[1] Founded by Charles Cosac and Michael Naify, the publisher became known about their luxury designed art, humanities, novels and children's books; Charles Cosac described the house as a "cult publishing house, whose books are destined to scholars and art students".

[2] Cosac Naify, a Brazilian of Syrian descent, debuted with the book Barroco de lírios, by the artist Tunga.

Among the children's books were works by Shel Silverstein, Maurice Sendak,[5] Edward Gorey and the Captain Underpants series.

The publisher closed its activities at the end of 2015; Cosac said the high costs of book production and his unwillingness to compromise its editorial line led him to that decision.

[2] Companhia das Letras has acquired some of Cosac Naify's catalogue, including the works of Dav Pilkey, Leo Tolstoy, and Shel Silverstein.