Diary of a Publisher: Armchair travel to another time and place

As our world shrinks again, publisher Michael Bollen introduces some alluring books that will let you drift awhile in other realms. Kittens are also a welcome distraction.

Diary of a Publisher: What is truth?

There’s been a revival of interest in George Orwell’s 1984 in the past few years, and a recent reading of the novel has seen it get under the skin of publisher Michael Bollen.

Susan Arthure with Skye Krichauff and Michael Bollen at the Wakefield Press event celebrating her best history essay prize win. Photo: Kristy Kokegei

Diary of a Publisher: Digging into SA’s Irish history

Early Irish immigrants have long been overlooked in South Australia’s puzzling history, writes Michael Bollen, but archaeologist Susan Arthure has dug deep to shed light on the story of a traditional ‘clachan’ at Kapunda.

“You can let yourself be told a story, at your own whim and pleasure”

Michael Bollen, director of Adelaide-based independent book publisher Wakefield Press, likens himself to a wombat – always burrowing ahead. After more than 30 years in the publishing game, he still finds immense joy in being part of the industry.

Diary of a Publisher: A career built on books

Wakefield Press’s new publisher of young adult fiction has held numerous ‘bookish jobs’ over a 27-year career and has a passion for ensuring South Australian and Australian stories are read far and wide, writes Michael Bollen.

Diary of a Publisher: Bees, Barossans and Bessie

As Wakefield Press adapts to the corona-era virtual world, publisher Michael Bollen reflects on South Australian isolation-themed stories of days gone by.

Diary of a publisher: You’re never alone with a book

Coronavirus concerns have stymied many planned book launches this month, but self-isolation could be an opportunity to rediscover joy in poetry, lose yourself in a novel or indulge in a spot of armchair travel.