If you're lucky enough to be in London today, then you can stop in Persephone Books in Lamb Conduit Street to celebrate this delightful publisher's birthday. "There are cute books, there are beautiful books," said the Irish Times, "and then there are Persephone books." Quite so.
Persephone's first book came out in March, 1999. But they note that — like the Queen — they are celebrating in June; today, in fact. There will be all sorts of tempting taste treats on offer as well as a special offer for visitors: three books for the price of two — today only and only in the shop.
My Persephone titles lined up on top of my china cabinet in my red sitting room.
But Persephone has kindly extended that offer to those of us who must buy from abroad for this whole week. I had been thinking about how lovely it would be to have something new from Persephone to read this summer and now here is my chance! Great titles at a great price. The free book will ship surface mail no matter what method you chose for your other two titles. I've discovered on past orders, however, that surface mail is virtually as quick as airmail and in some cases has actually been faster.
What did I order, you ask? One of the most recent titles, "Miss Buncle's Book" by DE Stevenson (No. 81); one of the early titles, "A Woman's Place:1910-75 by Ruth Adam (No. 20, endpaper shown above); and one from the middle. "The Runaway" by Elizabeth Anna Hart with illustrations by Gwen Raverat (No. 37, endpaper shown below). At least that's what I meant to do. I had a bit of difficulty this time deciding which titles to pick, and seem to have messed up my order in my confused state. So I am currently corresponding with Lydia at the shop to be sure I am getting the books I intended!
This is wonderful!!! I must visit and order asap. Thanks for posting about this!
Posted by: Inkslinger | Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 06:03 PM
What a fun post and the link to Persephone was delightful...thank you! gail
Posted by: Gail | Friday, June 19, 2009 at 04:48 PM
I'll have to check them out, for sure.
Posted by: eliz | Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 04:47 PM
Great publisher and great books. Our university library also carries some Persephone titles which is a much more economical way to enjoy them!
Posted by: LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD | Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Look forward to your reviews of the new Persephone's. I'm going to London on Friday with some friends and I'm going to try to persuade them to visit the bookshop with me.
Posted by: Nicola | Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 02:03 PM