John Murray Press launches first classics list

John Murray Press, a division of Hachette UK, is set to launch its first classics list this month, including titles by David Attenborough, Jane Austen and Margaret MacMillan.

JM Classics will publish 10 books from across three centuries of publishing as its first offerings. The releases will feature livery designed by art director Sara Marafini and aim to "celebrate our favourite books which continue to delight, challenge and inspire readers today". The books will also feature specially commissioned forewords by some of the "finest contemporary writers".

Abigail Scruby, editor at John Murray, said: "Ever since John Murray set up shop in 1768, JM’s publishing has always been agenda-setting and distinctive, and we’ve set out to capture this spirit in our inaugural set of John Murray Classics. These classics have won prize acclaim and inspired political change, delighted us with their wit and moved us with their beauty, and transported us to worlds near and far. From Regency mansions to Indonesian rainforests, the ganglands of Cork to the Orkneys, the JM Classics span countries and centuries, but are united by their originality, excellence and timelessness. In their spectacular new covers and with forewords by some of today’s most exciting writers, it’s been a joy to launch this new series."

The first 10 JM Classics will be published on 14th August 2025 in paperback and e-book editions, and Beside the Ocean of Time by George Mackay Brown will also be published for the first time in audiobook format. A further five JM Classics will be published in 2026.

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