Persephone Books in Conversation

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Shrew Books will be in conversation with renowned publisher Persephone Books

‘The nearest thing British publishing has to a cult’ (Observer)

Persephone Books published its first title in the spring of 1999. Founder Nicola Beauman’s original concept was to re-print a handful of ‘lost’ or out-of-print books every year, most of them interwar novels by women. The name Persephone was chosen as a symbol of female creativity, as well as of new beginnings (the daughter of Zeus is associated with spring).

The company was initially run from a basement office in Clerkenwell and the first book published was William – An Englishman by Cicely Hamilton, with an endpaper named ‘Pamela’ designed by the Omega Workshop. After three years in the basement, Persephone Book no. 21, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson, became a word-of mouth bestseller (and later a film starring Amy Adams and Frances McDormand). Following its success, Persephone moved its office to Bloomsbury, also opening its first shop on the same premises; in 2021, the whole business moved to Bath.

Shrew Books will be in conversation with the author, historian, presenter and bookseller, Francesca Beauman, about the origins of Persephone Books, their principles and future plans, and how they select their wonderful books. You will have a chance to ask Francesca all of your burning questions about this sensational publishing house, as well as buy copies of a selection of Persephone Books titles.

We can’t wait to see you!