Greenfinch to publish The Literary Almanac

Greenfinch, an imprint of Quercus Books, is thrilled to announce the publication of The Literary Almanac by Francesca Beauman this September. World Rights were acquired by Philippa Wilkinson and hardback and ebook publication will be on 23^rd September 2021.

The ultimate reading list for book lovers everywhere, The Literary Almanac offers a wealth of seasonal reading recommendations inspiring us to reach for different kinds of fiction throughout the calendar year.  Each entry chimes with a specific month – whether set at a particular time or simply capturing the mood of the season – opening our imaginations to the rhythms of the year.  Writer, historian and bookseller Francesca Beauman provides over 300 suggestions of what to read when and each book is pitched with passion. From The Count of Monte Cristo to snuggle up with on long winter nights to My Brilliant Friend to be enjoyed on the beach in high summer and Diary of a Provincial Lady to get you through a family Christmas, you will be spoilt for choice when deciding your next read. Beautifully illustrated throughout and peppered with pithy quotations, noteworthy anniversaries and witty asides, this is the perfect companion for every bookworm and a beautiful gift.

About the author: Francesca began her career as a TV presenter for the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5, but is now a writer, historian and bookseller. She is the author of seven books, including a history of the pineapple and a history of personal ads; she remains the world’s leading expert on both these subjects. Francesca is a regular chairperson at literary festivals and arts events, Vice-Chair of the Holburne Museum, and also works at Persephone Books, a publishing company founded twenty years ago by her mother Nicola Beauman. She is originally from London, moved to Los Angeles for a decade, and now lives in Bath in Somerset.

Instagram: francescabeauman_atwork

Website: https://www.francescabeauman.com/

Philippa Wilkinson, Commissioning Editor: “Reading The Literary Almanac is like sitting down for a cup of tea and cake with an incredibly well-read friend. Fran is warm, witty and insightful, introducing the reader to an incredible range of well-loved classics, modern masterpieces and lesser-known treasures. Working on this title has significantly increased my TBR list, and I hope that it will provide similar inspiration for readers everywhere to adopt a fresh approach to their book selections, letting the rhythms of the calendar year guide us.”

Francesca Beauman: “I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to publish this book with Greenfinch. It is in many ways the book I’ve spent my whole life preparing to write. As a child, I used to get into trouble with my parents if I forgot to bring a book with me any time we left the house. The dentist, a long car journey, in a restaurant on holiday: they were doing what they could to shield me from the horrifying prospect of having three minutes to spare with nothing to read. Sometimes, when our family had had a particularly busy or difficult day, my mum and dad would go as far as to compel us to read while we were eating, too: ‘Supper’s ready, bring your book!’, they would shout up the stairs. To others, it may have seemed strange, even unfriendly; I, however, felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Decades later, I maintain a close- to-psychotic compulsion to carry a book around wherever I go. I even took The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford with me to the hospital when I went into labour with my first baby – you know, just in case I got bored in between contractions (it won’t surprise you to know that I didn’t even crack the spine). These days I work at Persephone Books, the publishing company my mother founded twenty years ago, which allows me to continue to discover many of the best books out there. I’m now really excited to share all this with you, the readers – even if it does mean your TBR pile ends up nearly topping over!”

Publicity contacts:

For further information, please contact Elizabeth Masters & Ana McLaughlin –elizabeth.ana@quercusbooks.co.uk

Official cover copy:

Discover over 300 seasonal book recommendations in the ultimate reading list for book lovers everywhere. From the dreary, cold days of January to the first flushes of spring and then the blazing August heat, bibliophile Francesca Beauman offers up a wealth of book recommendations, each selected to chime with a particular time of year and provide a richer reading experience. Beautifully illustrated throughout, this warm, witty guide will delight, inspire and seriously extend your ‘to be read’ list!