It’s that time of the month when we throwback to previous years in publishing! Every month we take a look back over five decades of literature to see what the hot new releases were for this month in previous years. It was the longest January in the history of all Januarys, I’m sure, but as we move into February it’s time to look back at the past!
Maybe you waited patiently for some of these new releases, or you may even find a new author along the way. Here’s 50 years of February in publishing.
February 2007
The Uncommon Reader – Alan Bennett
It’s a decade this month since The Uncommon Reader appeared in The London Review of Books, published as its own title later in the year. The book imagines the H.M Queen Elizabeth wandering into a mobile library and becoming a reading addict and is a lovely read.
February 1997
Unnatural Exposure – Patricia Cornwell
If you’re a fine of crime writer Patricia Cornwell then it’s possible that twenty years ago this week, you were eagerly awaiting the release of the eighth book in the Dr. Kay Scarpetta series, Unnatural Exposure.
February 1987
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency – Douglas Adams
The late Douglas Adams is sorely missed for his Hitchhiker series but these weren’t his only books. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency was published in February 1987 and is a humorous detective novel.
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency US
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency UK
February 1977
Dancing Girls – Margaret Atwood
Atwood is still writing today and is best known for her dystopian fiction such as The Handmaid’s Tale and Oryx and Crake, but it was this week in 1997 when her short story collection, Dancing Girls was published.
February 1967
I Heard the Owl Call My Name – Margaret Craven
I Heard the Owl Call My Name was one of the bestselling books of the 1960s. The book tells the story of a young Anglican vicar who doesn’t have long to live, learning about the meaning of life.
I Heard the Owl Call My Name US
I Heard the Owl Call My Name UK
So that’s it, our nostalgic look through the years is over for another month. See you again in March for another 50 years of literature.
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