Balding returns to PRH as Ebury lands Isle of Dogs

Ebury Press has signed broadcaster and bestselling author Clare Balding’s “story of Britain told through its relationship with dogs”.

Robyn Drury, senior commissioning editor at Ebury, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Isle of Dogs—which will see Balding travel across the British Isles, learning more about unique breeds and how they have influenced, and continue to shape, British culture—from Eugenie Furniss at 42.

The deal sees Balding return to Penguin Random House, which published her bestsellers My Animals and Other Family and Walking Home. Drury said: “[Balding] is one of the nation’s best-known dog lovers, having entertained so many readers with her vivid writing about animals over the years. Isle of Dogs is an exciting and ambitious book that explores an even bigger story—the unique role dogs occupy in our culture and history, and how that shaped us.”

Balding, who is also author of the Charlie Bass children’s series for Puffin, said: “I believe that we are all better with dogs in our lives. They make us smile, they comfort us, they make us go outside whatever the weather and they even find friends for us. I have spent my life surrounded by dogs and our house feels empty without one, as we sadly lost our beloved Tibetan Terrier Archie in 2020.

“Researching and writing this book will give me the opportunity to get to know other people’s dogs, to understand different breeds, their history and characteristics. I may even find a new member of our family—but don’t tell anyone that’s my motivation.”