Landmark book reveals history of women in publishing

A new book edited by researchers at the University of Reading is the first international collection to explore the often overlooked role of women in publishing over the past 120 years.

Published by Edinburgh University Press, The Edinburgh Companion to Women in Publishing explores the diverse and significant impacts women have had in publishing across continents.

Drawing from feminist research, the collection offers a comparative analysis of women’s work in publishing over the past century. It features archival content, new oral histories, and eight interviews with leading women in the industry today to bridge the gap between the past, present and future.

Dr Nicola Wilson, Associate Professor of Book and Publishing Studies at the University of Reading, said: “For too long, the story of publishing has focused narrowly on men. This book gives a voice to the many talented women worldwide whose vital influence on print and publishing cultures has largely gone unrecognised.”

The book combines new work on high-profile women publishers and editors alongside analysis of women’s work as publisher’s readers, translators, illustrators, booksellers, advertisers, and as patrons. With examples ranging from high street book sellers to prestigious publishing houses like Virago Press, it offers a comprehensive and rich history of women in publishing.

The collection goes beyond the English-speaking world to offer a global understanding of women’s involvement in print cultures.

Dr Sophie Heywood, Associate Professor in French at the University of Reading, said: “With this collection, we wanted to present new ways of reading women’s contributions to transatlantic and continental publishing across the twentieth century. We look at examples of women’s publishing efforts from 1900 all the way up to 2020, while also considering what is still needed to further the profession moving forward.”

The Edinburgh Companion to Women in Publishing, 1900–2020 is available now on the Edinburgh University Press website.