Arc Publications are launching ten of their titles, current and classic, as ebooks. These are available now on Amazon, and will be available on Kobo imminently, followed by Barnes and Noble’s Nook, Google Play Books and Apple iBooks. For a publisher who specialises in the work of international poets writing in English and the work of overseas poets in translation, it is a compelling move. Inevitably it allows Arc to reach more readers and bring diverse poetic cultures together.
These first ten books were chosen for their diversity of language, poetic structures and typographical challenges. The selection showcases complex bilingual text in clear and adjustable ebooks, mastering a variety of diacriticals and alphabets. The ambition was to set Arc’s bilingual texts as clearly and as beautifully onscreen as they are on the page, to ensure an effortless read of the two languages. The English-language books were chosen for their complex layouts and international reach.
Arc are proud of the achievement, believing it to be a vital and instrumental step in their mission to bring foreign-language poets to wider audiences. They intend to add to this initial ebook catalogue, with the publication of ebooks alongside hard- and paperbacks of every new title. More information is here http://www.arcpublications.co.uk/ebooks
The ten launched are
Mayakovsky, Vladimir: Pro Eto – That’s What (Arc Classics)
One of Arc’s most successful publications, in a unique contemporary translation from the Russian by George Hyde and Larisa Gureyeva, includes extraordinary photomontages that Alexander Rodchenko created for this work in full-colour for the first time. Making the most of the ebook format and tablet screens, Mayakovsky’s complex poetic layouts flow around the high-resolution images.
Six Catalan Poets, ed. by Pere Ballart (New Voices from Europe & Beyond)
This is one of the first English/Catalan bilingual anthologies of contemporary poetry to be published as an ebook. Featuring the work of six of Catalonia’s leading younger poets – Josep Lluís Aguiló, Elies Barberà, Manuel Forcano, Gemma Gorga, Jordi Julià, Carles Torner – translated by a prize-winning translator, it has an introductory essay which sets the poets within a wider literary context.
Kristný, Gerður: Bloodhoof
Gerður’s retelling of an Icelandic Eddic saga is as beautiful on the page as it is linguistically. Chosen partly to be one of Arc’s first ebooks to show what can be done in terms of matching top design on a digital screen, it is also a compelling read for Arc’s younger readers.
Martinaitis, Marcelijus: The Ballads of Kukutis
Martinaitis sadly passed away this year. One of the most important literary figureheads of Lithuania, his work captures the very best of anti-censorship satire. This title and its provenance speaks to the importance of digital distribution for countries at a geographical distance from Arc.
Loseff, Lev: As I Said (Visible Poets No 32)
A pioneer Russian/US poet, Loseff’s collection published in translation by Arc is a foray into the booming American ebook market, and allows this popular poet to continue to be read beyond the obstacles of international postage and a limited print run.
Six Latvian Poets, ed. by Ieva Lešinska (New Voices from Europe & Beyond)
In this second of Arc’s first ebook anthologies introducing contemporary European poetry, we meet the younger generation of Latvian poets who started writing and publishing after the country gained independence following the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
Keskin, Birhan: & Silk & Love & Flame (Visible Poets No 35)
The Turkish poet Birhan Keskin’s poetry is finely-honed and minimal and at the same time, powerfully visual, evocative and exact. Meaning and music overlap, lines dissolve, restart and repeat – a language of flux which marries perfectly with the reflowable nature of the ebook form.
Byrne, James: Blood/Sugar (UK and Irish)
Byrne caught the attention of many with his second full-length collection. Innovative and complex poetical layouts jostle with traditional forms to show the possibilities for poetry to shine in a carefully constructed ebook. Byrne is an important figure in contemporary UK poetry whose reputation will flourish with an ebook market presence.
Pang, Alvin: When the Barbarians Arrive (International)
The ebook format perfectly matches Pang’s restless internationality. The epitome of the travelling poet, Pang can be seen in literary venues and festivals all over the world, including in his native Singapore – and now his wonderful collection can be wherever he is without logistical obstacles.
Forshaw, Cliff: Vandemonian (UK and Irish)
Forshaw’s text was arguably the most challenging to express in digital form, with the huge variety of poetic structures, typography, margin notes etc. It showcases the visual possibilities of different poetic forms in ebook format.
