About Us

The Book Society was founded by Hugh Walpole in 1921 to bring together people from different areas of the book trade. Members include publishers, booksellers, librarians, literary agents and literary prizes organisers, printers and industry advocates. Society parties and dinners provide a unique opportunity for meeting people from all parts of the industry, at all stages of their careers. There are typically eight meetings in the calendar year, with ticket pricing and formats varying. We host seated dinners with guest speakers and also larger capacity drinks parties, at which members can bring up to two guests.

Over the past few years, speakers for the dinners have included: Baroness Beeban Kidron, Alex Fane, Daphne Tonge, Fleur Sinclair, James Daunt, Perminder Mann, Felicity Blunt, Sharmaine Lovegrove, David Shelley and Kate Mosse.

Membership is by election through the Committee. All members are welcome to propose new candidates for future election to the Society. The maximum number of full members permitted is 300, while members who have retired but wish to keep their involvement with the Society have the option to become honorary members. If you would like to apply for honorary membership, please contact the Honorary Secretary.

The website is intended for members only – to inform them of future events, facilitate bookings, and provide networking opportunities. Any questions please contact us.