When she was younger and new to the company, Lennie Goodings asked Virago's curator and Chief Publisher, Carmen Callil, 'Why did you start Virago?' The answer came instantly: 'To change the world, darling - that's why.' From day one the mission was clear: to publish books by women writers, to champion new talent, to uncover 'hidden from history' voices and stories and, with the founding of the famous green-spine series, The Virago Modern Classics, to rediscover forgotten writers. Over forty years later, the world has indeed changed and women have prominent roles in publishing, as elsewhere, but Virago remains a vibrant and necessary force, publishing Marilynne Robinson, Margaret Atwood, Sarah Waters, Lauren Graham among many others. But why do we still say 'woman writer' (we don't say 'male writer') and why do men not read books by women? These are the burning questions being asked in Ireland so here is an opportunity to hear how one of the great literary imprints rose to the challenge concerning women's writing, gender and the arts. Lennie Goodings is joined by Sarah Savitt, Virago's Deputy Publisher. The panel will be hosted by presenter of RTÉ's The Book Show, Sinéad Gleeson. With special guests Sarah Davis-Goff and Lisa Coen of Tramp Press. |  |
