With a whopping over-500 titles in print, Vancouver’s Talonbooks has been publishing one of the finest and most diverse literary lists in Canada for over 50 years.
By:
ALU Editor
Share It:
With a whopping over-500 titles in print, Vancouver’s Talonbooks has been publishing one of the finest and most diverse literary lists in Canada for over 50 years.Talon began as a poetry magazine in 1963, with an editorial collective based out of Magee High School, then the University of British Columbia two years later. Having already been a periodical home for so many young writers, Talon branched out into book publishing in 1967, releasing the first books of now-famous Canadian poets
like George Bowering (Sticks & Stones) and bill bissett, and dramatists like James Reaney (Colours in the Dark) and George Ryga. Fiction, non-fiction, and works in translation were also genres the press published into between 1967-1979.In the early 80’s, Talon dabbled successfully with more commercial titles, but ultimately decided to continue to focus their efforts on the excellent literary publishing that got them their start. They continue to deliver on that to this day, adding into the mix a vow to publish minority and disenfranchised voices in Canada. And they’ve certainly delivered, right up to today, with award-winning playwrights like Marcus Youssef and poets like Rahat Kurd (for just the tiniest sample). In fact, Talonbooks has won over 300 awards since their start.So, what are you waiting for? Get one of their books in your talons.
