Faber signs journalist Basciano’s 'captivating' book on the history of leprosy

Faber has signed journalist Oliver Basciano’s "captivating" first book, Outcast: A History of Us Through Leprosy.

Commissioning editor Emmie Francis acquired world all-language rights from the author and the book is set to publish in June 2025.

Outcast is described as "an examination of societies and individuals through the lens of leprosy". The synopsis says: "Travelling from the favelas of Brazil to Russian Siberia, northern Mozambique to the Romanian countryside, Oliver Basciano explores a history of persecution and fear and an extraordinary fight for justice. In doing so, Outcast brings us a bold new way of looking at society, stigma and solidarity."

Basciano is a journalist and critic mostly writing about the south of the world. His writing has appeared in national and international media, including ArtReview, where he is editor-at-large. In 2018 he was shortlisted for the Fitzcarraldo Essay Prize and the same year he was a juror for the Turner Prize.

The author said: "My journey with this book started with the last leprosarium in Europe, where just eight people remain. Bound up in their lives, and those of patients, ex-patients and activists the world over, is a 4,000-year-old history of colonial, racial, religious and economic discrimination, medical malpractice, and a rallying call for recognition and reparations. I’m so happy for the opportunity to bring their stories to the reader."