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Shoestring Press: A Poet's Publishing Dream
8 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Founded Shoestring Press in 1994 to champion unfashionable poets.
- Published over 400 titles with high editorial standards.
- Received multiple awards for his diverse literary works.
The literary world mourns the passing of writer and publisher John Lucas at the age of 88. Lucas was a prolific author, contributing over 50 books to fields as diverse as literary criticism, poetry, novels, and memoirs, earning accolades such as the Aldeburgh festival poetry prize.
His most significant contribution is arguably Shoestring Press, which he established in 1994. This independent press was dedicated to publishing "established but unfashionable" poets, with a special focus on working-class and regional writers. Despite operating without computers and relying on handwritten notes, Shoestring Press produced more than 400 titles of exceptional quality.
Lucas's career was marked by extensive academic appointments and international travels, including stints at universities in the UK, the US, Greece, and Australia. He was committed to education in its broadest sense, serving as a WEA tutor and fostering literary engagement through events like jazz and poetry evenings.
