifiable by the **ISBN prefix 978-3-88653**. This prefix was specifically associated with the imprint **"Buntbuch"**, suggesting a focus on a particular genre, audience, or thematic approach, though the exact nature of its publications is not detailed in the source material. The use of a distinct ISBN prefix indicates it met the technical and commercial standards required for book distribution in Germany and internationally.

### Identifiers and Cataloging
Despite its relatively short existence, Buntbuch-Verlag is documented in several bibliographic and authority databases:
- **GND ID (Integrated Authority File)**: 1065107145, a unique identifier in the German National Library’s authority control system.
- **VIAF ID (Virtual International Authority File)**: 313424327, linking it to international library catalogs.
- **BookBrainz Publisher ID**: 8f4936b9-7108-447f-a5f2-ee73cb678ab7, an open-source database for bibliographic metadata.
- **Open Library IDs**: Multiple entries under "Buntbuch-Verlag," "Buntbuch_Verlag," and "Buntbuch," reflecting variations in cataloging.
- **Kalliope Verbund ID**: 1065107145, part of a specialized database for estate and autobiography collections.
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/122z_gc4, indicating its presence in Google’s structured data ecosystem.

These identifiers ensure that Buntbuch-Verlag remains traceable in library systems, digital archives, and research databases, preserving its legacy for scholars and bibliographers.

### Dissolution and Legacy
The publisher was **dissolved in 1987**, marking the end of its active operations. The reasons for its closure are not specified in the source material, but its inclusion in authoritative databases suggests it had a measurable impact during its existence. Today, Buntbuch-Verlag serves as a case study for researchers interested in the history of German publishing, particularly the challenges faced by small, independent presses in the 1980s.

### Related Entities and Context
- **Germany**: As the country of origin, Germany’s publishing industry provided the regulatory and cultural framework for Buntbuch-Verlag’s operations. The 1980s were a dynamic period for German publishing, with shifts in media consumption and the rise of niche markets.
- **Hamburg**: The city’s status as a cultural hub likely influenced the publisher’s focus and audience. Hamburg has historically been a center for literature, journalism, and independent media.
- **Publishing Industry**: Buntbuch-Verlag was part of a broader ecosystem of German publishers, contributing to the diversity of voices and genres available during its time.

### Digital Presence and Archival Records
Buntbuch-Verlag has a **single sitelink** on German Wikipedia, indicating limited but existing digital documentation. Its presence in the **Google Knowledge Graph** further ensures that basic information about the publisher is accessible through search engines. The **FactGrid Item ID (M58)** suggests it may be referenced in historical or biographical datasets, though specific details are not provided.

### ISBN and Imprint Details
The **ISBN prefix 978-3-88653** is a critical identifier for tracking the publisher’s output. This prefix was assigned to the **"Buntbuch"** imprint, which may have been used to brand a specific series or type of publication. ISBNs are essential for distribution, sales tracking, and library cataloging, and their use by Buntbuch-Verlag indicates it adhered to industry standards.

### Conclusion
Buntbuch-Verlag’s brief but documented history offers insights into the operational lifecycles of small publishers in 1980s Germany. Its cataloging in multiple bibliographic systems ensures that, despite its dissolution, it remains a verifiable part of publishing history. For researchers, its identifiers and ISBN prefix provide avenues for further investigation into its publications and broader industry trends.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Buntbuch](https://www.buecher-nach-isbn.info/3-88653/)