About Peirene
"Two-hour books to be devoured in a single sitting: literary cinema for those fatigued by film." Times Literary Supplement
Peirene Press is an award-winning boutique publishing house with an extra twist, based in London. We are committed to first class European literature in high quality translation. Our books are beautifully designed paperback editions, using only the best paper from sustainable British sources. Affordable, timeless collector items. And because literature - both reading and writing - can be a lonely affair, Peirene hosts a wide range of regular literary events, from informal coffee mornings to exciting literary salons and tailor-made, exclusive events.
Peirene’s Books
Peirene specializes in contemporary European novellas in English translation. All our books are best-sellers and/or award winners in their own countries. We only publish books of less than 200 pages that can be read in the same time it takes to watch a DVD.
Peirene's Series
We curate our books according to themes. Each year Peirene publishes a new series – three books that form a cluster in terms of style and/or content. Our series so far:
Female Voice: Inner Realities.
Male Dilemma: Quests for Intimacy.
Small Epic: Unravelling Secrets.
New in 2013: Turning Point: Revolutionary Moments.
Peirene's Book Subscription
We like to encourage readers to take out our annual book subscription for £25. Three times a year - every four months - in December, May and September - you will receive a book of world-class literature at your doorstep. A beautiful, unexpected surprise. In addition, any subscriber will receive 40% discount for two people on all the Peirene events. Gift subscriptions are also available from our online shop.
Why Peirene
Peirene Press takes its name from a Greek nymph who turned into a water spring. The poets of Corinth discovered the Peirene source and, for centuries, they drank this water to receive inspiration.The idea of metamorphosis fits the art of translation beautifully. To turn a foreign book into an enjoyable English read involves careful attention to detail.
How Peirene chooses books
We regularly review the winners and short listed books for the most prestigious literary prizes in the various European countries, such as the French Prix Médicis, the German Georg Büchner Preis, the Polish Nike, the Czech Magnesia Litera etc. Furthermore, we work with international agents and pay attention to what foreign publishers have translated. We are also influenced by suggestions from readers, friends, writers, translators, journalists, university professors. And last but not least we attend European book fairs and are not afraid of making personal choices.
Peirene’s Literary Events
We curate and host a wide range of regular literary events, from informal coffee morning to elegant literary salons. We also offer exclusive, tailor-made literary evenings. These are no boring readings but parties with performances, conversation, food and wine. For more information, see our events page.