Ebury snags Michael Rosen book on the 'vernacular idiosyncrasies' of Britain

Ebury Press has acquired a new almanac of the poet and former children’s laureate Michael Rosen’s favourite phrases and family sayings.

Robyn Drury, publishing director for Ebury Press, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Charles Walker at United Agents. Rosen’s Almanac: Weird and Wonderful Words for Every Day of the Year will be published in hardback, ebook and audio on 5th September 2024.

The book includes “weird words and fantastic phrases” for every day of the year, interwoven with short new pieces exploring the “vernacular idiosyncrasies” peculiar to the British Isles.

Michael Rosen said of the title: "I’ve always been fascinated by the phrases and sayings that people come up with to deal with the ups and downs of life, the foods we like or don’t like, the state of the weather or the answers to questions we don’t want to answer.

“My interest stems from my parents who not only produced dozens, but even collected them, writing them up on the kitchen tiles for visitors to enjoy. I’ve sampled their hoard, collected some more from all round the country and then thrown in some thoughts about language too, to make an almanac. I very much hope it spurs people to remember their own family sayings. This is the poetry of the people!”

Drury added: “I’ve lost count of the number of hilarious new sayings I learned from Michael while working with him on this book, all of which provide a fascinating insight into family history and national culture in Michael’s trademark fashion, combining deep knowledge with a great sense of fun.”