London-based publisher Nobrow Press continues its tradition of creating wildly original and visually splendid books with the launch of Imprint 27. The new imprint is the press’s second, alongside its children’s line, Flying Eye, and will publish works of experimental writing in fiction and nonfiction. The Imprint 27 list will champion breakthrough voices with books that provide provocative, surprising content presented in exciting formats designed to challenge, entertain, and enlighten readers.
Imprint 27 embraces the spirit of collaboration while inviting dissenting perspectives. Harriet Birkinshaw, Imprint 27’s editorial director, says, “Our aim is to become home to the next great writing heroes who are not afraid to stand out from the crowd supported by an independent publisher that is not afraid to take a risk.” The first book in the Imprint 27 line exemplifies these values.
Aiden Shaw’s Penis & Other Stories of Censorship from Around the World (Oct.) is an illustrated collection of short stories that explore the theme of censorship in all its complexity. To compile the book, Nobrow created an open call for stories, using preliminary readers. By inviting submissions from authors worldwide, Nobrow ensured that the pieces not only represent a broad range of lived experiences and viewpoints but also offer a kaleidoscopic rather than myopic perspective on the subject of censorship. The book includes contributions from writers in Cape Town, South Africa; Chile; Iran; Manchester, England; Nigeria; the U.S.; and Zambia. Guardian journalist Coco Khan, who helped judge the submissions to the contest, reflected on the timeliness and importance of the subject matter, saying, “Censorship is not just a matter for artists and agitators, reactionaries and revolutionaries, but for every single person daring to speak, act, or indeed exist publicly.”
With this inaugural title, Nobrow demonstrates what will be its continued efforts to present diverse perspectives, timely subject matter, and nuanced discussions. “The list is not about any one person’s vision,” Birkinshaw says. “It is a collaborative effort between the team at Nobrow and the writers we publish. Driving our vision is a purpose to have all voices heard, especially those that have not always been listened to.”
