Inquisitive? Independent?
Love great writing?
For more than fifty years we have done more than anyone
else to bring new, challenging and exciting writing from just about everywhere
to readers absolutely everywhere. As an independent publisher we have always
had to punch above our weight to make an impact, so if we say that in the
process we have published countless great works, including those of seven
Nobel Prize winners, you will understand why we’re proud of our record.
We would be grateful if you would take a look around this website to discover
some of our titles; or perhaps acquaint yourself with our authors. Most
importantly, get to know us as publishers, because we value your readership
and would welcome any suggestions that you might have.
If you would like a book on our list that is currently unavailable, please let
us know and we’ll see what we can do for you.
Empire of the Sikhs: The Life and Times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Ranjit Singh, contemporary of Napoleon and one of the most powerful and
charismatic Indian rulers of his age, has been largely written out of accounts
of the subcontinent's past by recent Western historians. Yet he was
a colossus who bestrode India and had an impact that has lasted to this
day. He unified the warring chiefdoms of the Punjab into an extraordinary
northern Empire of the Sikhs
stretching to the borders of Afghanistan and Tibet, built up a formidable
modern army, kept the British in check to the south of his realm and closed
the Khyber Pass through which plunderers had for centuries poured into
India. Yet, unique among empire builders, he was humane and just, gave
employment to defeated foes,
honoured religious faiths other than his own and included Hindus and Muslims
among his ministers.
In person he was a colourful character. While inspired by the Sikh faith's
ten
founding gurus, he upheld the rights of all he came in contact with and
was unabashed in exercising his own. Indeed he enjoyed life to the full,
and his court was renowned for its splendour; he had twenty wives, kept
a regiment of 'Amazons' and possessed a stable of thousands of horses.
The authors of this first definitive biography make use of a variety of eye-witness
accounts from Indian and European sources, from reports of Maratha spies
at the Lahore Durbar to British parliamentary papers and travel accounts.
The story includes the range of the maharaja's military achievements and
ends with an account of the controversial period of the Anglo-Sikh Wars
following his death, which saw the fall of his empire while in the hands
of his successors whose internecine strife was exploited by the British.
His contribution to making Amritsar's Golden Temple one of the greatest
religious pilgrimage sites in the world ensures that his legacy still inspires
Sikhs all over the world.
The launch for Empire of the Sikhs: The Life and Times of Maharaja Ranjit
Singh will take place at Victoria & Albert Museum, Tuesday 21st October
2008, 6.30-8.30pm. All are welcome.
In the Shadow of the Dreamchild: The Myth and Reality of Lewis Carroll (Revised
Edition)
We are pleased to announce that the publication of In
the Shadow of the Dreamchild: The Myth and Reality of Lewis Carroll
(paperback edition) will be on 30th October 2008. In celebration we will
hold a launch on 12th November 2008 6.30-8.30pm. All are welcome to join
the authors at The Phoenix Artist Club, 1 Phoenix Street, London WC2H.
Mervyn Peake: The Man & His Art shortlisted
Our much-acclaimed book Mervyn Peake: The
Man & His Art was part of the shortlist for the Locus
Awards 2007. We missed out on the prize but were naturally delighted
with the commendation. The hardback version is now sold out but we will
be producing a paperback version in the near future. Co-author Sebastian
Peake is touring shortly with a unique show centred around the book
and the life of his father.
Yuri Druzhnikov R.I.P.
All of us at Peter Owen were saddened to hear today (17th June 2008) of the
death of Yuri Druzhnikov, one of the most esteemed writers in our list.
Our condolences go out to his widow, Valerie and all of his many family
and friends. He will be greatly missed. His most recent work published
by us is Pushkin's Second
Wife and before that, we published Madonna
From Russia. His most acclaimed work is Angels
On The Head of a Pin.
Nobel Prize Winner, Orhan Pamuk, writes the foreword for new Peter Owen title, The Idle Years.
Turkey's most famous living author, Orhan Pamuk, briefly reflects on one
of Turkey's best-loved writers,Orhan Kemal, in the foreword for a new Peter
Owen translation,The
Idle Years.
Arthur Guinness UK book launch at the Irish Embassy, March 6th 2008 -
signed copies of 'Arthur's Round' by Patrick Guinness are now available
The new biography on the founder of Ireland's most famous drink, written
by a direct descendant, Patrick Guinness. Arthur's
Round is an authoritative portrait of a remarkable Irishman whose story
has never really been told till now. The book was launched in in Dublin
on November 19th but the book's publication was also celebrated at
the Irish Embassy on March 6th. Our thanks goes to Patrick, the Guinness
family and the Irish Embassy for a wonderful evening. Some pictures from
the evening can be found on our blog pages - and customers who
would like a copy signed by Patrick Guinness can get one from the Sales
Team
Joanne Harris writes foreword for Boy In Darkness
We're delighted to announce that Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat and
The Lollipop Girls has written a foreword for Boy In Darkness.Take
a look at the Boy In Darkness page to read more about this and this
remarkable collection of stories.
Wheel of Fortune reprint now in stock
The phenomenal interest in Edith Piaf that has been (re) awakened by
the new film La Vie En Rose has
ensured that Wheel Of Fortune is far
and away our best-seller at the moment. The reprint of this book is now
available in the trade. Visitors to this website can order it through
the website at sales@peterowen.com -
and purchase it for £10.00, £3.00 off the RRP.
Anna Kavan Event, 3rd July
Click here for details>
Peter Owen in the Telegraph
To mark Peter's 80th birthday, the Daily Telegraph published an
interview
Read the article>
Mervyn Peake: The Man and His Art
Compiled by Sebastian Peake and Alison Eldred
Edited by G. Peter Winnington
'Peake's attitude is summed up by a poem that achieved popularity some
forty years after he wrote it. "To live at all", he said, "is miracle
enough." Of course he did much more than live. "Art", he used to say,
"is ultimately sorcery." He infused his life and art into everything he
touched. And his sorceries continue to entrance us'– Michael Moorcock. Read
more about this major new volume>
