I've been out for coffee this morning with Vanessa, the human dynamo who is behind the publishing house Fidra Books. If you're not already familiar with Fidra, go over and have a look at their website and read Vanessa's blog (there's a link on the sidebar ) and you can find out all about their marvellous re-prints of classic 20th. century children's fiction.
Fidra are doing for children's literature what Persephone Books do for adults': re-discovering overlooked gems and giving them a new lease of life and a whole new - and growing - audience.
Vanessa has some pretty impressive, heavy-weight supporters for her young company (no names, no pack-drill....) which reflects her knowledge of her subject, her commitment to her aims and her considerable achievements to date. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and she's dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a small player in a game dominated by very much bigger and more powerful ones with endless good humour and a refreshingly down-to-earth approach.
Two Fidra titles are going on the top of my 'TBR' pile:
"The Scool on North Barrule" by Mabel Esther Allan was first published in 1952 and is set in my old home, the Isle of Man.
Then I've got Victoria Walker's "The Winter of Enchantment" to look forward to. This dates from 1969 and got a glowing review from no less a person than Dovegreyreader when she read it recently.
I wish Fidra Books every success, and I shall watch them go from strength to strength - as they undoubtedly will - with great interest. Good luck to you, Vanessa!
