About Us
Founded in 1898, Duckworth is one of the UK’s oldest publishing imprints still under independent ownership. We prize great storytelling in all forms. We publish accessible, stimulating and intellectually curious works of non-fiction, on topics ranging across biography, memoir, science, economics, psychology, philosophy, culture, nature and history, as well as highly compelling historical and literary fiction.
Our heritage includes such legendary authors as D. H. Lawrence, Henry James, Hilaire Belloc, Evelyn Waugh, Oliver Sacks, Alice Thomas Ellis and Beryl Bainbridge. Moving with the times, among our critically and commercially successful authors of recent years are Julia Child, Yu Hua, Ray Kurzweil, Ruth Pavey, Anne Dickson, Julia Parry, Oskar Jensen, Keshia Abraham and John Woolf, and A. J. West. We are always on the lookout for interesting writers from around the world to join our evolving list.
Our sister imprint, Farrago, is dedicated to accessible, entertaining humorous fiction. We are also proud to represent The School of Life to the UK book trade.
Meet the team
Pete Duncan
Managing Director
I began publishing in 1994 and was MD of Constable & Robinson from 2009 to 2014, including for a double win of Independent Publisher of the Year. In Duckworth I look for similar qualities again: an ability to take the long view, combined with independence of thinking. I also look after Farrago imprint, dedicated to helping readers smile!
Clare Bullock
Editorial Director
I joined Duckworth in 2024 after stints at Icon Books and Penguin Random House, where I worked at Ebury Press and Jonathan Cape. I am looking for the very best non-fiction, literary fiction and historical fiction – books that combine excellent writing, fresh ideas and brilliant storytelling to tell us more about our world.
Amie Jones
Head of Marketing
I’m responsible for the marketing of all titles across Duckworth, including its imprints September and Farrago. A specialist in purpose-led organisations, I entered publishing in 2022 after working in marketing and communications for charities and not-for-profits. When I’m not reading, I can usually be found on my family farm in North Wales.
Ellen McDermot
Sales Manager
After seven years at Thames & Hudson and a spell at Abrams & Chronicle Books, I was drawn to Duckworth’s rich independent publishing heritage and wonderfully varied list. I’m a lifelong reader of historical fiction, a passion which led to a master’s degree in Victorian Studies, but I’m equally drawn to captivating non-fiction that tells a great story.
