There are few moments when you know you have arrived in life – a Noble prize win, maybe; the birth of a child, certainly; or getting your novel included in the Penguin Modern Classics series. The series was begun in 1961 when editor Tony Godwin decided to reprint classic books by the likes of Kafka, Waugh and Hemingway in new editions with elegant, eloquent designs – these days the series also includes The Grass Arenaby John Healy, whose first published piece of fiction in decades you can read in this magazine.
The look and feel has evolved over the years and the spare covers and sleek silver spines are confident little gems worth of places on many people’s bookshelves. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the series, Penguin has launched the Mini Moderns, which will be a permanent brand. These slim books will feature short stories and novellas from Penguin Modern Classic authors, are barely bigger than a postcard, and will slot neatly into most pockets. At €4 a pop, they are the perfect side order for a morning cup of coffee (you could also go for the full set of 50 at €180). Leave the ebook at home, and spoil yourself with a tiny literary luxury.
