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Firefly Press snaps up Welsh children’s book The MAB following Boundless collapse
More than 1,500 copies of The MAB, a children’s title edited by authors Matt Brown and Eloise Williams, have been rescued by Welsh indie publisher Firefly Press, which made a successful bid for the copies following the collapse of crowd-funding publisher Unbound, and its successor, Boundless.
The MAB retells the 11 stories of the ancient Welsh myth cycle The Mabinogion – which comprises 11 stories dating back more than 600 years – with the help of other Welsh children’s authors, including Wales Children’s Laureate Nicola Davies and National Poet of Wales Hanan Issa.
Aimed at 9 to 12-year-olds, the book features drawings by Max Low, translations by Bethan Gwanas, and an introduction from Michael Sheen.
According to the publisher, the copies of the book were "destined for the pulping machine" if a buyer was not found in time.
"We were always fans of The MAB from afar," said Firefly publisher Penny Thomas. "So we were delighted when the chance came to rescue this magical collection and get it back where it belongs – on the bookshop shelves."
Brown added: "The Mab is back! Yma O Hyd! These magical and ancient stories will not be silenced. Rhiannon, Branwen, Blodeuwedd, Peredur, Luned’s magic ring, Maxen Wledig, Lludd and Llevelys, Rhonabwy’s dreams, and the Amazing Eight have found a wonderful new home with Firefly."
Williams added: "We are delighted that Firefly Press are taking The MAB forward and giving it a new life. The book has found its perfect home."
