“In these tumultuous times, the power of words and storytelling to make a difference—to change the world—has never been more needed”
On November 6th, 2024, Peters Fraser & Dunlop (PFD) marked a century of literary work with a spectacular centenary celebration at One Marylebone, a historic venue that holds special significance in the world of publishing. The evening brought together a wonderful mix of our clients, publishers, authors, industry figures, and special guests.
The venue, a former church designed by the legendary Sir John Soane, holds a unique place in literary history. It was here, in the mid-1930s, that Penguin Books began its pioneering journey, turning the crypt into both its office and warehouse. Caroline Michel, our CEO, shared this fascinating historical fact with guests, setting the tone for a night that celebrated both the rich heritage and the promising future of PFD and the wider publishing industry.
In her heartfelt address, Michel reflected on the resilience of PFD, noting that despite the countless predictions of the “death of the book,” the literary world has never been more vibrant or relevant. “100 years on at PFD, our loyalty remains first and last with our authors”, she said, emphasising that the power of storytelling is more crucial than ever in today’s fast-changing world.