I have discovered Virago Press. I would like to have one of each book they publish, please. I actually already have some books published by Virago, but I have never really paid attention to exactly what type of press they happen to be:
"One of the most vigorous, stylish and successful British publishing imprints, Virago is the outstanding international publisher of women's literature. It is the largest women's imprint in the world and has made commercial success of publishing books of quality and originality."
So now I am thinking that I wouldn't mind starting a collection of books with the Virago imprint. I wouldn't buy books that I can already get over here, as they seem to have American authors as well, but I am interested in the authors I am not yet familiar with. My copy of Precious Bane is a Virago book as well as the Fiona Shaw book I recently ordered. The only bad thing I have discovered is that the Virago website seems to have a lot of dead links. So when I want to read about a book, the link goes nowhere. It looks as though some titles are available through Amazon, and of course most through Amazon in the UK. I have already started my wish list.
Ask for Suggestions...and What Happens?
I end up with a stack of books I can't wait to read, that's what. Right before the 4th of July holiday I was very much in the mood for a certain type of book. Well, I took up your advice and ordered a few of the titles. So now I can choose from: Ross Poldark by Winston Graham (it looks as though there is a whole series to read my way through), Moonfleet by J. Meade Falkner, The Loving Spirit and Frenchman's Creek, both by Daphne DuMaurier. I love adventure stories (even better if there are pirates and smuggling and even a bit of romance thrown into the mix). What better summer reading? I am greatly looking forward to starting one soon!
The two DuMaurier books happen to also be Virago Modern Classics (do you see a theme forming here?). I am big on book design, you might have noticed, and the DuMaurier books (actually I like all the VMC book designs that I own), are lovely (love the apple with a bite taken out of it on the spine--and they would look so nice on my shelves!). It appears that they have published all her work as well as some biographies and autobiographies--the back and front inside flaps show all her books. Here is my collection of DuMaurier's work. I have read Rebecca and Jamaica Inn (both mass market books, and though I know it is the contents that matter--the designs leave much to be desired compared to the Viragos), My Cousin Rachel (a very nice, now out of print, Common Reader edition. I also own The House on the Strand and The Scapegoat--both as yet unread (but very nice University of Penn editions). Since my collection seems to be growing, I was thinking I could do my own sort of author study along the lines of what Susan at Pages Turned is doing. However mine would be quite informal, and most likely very spread out--as in I would like to read about DuMaurier as an author and her works--but just not all at once. I'm not sure how DuMaurier is looked upon in the literary world (to romance-y perhaps?), but I love her books nonetheless (and thanks to Jenclair for the heads up about Frenchman's Creek!). Unfortunately only a few of DuMaurier's works are even still in print over here, but I can fill in gaps (happily) by tracking them down elsewere!