Verso Books
| Company type | Independent publisher |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Tariq Ali, Perry Anderson, and members of the New Left Review editorial team |
| Headquarters | London and New York City , United Kingdom and United States |
Area served | English-speaking market |
| Products | Books (nonfiction and fiction) |
| Website | www |
Verso Books—originally known as New Left Books—is a publishing company based in both London and New York City. It was established in 1970 by members of the New Left Review (NLR) editorial team, including board figures such as Tariq Ali and Perry Anderson. As the largest independent radical publisher within the English-speaking market, Verso produces approximately 100 new titles annually. Harper's has referred to it as "the foremost radical press in Anglo-America," while The Sunday Times praised it as "a publisher of rigorous intellectual standards."
Operations
Verso originated as a paperback branch of New Left Books, primarily specializing in nonfiction works centered on global politics, with occasional ventures into fiction. On April 8, 2014, the company began offering DRM-free electronic editions paired with print book purchases through its website. This initiative was expected to generate an additional £200,000 per year and aimed to transform the relationship between publishers and readers while bolstering independent publishing efforts.
In 2019, Verso launched a specialized fiction imprint named Verso Fiction. Fiction editor Cian McCourt highlighted their commitment to releasing daring and politically insightful literature that avoids ideological rigidity. The Daily Telegraph described Verso Fiction as "one of Britain’s most compelling fiction lists" and recognized it as a prominent radical publisher within mainstream circles.
Distribution of Verso’s books is managed by Penguin Random House in the United States and by Macmillan Distribution in the United Kingdom. The company also organizes events across both nations that focus on radical political thought and historical topics, strengthening its position in progressive publishing markets.
Sexual harassment grievance
In 2021, Verso encountered public scrutiny regarding its response to a sexual harassment complaint made by a former publicist from its U.S. office against longtime publisher Jacob Stevens. The publicist recounted the experience in a Medium post, describing a comment that led to significant depression and self-harm. In response, the board issued a formal apology and revised their sexual harassment policy but maintained that proper procedures had been followed, as verified by an independent investigation.
Marston Book Services bankruptcy
Following the insolvency of its UK distributor Marston Book Services in September 2024, Verso initiated a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to finance its Autumn 2024 publishing schedule. Marston’s parent company, United Independent Distributors, had entered administration earlier in July 2024. Verso anticipated that the funds raised would support publication costs during the transition to a new distribution arrangement with Macmillan Distribution.
Publications
Verso Books initially gained acclaim for translating works by European intellectuals and Continental philosophers, especially those associated with the Frankfurt School, reflecting Marxist and neo-Marxist ideologies. Its highest-selling book is the autobiography of Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchú.
The publisher’s catalog features influential writers such as Tariq Ali, Benedict Anderson, Robin Blackburn, Judith Butler, Noam Chomsky, C.L.R. James, Mike Davis, Norman Finkelstein, Fredric Jameson, Edward Said, Max Shachtman, Rebecca Solnit, Nick Srnicek, Paul Feyerabend, Ellen Meiksins Wood, and Slavoj Žižek. Additionally, Verso provides updated translations of works by Jean Baudrillard, Régis Debray, Jürgen Habermas, Rigoberta Menchú, and Paul Virilio.
By 2020, Verso Books had released more than 1,800 titles, demonstrating consistent growth and a significant presence in the fields of political and critical theory publishing.
See also
External links
- Book publishing companies of the United Kingdom
- Book publishing companies based in New York (state)
- Political book publishing companies
- Publishing companies established in 1970
- 1970 establishments in New York (state)
- 1970 establishments in England
- American companies established in 1970
- Verso Books books
- Small press publishing companies
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment