University launches publishing house with new book to celebrate 40 years of Derby

A team of 10 MA Publishing students from the University of Derby is to publish a book celebrating the history and culture of the city of Derby – the first released through the University’s brand-new publishing house, Peregrine Publishing.

The Derby Yearbook is a collection of 40 authors, covering 40 topics on the city, such as industrial heritage, varied religious make-up, leading educational institutions, pioneering festivals, art collectives, decorated sports teams and bustling commerce of past and present, all compiled to celebrate Derby’s 40 years as a city.

Peregrine’s first book is being supported by University funding and is intended to mark the 40th anniversary of Derby achieving city status (7 June 1977). It comprises 128 pages, full colour throughout, with 110 full colour images.

Rolls-Royce, Royal Crown Derby and Bombardier are among some of the businesses featured in the book alongside Professor Kathryn Mitchell, the Vice-Chancellor at the University, and notable Derby citizens.

Alongside the book, the publishing operation itself will be launched. The in-house unit aims to publish a broad range of fiction and non-fiction titles that will appeal locally, regionally and nationally. It is partly run and administered by postgraduate and undergraduate publishing students and will feature and involve student work from a wide variety of other subject areas.

The foreword for the book has been provided by the Duke of Devonshire, who said: “It is brilliant to see the practical opportunity for students that enables them to experience their field during their study. I think the concept of celebrating the city of Derby is an excellent idea and the book shows Derby’s progression over history well.”

Connor Brown, Lead Editor for the book and MA Publishing student, said: “It was empowering to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I have learned so much from the process. I am so incredibly proud of the book and the team behind it.

“The best thing about this project has been that it has confirmed my ambition to become a commissioning editor and I thank the University of Derby for the opportunity I have been given.”

A book launch and drinks reception, for the unit and its first publication, will be held at the University’s Kedleston Road Campus on June 7, from 6 pm to 8 pm.

The Derby Yearbook is priced at £9.99, with funds going back into future projects within Peregrine Publishing, and can be bought at the launch.

The book will also be available to purchase at the Derby Book Fair in the Silk Mill, on June 10, as part of the Derby Book Festival.

For more information about studying Publishing at the University of Derby go to: 

Find out more about the University’s MA Publishing programme.