What makes a Wild Swan book?

Over 35 years of publishing there have certainly been variations in the style and perceived success of different titles, but Wild Swan books generally display the following characteristics:

They are written in grammatically correct, properly punctuated and well phrased English, without typographical errors.

Subjects covered are properly explored and described and the text is based upon and backed up by thorough research and the experience and interest of the author(s).
 
Photographs are well chosen, relevant to the subject and are beautifully reproduced and printed on to quality paper.

They are produced to a consistently high standard and have a layout and style that carries through from title to title, giving them a unique and distinctive character.

Their design is clean, clear and stylish whilst overall design tends towards a traditional approach which sits well with the historic subjects covered.

In addition to the above, it is probably fair to say that the prices of Wild Swan books are at the higher end of the market, although as a number of books remain in stock some years after their first publication there exists a wide "pence per page" variation across the range.

The fundamental reason for this price "premium" is the great care taken in the preparation and production of Wild Swan books. Photographs are scanned using high quality equipment and the images thus produced are worked upon to give the best possible results when printed on to paper, by people who understand both the printing process and the requirements of the publisher. All of this pre-press work together with printing and binding takes place within the UK by companies and individuals renowned for the quality of their work.

In taking the business forward I have no intention or desire to compromise this quality in any way whatsoever.

Simon Castens