Vigaro
'The sense of limitless freedom that I, as a woman, sometimes feel is that of a new kind of being. Because I simply could not have existed, as I am, in any other preceding time or place' Angela Carter
For forty years, Virago has been the outstanding international publisher of books by women. The cultural, political and economic landscape has changed dramatically in the last four decades, but Virago has remained true to its original aims: to put women centre stage; to explore the untold stories of their lives and histories; to break the silence around many women’s experiences; to publish breath-taking new fiction, alongside a rich list of rediscovered classics; and above all to champion women’s talent.
From July 1st through to the end of December, we celebrate Virago's fortieth birthday and have asked 40 of our authors to write something for us inspired by the number 40. Beyond that, they can write what they please: a poem, a story, an essay, a fragment of autobiography, a fable, a list . . . Virago is 40 will be something very special and surprising, as our writers continue to engage us, challenge us, tease us and confound us, as they have done from the very beginning. The free book is a thank you to everyone who has been a part of the Virago family over the years.
The collection is introduced by Margaret Atwood and includes pieces by Naomi Wolf, Claire Messud, Tracey Thorn, Stella Duffy, Maya Angelou, Kate Mosse, Hannah Rothschild and Sarah Waters to name a few.
Sometimes we publish to entertain, sometimes we publish to give readers the sheer pleasure of beautiful writing, sometimes we publish to change the world.