Some of my favourites here, Persephone is probably top of my list, I just adore them and often find them second hand in a local Oxfam bookshop which is an added bonus!
From my perspective as longtime critic (including as the former literary editor of a U.S. large newspaper):
1. Slightly Foxed is the diamond on your list. A wonderful publisher! But I'm not sure the Rakoff is the best place to start with it. My favorite is Mr. Tibbit's Catholic School.
2. Persephone is great, too, though as you say, well known already. Don't miss its beautiful cloth "book envelopes." It bills them as an eco-friendly way to wrap books, but they're elegant in their own right.
3. I haven't read any Daunt books but support anyone bringing back Natalia Ginzburg.
4. I question whether Europa belongs on this list (especially with the authorship controversy surrounding Ferrante). The standard isn't as high or consistent as that of Slightly Foxed or Persephone.
American publishers in a class with Slightly Foxed and Persephone: NYRB Classics and David Godine.
Thanks for stopping by Jan. Slightly Foxed have lots of excellent books—My Salinger Year just so happens to be my favourite, and everyone I've recommended it to has loved in thus far. Joanna Rakoff is also one of the nicest, kindest and most generous writers I've come across—despite never having met her in real life! I'll be sure to check out Mr Tibbit's Catholic School.
Agree re the Persephone book envelopes—they're beautiful.
Re Europa—I love how they publish books from different countries, which is why I included them. My boyfriend is Italian so have been trying to read more books by Italian authors over the last few years. Really enjoyed The House on Via Gemito by Domenico Starnone, which was longlisted for the International Booker Prize—and, so far, all the books I've read of theirs I've loved.
Thanks so much for recommending NYRB and David Godine—have looked at both their websites and have truly gorgeous books. Maybe I'll have to do a second round up in the not-too-distant future!
Wonderful to read and like you, Lucy, my life was forever changed when I read Rebecca as a teenager so much so I’ve written it into my memoir as a defining moment in my love of literature. I will definitely be going to Slighty Foxed soon too having just received a beautifully presented subscription pack and newsletter.
Rebecca really is the most amazing book isn't it?! I think I'll need to give it a re-read this year. And the Slightly Foxed subscriptions are truly top notch ❣️
All these lovely imprints. I've been meaning to subscribe to Slightly Foxed for ages - and now I'm going to.
If you aren't subscribed to FoxedQuarterly, you are missing a treat!
Just subscribed!
You’re in for a treat!
Heartedly agree!
An excellent idea—they really are such a gorgeous publisher!
Some of my favourites here, Persephone is probably top of my list, I just adore them and often find them second hand in a local Oxfam bookshop which is an added bonus!
They really are the most gorgeous books aren't they? And I LOVE Oxfam bookshops for those sorts of things!❣️
From my perspective as longtime critic (including as the former literary editor of a U.S. large newspaper):
1. Slightly Foxed is the diamond on your list. A wonderful publisher! But I'm not sure the Rakoff is the best place to start with it. My favorite is Mr. Tibbit's Catholic School.
2. Persephone is great, too, though as you say, well known already. Don't miss its beautiful cloth "book envelopes." It bills them as an eco-friendly way to wrap books, but they're elegant in their own right.
3. I haven't read any Daunt books but support anyone bringing back Natalia Ginzburg.
4. I question whether Europa belongs on this list (especially with the authorship controversy surrounding Ferrante). The standard isn't as high or consistent as that of Slightly Foxed or Persephone.
American publishers in a class with Slightly Foxed and Persephone: NYRB Classics and David Godine.
Thanks for stopping by Jan. Slightly Foxed have lots of excellent books—My Salinger Year just so happens to be my favourite, and everyone I've recommended it to has loved in thus far. Joanna Rakoff is also one of the nicest, kindest and most generous writers I've come across—despite never having met her in real life! I'll be sure to check out Mr Tibbit's Catholic School.
Agree re the Persephone book envelopes—they're beautiful.
Re Europa—I love how they publish books from different countries, which is why I included them. My boyfriend is Italian so have been trying to read more books by Italian authors over the last few years. Really enjoyed The House on Via Gemito by Domenico Starnone, which was longlisted for the International Booker Prize—and, so far, all the books I've read of theirs I've loved.
Thanks so much for recommending NYRB and David Godine—have looked at both their websites and have truly gorgeous books. Maybe I'll have to do a second round up in the not-too-distant future!
Slightly Foxed! My one weakness.
I mean, if you're going to have a weakness, I'd say Slightly Foxed is an excellent one to have! ❣️
Wonderful to read and like you, Lucy, my life was forever changed when I read Rebecca as a teenager so much so I’ve written it into my memoir as a defining moment in my love of literature. I will definitely be going to Slighty Foxed soon too having just received a beautifully presented subscription pack and newsletter.
Thank you so much
Rebecca really is the most amazing book isn't it?! I think I'll need to give it a re-read this year. And the Slightly Foxed subscriptions are truly top notch ❣️
I love an independent publisher...may I add a couple more? https://www.littletoller.co.uk/
https://www.travelbooks.co.uk/
https://www.handheldpress.co.uk/
And a sneaky mention for a very niche publisher https://www.encantapublishing.com/
Of course you may—I'll check them out!