It’s always great when I get to work on a book I really enjoy, and lately with the new additions to our Allison & Busby Classics collection, I’ve been spoilt for choice. Aside from oohing and aahing at the lovely covers, I’ve also really enjoyed reading the books. Bias aside, even if I didn’t work here, I would definitely recommend them!

My favourite is possibly The Late Mr Shakespeare by Robert Nye (if you’ve read previous blogs you may have realised I’m a Shakespeare geek). It’s a great mixture of fact and fiction, with truths about Shakespeare’s life scattered in amongst the more fantastic imaginings. And it’s not just about Shakespeare – Pickleherring, the narrator, is a brilliantly drawn character. It’s amusing, emotional, and it asks big questions – what do we really know about Shakespeare? What is an author anyway? I don’t think you could ask for more in a great read.

And a sneak preview of more classics to come . . . recently I’ve been working on two Anthony Burgess novels, both of which I’ve really enjoyed. Nothing Like the Sun is another brilliant Shakespeare-themed read, but very different to Robert Nye’s novel; it’s been intriguing to read them both and compare. And also by Anthony Burgess is The Kingdom of the Wicked, which has taught me some things I never knew about Ancient Rome and the beginnings of Christianity. I’m not a history buff, but the story is told so well, with very human and believable characters, that I’ve been drawn in. Looking forward to oohing over those new cover designs soon . . .

Sara Magness, Editorial Administrator