Although I think I might be ready to scream if someone mentions the dreaded words ‘credit crun
ch’ again, there is definitely something lacking in the Christmas spirit this year. I woke up in a blind panic when I realise that yesterday’s date signified that only one month was left before Christmas.
As yet more headlines emerge about drops in spending, I have begun to wonder whether newspapers will soon suggest that Christmas be cancelled altogether due to recession. Certainly, Christmas shopping doesn’t seem to be high on my agenda at the minute, although I blame that entirely on the terrible weather this summer which has convinced my brain that it should still be August. So yes, back to Christmas presents… Ok, so I’m biased, but books do seem like a pretty much failsafe option. Although, according to yet more headlines, apparently not immune to recessions, books still seem to provide a good value for money option, and are so versatile as well. For those who face being unceremoniously turfed o
ut of their previous job, one could either present them with books about the best way to succeed at job interviews or they could focus instead on the fact that, once unemployed, they would probably appreciate a good page-turner of a novel.
I have, however, decided to fully embrace the Christmas spirit, even artificially generating it if necessary! Books are not only good as presents but are also mood-enhancing. For my part, in order to create my Christmas, I shall be ordering in extra copies of our Dickens ‘Another Round of Stori
es by the Christmas Fire’, building said fire and settling in for the long evenings with one of Jerry Thomas’ amazing concoctions. See, who said books couldn’t solve the credit crisis; it’s all about Christmas-ing yourself out of it!
Back at Hesperus headquarters, however, we are busy finalising the list for next year, and I must say it’s all looking very exciting! Amongst other titles will be our newly launched ’Poetic Lives’ series, these short biographies of renowned poets will build on our successful ‘Brief Lives’ series. So, I think I will look forward to Christmas as a vital step towards embarking on the next year, which will be filled with even more beautiful books for us to publish.
More soon,
Martha
Hesperus Press has been a great help to me in locating little-known books for myself, friends, and family, especially in buying books for the holidays. Naturally, I am anxious to know when the website will open again. Could you please post something about when the renovations are planned to end?
Dear Lea,
Thank you for the support, I’m glad that we have proved useful! Our website is still under construction for the minute… In the meantime, our books are always available on Amazon and the Book Depository, so you should still be able to get hold of them for the holidays!
All the best,
Martha
It’s a good thing you exist; I just happened to chance upon the Pantagruel you published and thoroughly enjoyed it, I’ve never seen a better translation. I’m going to order Gargantua soon, and everything else I take a fancy to. Thank you!
Thanks Hermann,
It’s always great to get positive feedback on our translations, and yours is high praise indeed!
I hope you enjoy Gargantua and any other Hesperus title that catches your eye.
Martha