A few months ago we reported an exclusive story here on DeSmogBlog about the troubles renowned UK columnist and author, George Monbiot, was having with finding a publisher to launch his book Heat in the United States.
Monbiot told us at the time that U.S. editors had all said a version of the same thing: “Americans aren’t ready for it.”
Well it looks like South End Press, a publisher with a penchant for provocative literature, has picked up the gauntlet. Monbiot’s book is now available in the US.
No slight to South End Press, I am glad they saw the value in Monbiot’s book, but it is a shame that none of the larger publishing houses found Heat worthy of the US readership. Along with a large publishing house comes the large distribution channels that ensure a broad readership.
In the UK, Heat was published by the massive publishing house Penguin Books and in Canada it was picked up by Random House, another large publisher. In both countries the book was very well-received and sold very well, in very large part because it is very well-researched and well-written book. But it definitely doesn’t hurt to have a powerhouse publisher backing you up.
This is not a book that should be ignored, especially in the United States which is dire need of a real kick in the proverbial butt when it comes to action on climate change. Let’s hope South End pulls out the big guns on this book and ensures that it gets the recognition and attention that it deserves.
