Literature landscape explored in new book by Exeter students
A new book that explores the impact of an international literature network has been unveiled by postgraduate students at the University of Exeter.
UNESCO Cities of Literature has been commissioned, written and produced by students on the MA Publishing masters degree, and is inspired by Exeter’s status as one of 53 member cities.
Comprising a series of articles, interviews and reviews, the book looks at the way the network sustains authors and readers and stimulates global publishing industries.
It also features four commissioned pieces of short fiction by professional writers in Exeter, Edinburgh, Granada (Spain) and Lviv (Ukraine).
“Every year, our MA Publishing students work together to create an inspiring new publication that celebrates literature and the publishing industries,” says Dr D-M Withers, co-director of the programme and a Lecturer in the Department of English and Creative Writing. “This new book showcases how literature shapes diverse communities and forges intercultural collaboration. It examines what it means to cross cultural borders when they share in a mutual love of words.”
The UNESCO Cities of Literature network of 53 cities represents six continents and 39 countries, and a combined population of over 26 million. For a city to be admitted into the network, it must demonstrate a range of characteristics, including the quality and diversity of its publishing; educational programmes focusing on domestic and international literature; literary events and festivals; and involvement of the publishing sector in translating international literary works.
The Exeter City of Literature designation, awarded in 2019, has had a profound effect, enabling the city to pursue new projects and foster a high level of literary interest within the local community.
Exeter UNESCO City of Literature’s Executive Director, Anna Cohn Orchard, said: “In these essays, interviews, and narratives, you’ll experience a global conversation unfolding, proof that storytelling knows no borders and that the written word remains one of humanity’s most enduring acts of survival and hope.”
‘UNESCO Cities of Literature features four pieces of creative writing commissioned by Dr Davina Quinlivan: Ira Sukrungruang’s The Devouring; Devika Ponnambalam’s A Dream to the Sleeping Soul; Natalia Matolinets’ All Necklaces Shielding the Goddess – written from her home in Ukraine; and Amanthi Harris’ The Kiss.
Among the interviewees in the book include two independent publishing houses in Dublin, a Chinese-Australian comic artist, award-winning writers in residence, and leaders from the Centro Cultural de España.
Reviewing the publication, Professor Christopher Morash from Trinity College Dublin, said: “For anyone who has ever wondered what the UNESCO City of Literature designation means, in all of its marvellous diversity, this beautifully-produced book is your answer.”
The book will be launched by the MA Publishing cohort on Tuesday 25 March at Exeter Phoenix, at 4.30pm, with tickets (free general admission) available via Eventbrite. For those unable to attend the physical launch, an online launch will also be hosted on 19 March 2025.
The publication can be read online or downloaded free of charge from the MA Publishing website, while physical copies will be available for purchase at the in-person launch event and at Bookbag.
ENDS
