Faber Finds is an independent publishing house that aims to
"restore to print for future generations a wealth of lost classics". By
ordering from them, you will ensure that the literary fanatic in your family
doesn’t get duplicate gifts under the tree this holiday season.
They do print contemporary works and accept artwork
submissions by artist; under the working name, Faber, but their Faber Finds sector is more old-fashioned in
nature; sourcing and printing rare literary classics. While every one has heard
of the Bronte’s or Charles Dickens (which is how duplicate gifts may be
purchased for a known book lover), their emphasis is upon novelists and poets
who you may not recognize, like A.J.P. Taylor or Brian Aldiss. Now I’ll be
honest, literature is a big part of my life; I love the classics and pursued an
education based on this interest; however, only some of the names and titles
featured by Faber Finds ring a bell.
Faber Finds helps site visitors get to know these authors
and their works by providing brief biographical summaries on featured
individuals. This makes the site more browser friendly, allowing people to
peruse the site without knowing what they’re looking for or relying on playing
it safe and sticking with works they recognize. Now I’m not saying all books on
Faber Finds are obscure, recognizable names like Jonathan Keates or H.G. Wells
are available. However, since many people look to contemporary novels or best
selling blockbusters, the popularity of classics are unfortunately declining
and are therefore more difficult to find.
Faber Finds also accepts requests to source books not
currently within their inventory, but offers no guarantees when it comes to
out-of-print works. Their current collection however, is quite in depth and
includes various genres ranging from fiction, non-fiction, poetry, the arts,
music & stage, audio and even children’s books. Of course, since many
publications are not readily available on the shelves at Borders or Amazon, the
company has to make a profit some how so books come at a hefty cost, ranging
from 10-20+ GBP. However, the good news is even they offer rollbacks on their
featured items.
Faber Finds is also a great resource to keep up with
readings and book signings for lesser known contemporary novelists and writers
as well as significant news and events in the literary world. They also have a Faber
Academy section which posts
upcoming seminars and classes offered related to using the art of writing,
which are hosted throughout the UK.
Faber Finds definitely has its competitors in the rare book
market, but I can’t help but love a business that endorses the literary
classics, and increases their availability to avid readers.
Want to avoid seeing your loved ones face drop when they’ve
torn the paper off of their second copy of Dean Koontz’s ‘Your Heart Belongs to
Me’ (most recent novel available in mass paperback on November 25)? Purchasing
a rare book will guarantee a one-of-a kind gift. Just ensure the recipient is a
real literary connoisseur, otherwise your thoughtful gift will become an
underappreciated shelf-warmer.
