To mark the 65th anniversary of Penguin Classics, Penguin plans to release “amplified” e-book editions of classic literature, beginning with John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men: Amplified, which will be published this week featuring a variety of supplementary content. In addition, David Rosenthal has announced that the name of his newly launched general interest Penguin imprint will be Blue Rider Press.
Later in the summer Penguin Classics will also release an amplified edition Jack Kerouac’s On the Road as well as a digital app based on the Penguin Classic catalogue.
Penguin Classics’ Of Mice and men: Amplified e-book edition, priced at $10.99, will offer an audio interview with acclaimd actor James Earl Jones about his stage performance of the Broadway play based on Steinbeck’s novel; photo stills from the movie adaptation; Steinbeck’s 1962 Nobel banquet speech, an introduction and reading list compiled by Susan Shillinglaw, professor at San Jose State University and Scholar-in-Residence at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas and much more.
Penguin will also support the amplified Penguin Classic’s amplified e-book editions through social networking sites; blogs, the Penguin Classics Book Club and Penguin Classic on Air, a radio series that can be heard at PenguinClassics.com and on Sirius and XM Satellite Radio.
Rosenthal’s Blue Rider Press was launched in November 2010. The named refers to the modernist art movement launched in Germany in the early 20th century. Among initial titles set to be released in 2011 are books by HBO Real Time host Bill Maher and former Senator George McGovern.
“The Blue Rider name historically represents individuality and quality in the arts,” said Mr. Rosenthal. “And that same intent will be reflected in the eclectic fiction and nonfiction books Blue Rider Press will publish.”
