Two Estonian publishers, Tänapäev and Argo, released the same book. The book is titled "Letters from the Shores of the Baltic". It was written by 19th-century author Elizabeth Eastlake.
Andres Adamson from publisher Argo said that three publishers could have translated the book. Initially, Argo, Huma, and Tänapäev began translating it. But Huma received the support first. Thus, Argo withdrew.
The Huma project dragged on for a long time. Eventually, they asked Argo to complete the book. Argo agreed and published the book jointly with Huma. However, it then turned out that Tänapäev also received support for the same book.
Tauno Vahter, editor-in-chief of Tänapäev, said such a case is rare but possible. For example, multiple translations of the same book have been published before.
Adamson said similar cases have occurred before. He added that Argo has another translated book in the pipeline. They are waiting for other publishers to release their books.
Viktoria Toompere, press representative of Kultuurkapital, explained that the support came from different programs. Huma received support in 2021, but the book was only published in 2025. Tänapäev received support later because the first translation was not yet ready.
The book "Letters from the Shores of the Baltic" discusses life in Estonia and Russia in the early 19th century. It was translated by Sash Martiina Veelma (Tänapäev) and Teet Martin (Huma-Argo).