In its first year the Folio Society published three titles; these days it turns out about 60 a year. Each one comes with exquisite decorative bindings, a protective slipcover and original pictures by an ever-changing roster of illustrators, fine artists and wood engravers.
Folio began as a membership-only service whose members had to commit to buying a certain number of titles each year. In 2011, non-members were allowed in on the act and the membership structure was shelved altogether in 2016. Today, anybody can buy a book from the multi-award-winning Folio Society, via its website, on the telephone or at select independent stockists.
Here are just some of the reasons we are such fans of Folio.
Passion For Publishing
The Folio Society says: ‘Our team of editors, designers and artisans will do whatever it takes to give each title everything it deserves, from outstanding intellectual firepower to extraordinary craftsmanship. Every book we make is a miniature work of art – and we take pride in every single one.’
Illustrious Illustrators
Part of the charm of a Folio Society book is the illustrations within. Through the years, the Society has attracted the work of giants like Beryl Cook, Edward Ardizzone and Quentin Blake.
Excellent Literary Taste
The Folio Society’s policy is to publish exquisite editions of great literary works, ranging from Shakespeare to Agatha Christie via Darwin, Dickens, Ian Fleming and Margaret Atwood. With fiction, non-fiction, young adult and children’s titles, there truly is something for everyone.
Instagram Account
All booklovers should follow the Folio Society’s colourful Instagram account. A happy literary haven, it showcases the company’s breadth of titles, elegant editions and wonderful artwork.
Gifts Section
A Folio Society book always makes an excellent present, whatever the age and interests of the person you are buying for. Check out the gifts section on the site for inspiration and you’ll never get gifting wrong again.
Triumph Over Adversity
Charles Ede’s 2002 obituary in The Guardian described how difficult it was to get the Folio Society off the ground. ‘At first, times were hard. Rationing meant acute shortages of paper, and, though Ede proved adept at tracking down supplies, booksellers were uneasy at the idea of ‘a poor man’s fine edition’.
‘This problem was solved by the decision to offer books solely by mail order to customers attracted by a gift presentation volume, a sales technique pioneered in America. It proved a highly successful approach, and membership grew rapidly in Britain and internationally.’
Wondrous Website
Though the Folio Society’s raison d’étre is the publication of beautiful, old-fashioned, tangible books, it relies heavily on the internet to sell them (there was a Folio Society shop in London but it closed in 2016). The company’s website is, consequently but perhaps surprisingly, a slick and efficient joy to behold.
Blog
Their thoughtfully written blog posts take us behind the scenes of the Folio Society and deep into the world of independent publishing.
Birthday Bonanza
Folio is celebrating its 75th year in style. To mark the impressive milestone, not only have they launched a new prize, The Folio Book Illustration Award, and their first full bibliography, Folio 75, they’ve also planned a series of parties here and in New York.
Power To The People
Last year, Folio became an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT). In a buyout led by its CEO, Joanna Reynolds, the company was sold to its 40 employees in December. Reynolds said: ‘The Folio leadership team is very excited about the move to an EOT. It is a progressive, innovative, industry-leading approach that reflects our values and will position the business strongly for the future. The people who have driven the business forward, and who will continue to strive for excellence, will own Folio.’
By Becky Ladenburg
October 2022
