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A Bite of the Apple: Behind the Scenes at Virago Press
A Globe and Mail Top 100 Book for 2020
Carmen is vigorously polishing one of our three telephones. I am just twenty-five, Canadian, new to Britain and in awe of this formidable woman but as there are only two of us in the office I feel emboldened to ask: “Why did you start Virago?” She looks up and without missing a beat, replies “To change the world, darling. That’s why.”
I know I am in the right place.
Following the chronology of the press where she has worked nearly since its founding, Lennie Goodings tells the story of the group of visionary publishers and writers who have made Virago one of the most important and influential publishers in the English-speaking world. Like the books she has edited and published—by writers ranging from Maya Angelou and Margaret Atwood to Sarah Waters and Naomi Wolf—Goodings’s contribution to the genre breaks new ground as well, telling a story of women in the world of work, offering much needed balance to the male-dominated genre of publishing memoirs, and chronicling a critical aspect of the history of feminism: how women began to assume control over the production of their own books.
Part memoir, part literary history, and part reflection on more than forty years of feminist publishing, A Bite of the Apple is a story of idealism and pragmatism, solidarity and individual ambition, of challenges met and the battles not yet won—and, above all, a steadfast celebration of the making and reading of books.
Carmen is vigorously polishing one of our three telephones. I am just twenty-five, Canadian, new to Britain and in awe of this formidable woman but as there are only two of us in the office I feel emboldened to ask: “Why did you start Virago?” She looks up and without missing a beat, replies “To change the world, darling. That’s why.”
I know I am in the right place.
Following the chronology of the press where she has worked nearly since its founding, Lennie Goodings tells the story of the group of visionary publishers and writers who have made Virago one of the most important and influential publishers in the English-speaking world. Like the books she has edited and published—by writers ranging from Maya Angelou and Margaret Atwood to Sarah Waters and Naomi Wolf—Goodings’s contribution to the genre breaks new ground as well, telling a story of women in the world of work, offering much needed balance to the male-dominated genre of publishing memoirs, and chronicling a critical aspect of the history of feminism: how women began to assume control over the production of their own books.
Part memoir, part literary history, and part reflection on more than forty years of feminist publishing, A Bite of the Apple is a story of idealism and pragmatism, solidarity and individual ambition, of challenges met and the battles not yet won—and, above all, a steadfast celebration of the making and reading of books.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2020
16 people are currently reading
1200 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 1, 2021
Goodings worked at Virago Press almost since its beginnings, and this book is a memoir of her time there, and a history of the press as well. At times dry and devolving into list-making, the book is at its best when Goodings writes about her role as an editor and what that work requires. She defends the need for a feminist press, recounts the way the ups and downs of Virago’s fortunes intersect with those of publishing in general and with different waves of feminism. Mostly, this book made we wish I had shelves and shelves of those green-spined Viragos to turn to.
April 4, 2021
The writing is mostly workmanlike, but the story of Virago Press remains worth your time and attention. I found the last chapters in particular invigorating, as Goodings defends the existence of a press devoted to women's writing. "Gendered reading is making a judgement," she writes, "assuming this novel is going to be about things of interest to women only." Later: "We are saying there is no such thing as a limiting female experience and nor is there a male universal one. We are also putting paid to the idea of domestic as pejorative and inferior when it is in the hands of the female novelist."
I have long had mixed feelings about Virago and the Women's Prize for Fiction. Their work is stellar -- the Women's Prize longlist is often stronger than the Booker -- but I sometimes worry that giving women a separate press and separate literary prizes sets them apart, treating them as somehow junior league. Some women novelists, such as A. S. Byatt, simply don't participate in the Women's Prize for this very reason. But Goodings makes a compelling argument against this fear: what these outlets do, she says, is demand that women's writing takes up some of the space that is so often conceded to men.
I have long had mixed feelings about Virago and the Women's Prize for Fiction. Their work is stellar -- the Women's Prize longlist is often stronger than the Booker -- but I sometimes worry that giving women a separate press and separate literary prizes sets them apart, treating them as somehow junior league. Some women novelists, such as A. S. Byatt, simply don't participate in the Women's Prize for this very reason. But Goodings makes a compelling argument against this fear: what these outlets do, she says, is demand that women's writing takes up some of the space that is so often conceded to men.
March 9, 2020
Thank you so much @oxunipressbookshop for gifting me this fascinating history of @viragopress to review! Initially I was sceptical - if it’s not a memoir, I’m usually scared of nonfiction, but I thought I’d give it a go and it paid off! I flew through this one, part memoir, part history of Virago, but definitely more history of the company. If you’re at all interested in the publishing industry, you’ll want to add this one to your list!
