Lyra’s Books began as a side project for bookbinder Richard Tong around 2015, where he could experiment with one-off rebinds and different binding styles and techniques. This creative exploration eventually led to him winning the prestigious Elizabeth Soutar Award for his binding of 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman. Following the success of our first publishing venture, 'Stardust', Lyra’s has grown
from a small side project into a small, fine press publishing house. There are now two imprints under the umbrella of Lyra’s Books Ltd: Lyra’s Press and Lyra’s Classics.
- Lyra’s Press focuses on contemporary works
- Lyra’s Classics publishes titles in the public domain
All books published are illustrated, hand-bound, and produced in small, limited editions. For more information on our books and imprints, visit: www.lyrasbooks.com
Richard trained as a hand bookbinder under master binder Brian Settle (of Smith Settle and The Fine Bindery), and later with master bookbinder Philip Parkins, who is now the bindery manager at Ludlow Bookbinders. For those wondering — Lyra’s Books is named after Richard’s feline friend, Lyra, who was in turn named after Lyra Belacqua from Philip Pullman’s 'His Dark Materials', one of Richard’s favourite stories. The three books Lyra is sitting on in the company logo represent that connection.
