Faber & Faber

This is the story of one of the world's great publishers told in its own words. Drawing on a wealth of previously unpublished letters, minutes, memoirs and diaries, Toby Faber takes us deep inside the evolution of the company and the excitement, hopes and fears of the people who published and wrote the books that line our shelves today. Highlights include Eliot's magnificent reader reports, Beckett on swearing and censorship, the publication of Finnegan's Wake, the rejection of Orwell's Animal Farm , P.D. James tasting her first avocado, the first reader's response to Heaney's Death of a Naturalist , Larkin's reluctance to attend poetry readings ('people's imaginary picture of you is always so much more flattering than the reality'), the discovery of Kazuo Ishiguro, and some sticky negotiations over book titles. In the background, the publisher battles the Great Depression, wartime paper shortages and dramatic financial crises to retain its independence. The result is both a vibrant history and a hymn to the role of literature in all our lives.

Préface
First published to celebrate Faber's 90th anniversary, this is the story of one of the world's greatest publishing houses - a delight for all readers who are curious about the business of writing.

Auteur

As the grandson of Faber's founder, Toby Faber grew up steeped in the company's books and its stories. He was Faber's managing director for four years and remains a non-executive director and chairman of sister company Faber Music. He has written two celebrated works of non-fiction, Stradivarius and Fabergé's Eggs, and his first novel, Close to the Edge, will be published by Muswell Press in 2019. He lives in London with his wife and two daughters.

Texte du rabat

London publishing house Faber & Faber's ninety year story is presented entertainingly here, drawing on anecdotes from the letters and diaries of such associated figures as T.S. Eliot, Sylvia Plath, Seamus Heaney and many others.

Résumé
A vibrant history of the London publishing house Faber and Faber told in its own words. Published to celebrate Faber's 90th anniversary, this is for readers who love books and are curious about the business of writing.