Chapter 1
On a station platform, with nothing to read, and a four-hour train journey stretching ahead of him …
That’s where the story began for Penguin founder Allen Lane. With only ‘shabby reprints of shoddy novels’ on offer, he resolved to make better books for readers everywhere.
By the time his train pulled into London, the idea was formed. He would bring the best writing, in stylish and affordable formats, to everyone. His books would be sold in bookstores, stationers and tobacconists, for no more than the price of a ten-pack of cigarettes.
And on every book would be a Penguin, a bird with a certain ‘dignified flippancy’, and a friendly invitation to anyone who wished to spend their time reading.
In 1935, the first ten Penguin paperbacks were published. Just a year later, three million Penguins had made their way onto our shelves.
Reading was changed forever.
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A lot has changed since 1935, including Penguin, but in the most important ways we’re still the same.
We still believe that books and reading are for everyone.
And we still believe that whether you’re seeking an afternoon’s escape, a vigorous debate or a soothing bedtime story, all possibilities open with a book.
Whoever you are, whatever you’re looking for, you can find it with Penguin.