Founded in 1898, Ali was the first literary agency in Italy and is one of only a few in the world that can boast a history of over 100 years.

Its illustrious past has been shaped by the brilliant founder Augusto Foà, by his son Luciano, the future founder of Adelphi, and by Erich Linder, a legendary figure in the world of international publishing.

At the same time it can boast a dynamic present, open to new challenges and capable of combining tradition and modernism. Ali is managed by Donatella Barbieri, who took over the agency in 1988 and who was joined in July 2008 by Chiara Boroli, both of whom come from families of publishers where books and culture have always been part of everyday life.

They are supported by a skilled group of colleagues who specialise in the various linguistic areas and in the complex and delicate work of managing copyright and publishing contracts.

Ali, which celebrated its 110th year of business in 2008, is the sole agent in Italy for numerous foreign literary agencies and publishing houses and the sole agent in Italy and abroad for dozens of Italian writers. In addition, Agenzia Letteraria Internazionale promotes worldwide the literary rights of many of the works of the Italian authors published by the publishing house Sellerio.

The agency also carries out scouting work and provides a thorough typescript appraisal service (chargeable service).

Ali has its offices in Milan at the heart of the city centre, a stone's throw away from the Cathedral.