Publisher Mary Varnham's introduction to Awa Press Catalogue 2008/09

NEW-FASHIONED PUBLISHING

In the world of publishing, nothing is more precious than the book, the physical object you hold in your hand, admiring its cover, its weight, its type, its promise (that may or may not be quiveringly fulfilled). In our small office, we live surrounded by books. Reach out in any direction and you will probably touch one. That’s why all this talk of e-books, books on cellphones, Kindles, Cybooks, paper-like screens etc makes us jittery.

We googled ‘e book’ and there were 116 million entries. Not that we’re not passionate about the digital age: we would like our books read on every electronic device known to man.

We just do not want to lose our sensual pleasure. Join us. Read a real book today.

The energetic, imaginative and irrepressible Mary Varnham gave me a sneaky look at her forthcoming catalogue, presently at the printers being rushed through in time for the London Book Fair being held at Earls Court, London 14-16 April.

I was so taken by her introduction (above) that I felt it was well worth sharing with visitors to beattiesbookblog. Well put Mary, and good luck for the LBF.