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| Author: |
Geraint Hughes writes his own mock obituary |
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Geraint Hughes 1967-2061. An author of little note, he briefly flirted with free form poetry before retiring in 2008 shortly after the death of his father. He will be better remembered for his independent publishing exploits. Hughes launched blackheath books in 2005, in those halcyon days before the web bubble burst and arguments were rife over the death of paper-based publishing. At a time when the rampant capitalist consumerism of Borderstones dominated the ‘supermarketisation’ of British literature, many saw him as a foolhardy maverick, but now in retrospect he is credited as a saviour of the printed word.
From humble chapbook beginnings, supported by nothing more than an ever-increasing and discerning readership, blackheath books snowballed. They moved to perfect bound editions in 2009 and went on to publish some of the greatest writers of the 21st century. Highlights of a distinguished publishing career include Joseph Ridgwell’s first three pre-abstinence novels, one of those the Booker winning Barcelona Bar (2010), the collected works of Poet Laureate Adelle Stripe (2026) and all twelve volumes of Zack Wilson’s Lescar stories. blackheath books launched the careers of many of today’s best loved authors, who will be forever indebted to him.
For many years Hughes continued to hand-print and bind his books on recycled paper and card using last century technology and equipment. However, at the age of 87, failing eyesight and arthritis saw him sell the business and back catalogue to Harper Pan Macmillan for an undisclosed seven-figure sum. blackheath books are now printed in China by crippled children on paper made from virgin rainforest. Donations in his memory can be made via PayPal at blackheath books.
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| Submission Date: |
| 07 Feb 2009 |
Category: |
Poetry
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In Podcast and Chap-book
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