Margaret Busby

Margaret has been a cheerleader, instigator, organiser, defender and celebrator of black arts for the past 50 years, shouting about us from the rooftops, even back when few people cared to listen . . . We can because she did is a cliché but in Margaret's case it is both true and no exaggeration. She helped change the landscape of both UK publishing and arts coverage and so many Black British artists owe her a debt. I know I do

Her ongoing contribution to our literary culture, often as a lone pilot in the early days has deep roots . . . Powerful, self-contained, pragmatic and visionary, she refused to let barriers stop her from pursuing a career in literature. As a pioneer, a trailblazer, and someone who has made history, she laid the ground for subsequent generations . . . For all the plaudits and her substantial, long-standing, consistent and hugely impressive career, Margaret remains one of the nicest people on the literary scene

As a collection, Part of the Story is witness testimony, a vibrant historical document and a collection of writings about a life of substance . . . Busby was writing long before 'equity and inclusion' was the hard fought for norm, before the culture wars of today. She writes of a time when black voices were well out in the cold, when black writers had to fight for every word published . . . It is because of a handful of people like Margaret Busby that today's contemporary British cannon is diverse at all. Read this book for many things: politics, publishing history, people, places and a time

Margaret has never lost sight of what is important, keeping the faith throughout. What a woman, what a warrior!

Britain's first black female publisher revolutionised literature – and never gave up . . . In her 20s, she set up her own company, publishing everyone from James Ellroy to the Worst Witch series, and changing Britain for the better, book by book . . . Her account [of publishing the first Allison & Busby book, The Spook Who Sat By the Door by Sam Greenlee] tells you much about Busby herself: her persistence; her appreciation of a quiet character who turns out to be radically subversive; her instinct that a thriller could carry a serious political argument as easily as a polemic; and, yes, her bravery

Margaret Busby is a legend of British publishing . . . She championed important writers from a wide range of communities at a time no one else was doing so. Her taste was impeccable and she helped widen the scope of literatures available to the nation. She represents the fairness, good taste, and inclusivity that are qualities that ought to be part of the future of British publishing

A trailblazer as well as an enlightener on all matters African . . . [Part of the Story] provides us with a rich insight into the writings and lives of great historical figures like CRL James and novelists like Roy Heath and several others with Caribbean, Afro-American or African Heritage

Writings from Half a Century

Margaret Busby has been at the heart of cultural life in the UK for over 50 years. From becoming Britain’s youngest and first Black woman publisher when she founded publishing house Allison & Busby, to editing the ground-breaking international anthologies Daughters of Africa and New Daughters of Africa, her many achievements are testament to her dedication to championing the lives and stories of others, particularly those throughout the world who have been marginalised by the mainstream. 
 
With little attention previously given to her own skills as a writer, Part of the Story is a unique opportunity to enjoy her own remarkable literary output. It brings together her writings on people, places, politics and publishing, and provides a rich insight into the many elements that have contributed to shaping her life, from her childhood in Ghana to the Black writers, intellectuals, artists and activists she has worked with, befriended, supported and championed for over half a century.

Part of the Story

About us

About Us (Header 4)

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James-Baldwin

Marian-Keyes

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Richard-Osman

Margaret Busby

Praise for Part of the Story

Margaret has been a cheerleader, instigator, organiser, defender and celebrator of black arts for the past 50 years, shouting about us from the rooftops, even back when few people cared to listen . . . We can becaus ...

Her ongoing contribution to our literary culture, often as a lone pilot in the early days has deep roots . . . Powerful, self-contained, pragmatic and visionary, she refused to let barriers stop her from pursuing a ...

As a collection, Part of the Story is witness testimony, a vibrant historical document and a collection of writings about a life of substance . . . Busby was writing long before 'equity and inclusion' was the ...

Margaret has been a cheerleader, instigator, organiser, defender and celebrator of black arts for the past 50 years, shouting about us from the rooftops, even back when few people cared to listen . . . We can becaus ...

Her ongoing contribution to our literary culture, often as a lone pilot in the early days has deep roots . . . Powerful, self-contained, pragmatic and visionary, she refused to let barriers stop her from pursuing a ...

As a collection, Part of the Story is witness testimony, a vibrant historical document and a collection of writings about a life of substance . . . Busby was writing long before 'equity and inclusion' was the ...

Margaret has been a cheerleader, instigator, organiser, defender and celebrator of black arts for the past 50 years, shouting about us from the rooftops, even back when few people cared to listen . . . We can becaus ...

Her ongoing contribution to our literary culture, often as a lone pilot in the early days has deep roots . . . Powerful, self-contained, pragmatic and visionary, she refused to let barriers stop her from pursuing a ...

As a collection, Part of the Story is witness testimony, a vibrant historical document and a collection of writings about a life of substance . . . Busby was writing long before 'equity and inclusion' was the ...

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