The cover designs and choices are so interesting. I would love to learn more about differences between the publishing houses in how they approach their classics series, if you have any perspectives on that.
This is such a good question – and might need more space to unpack further – but it's true that different publishers have different approaches to their classics lists. Some publishers aim to present as much of world literature as possible (Penguin, Oxford, Vintage, NYRB, Alma) whereas others offer a particular, curated slice (Faber, Pushkin Press, Fitzcarraldo, Silver Press); some are designed for academics (Oxford), some for non-academics (Vintage) and some try to cater for both markets (Penguin); some are particularly strong at works in translation (NYRB, New Directions); others have particular selection criteria (Persephone, Virago Modern Classics, Wakefield); some concentrate on creating beautiful editions (Manderley) whereas others aim to keep prices as low as possible (Wordsworth). All these factors contribute to the flavour and selection of a publisher's classics list. On a side note, right now we are living in a boom time for classics publishing. Twenty-five years ago, only a handful of publishers produced classics; today, nearly every publishing house has a classics list. It's an exciting time to be reading them!
Thank you for these. I’m particularly drawn to the Janet Frame having read most of her novels plus biographies, and paid homage at her house in Oumaru on South Island, though I don’t think I’ve read this one. I can’t help feeling she’d have hated her book being described by a critic as ‘charming’ though, so I’m keen to read it and see. There were often autobiographical depths to her books so I’m intrigued.
Wow, what a fascinating selection, I am going to start with the James Baldwin. Then Kokoro , interestingly Beth Kempton recently released her book by that name.
oooooh! Bookmarking these. I've got Ex-Wife on my nightstand and keep picking up other books. I'll reach for it next time.
The cover designs and choices are so interesting. I would love to learn more about differences between the publishing houses in how they approach their classics series, if you have any perspectives on that.
This is such a good question – and might need more space to unpack further – but it's true that different publishers have different approaches to their classics lists. Some publishers aim to present as much of world literature as possible (Penguin, Oxford, Vintage, NYRB, Alma) whereas others offer a particular, curated slice (Faber, Pushkin Press, Fitzcarraldo, Silver Press); some are designed for academics (Oxford), some for non-academics (Vintage) and some try to cater for both markets (Penguin); some are particularly strong at works in translation (NYRB, New Directions); others have particular selection criteria (Persephone, Virago Modern Classics, Wakefield); some concentrate on creating beautiful editions (Manderley) whereas others aim to keep prices as low as possible (Wordsworth). All these factors contribute to the flavour and selection of a publisher's classics list. On a side note, right now we are living in a boom time for classics publishing. Twenty-five years ago, only a handful of publishers produced classics; today, nearly every publishing house has a classics list. It's an exciting time to be reading them!
Fascinating! Thank you for the thoughtful reply. Now, the real question is, which has the best book club perks... 🙂
Added a couple of these to my TBR list: George Gissing and Aharon Appelfeld. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for these. I’m particularly drawn to the Janet Frame having read most of her novels plus biographies, and paid homage at her house in Oumaru on South Island, though I don’t think I’ve read this one. I can’t help feeling she’d have hated her book being described by a critic as ‘charming’ though, so I’m keen to read it and see. There were often autobiographical depths to her books so I’m intrigued.
Wow, what a fascinating selection, I am going to start with the James Baldwin. Then Kokoro , interestingly Beth Kempton recently released her book by that name.
What an intriguing selection: one book I've read, a couple of authors I've heard of but never read, and a whole lot of complete unknowns!