Danish 'cosiness' philosophy Hygge book to Orion

Orion has acquired a book about a "hot new lifestyle philosophy" called Hygge.

Hygge (pronounced "hoo-ga") is a concept rooted in Danish culture since the 18th Century that loosely centres around the idea of "cosiness" and "cherishing yourself". Examples of hygge are candlelight, bakeries and dinner with friends, explained as a celebration of experiences over possessions as well as "being kind to yourself and treasuring a sense of community".

The "inspiring" and "stylish" book is authored by design journalist, editor and curator Charlotte Abrahams, who embarks on "a journey to happiness through hygge". In the book she explores its history and role in Scandinavian culture, and its influence "on everything from food and furniture design". Under the guidance of an expert in the field, Abrahams then juxtaposes this with her own attempts, as an English woman, to embrace a hygge way of life, examining the impact on her home, her daily life and her mental health.

Anna Valentine, publishing director of non-fiction at Orion, bought world rights from agent Clare Hulton from Clare Hulton Literary agency, for the book, which is to be published as a hardback and e-book, priced £12.99/ £7.99, on 20th October 2016.

Valentine said: "There was an audible cheer in the office when I acquired this book – hygge has captured everyone’s imagination and Charlotte is the perfect author to bring it to life. Being the antithesis of lifestyle trends that centre on denial (whether that’s no sugar, no gluten, no possessions), hygge is clearly a philosophy we can all get on board with. It is reaching its zeitgeist moment, and this book will lead the way."

The author trained in fashion at Central St Martin’s and since then has written regularly for national broadsheets and magazines including Financial Times How to Spend It, Guardian Weekend Magazine, Crafts, Saturday Telegraph Magazine, Elle Decoration and Living Etc. She is also the author of two books, Wallpaper the Ultimate Guide (Quadrille, 2009), and Wallpaper a Collection of Modern Prints (Quadrille, 2013), as well as contributing editor on Made, A Book of Lifestyle, Fitness and Food by Millie Mackintosh (2015, Ebury) and Orla Kiely Home (2013, Octopus). 

Abrahams said: "Hygge has been a Danish secret for too long: any philosophy that encourages us cherish ourselves and others, and makes room for an afternoon eating cake around the fire with a bunch of friends deserves wider recognition. This book is my personal exploration of what it is to live a more hygge life and I am thrilled to be working with Orion."