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There are so many interesting parts to highlight in this book, starting from the very beginning when they started a publishing house to publish women in the 70s, growing in the 80s when feminism was lightyears from where it is today. As they started to grow, they drew because of the contrast between being a feminist press and still needing to turn a profit to stay afloat and relevant. What’s better, being an independent or being able to continue to publish great works by forgotten women?
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Goodings doesn’t shy away from or deny the mistakes they made too. She doesn’t gloss over the sticky bits. From rifts between directors to criticism for being too white-centric in the 80s, she acknowledges it all and shares how they took it as an opportunity to learn, grow and improve, listening to authors of colour when they told them how they needed to change and implementing those changes. But although publishing has come a long way, there’s a long way to go, and it seems Virago are willing to do the work, in publishing and employment.
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My very favourite parts were when Lennie tells us all about her time spent with two of the great stalwarts of literature: Margaret Atwood and Maya Angelou. I could not imagine having to tell Atwood I didn’t like something about her novel!! But they seem like such incredible, inspiring women, always pushing others to be the best they can be. Some of the anecdotes about other, unnamed, authors who were not so affectionate and generous with their editors also made me chuckle!
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A must read if you’re a fan of Virago or are just interested in the publishing industry in general!
.
There are so many interesting parts to highlight in this book, starting from the very beginning when they started a publishing house to publish women in the 70s, growing in the 80s when feminism was lightyears from where it is today. As they started to grow, they drew because of the contrast between being a feminist press and still needing to turn a profit to stay afloat and relevant. What’s better, being an independent or being able to continue to publish great works by forgotten women?
.
Goodings doesn’t shy away from or deny the mistakes they made too. She doesn’t gloss over the sticky bits. From rifts between directors to criticism for being too white-centric in the 80s, she acknowledges it all and shares how they took it as an opportunity to learn, grow and improve, listening to authors of colour when they told them how they needed to change and implementing those changes. But although publishing has come a long way, there’s a long way to go, and it seems Virago are willing to do the work, in publishing and employment.
.
My very favourite parts were when Lennie tells us all about her time spent with two of the great stalwarts of literature: Margaret Atwood and Maya Angelou. I could not imagine having to tell Atwood I didn’t like something about her novel!! But they seem like such incredible, inspiring women, always pushing others to be the best they can be. Some of the anecdotes about other, unnamed, authors who were not so affectionate and generous with their editors also made me chuckle!
.
A must read if you’re a fan of Virago or are just interested in the publishing industry in general!
July 27, 2020
A Bite of the Apple is memoir written by the former publisher of the iconic Virago Press, Lennie Goodings. As someone with a keen interest in the behind-the-scenes of publishing, this memoir was everything I could want from a book and more. It has the story of how Virago, a legendary champion of women’s writing, came into being at the behest of some amazing women, tons of fabulous book recommendations, and some juicy snippets into the life of reputed writers. I am writing this as a biased reader because I knew I’d love the book from the outset—and I did, so read my thoughts at your own discretion.
Virago is not a small name in publishing but this wasn’t always the case. Its inception was easy enough. Carmen, the woman behind Virago, was acutely ware that women’s writing hadn’t received even half the credit and recognition it deserved. The idea to start a publishing house that would act as a corrective to that followed naturally. But problems arose soon after, leading to questions regarding Virago’s sustainability. For Virago, being true to the cause of feminism while raising enough profits to sustain themselves has been a persistent issue. The fact that they have aspired to be commercial while being feminist has garnered them a lot of flak. It was honestly so enlightening since I have often considered commercial fiction beneath my taste (yes, I have been a snob as a reader but I am trying to be better). To see that a publishing house I admire deeply has tackled these questions made me reconsider many things, including my own bias.
It was exhilarating to read about Virago’s sinusoidal journey to become what it is today. From being ridiculed to being revered, they have come a long way in defining themselves and the works they have backed and continue to, in the present. I could go on and on about this book but I’d much rather you discover its joys and wonders yourself!
Virago is not a small name in publishing but this wasn’t always the case. Its inception was easy enough. Carmen, the woman behind Virago, was acutely ware that women’s writing hadn’t received even half the credit and recognition it deserved. The idea to start a publishing house that would act as a corrective to that followed naturally. But problems arose soon after, leading to questions regarding Virago’s sustainability. For Virago, being true to the cause of feminism while raising enough profits to sustain themselves has been a persistent issue. The fact that they have aspired to be commercial while being feminist has garnered them a lot of flak. It was honestly so enlightening since I have often considered commercial fiction beneath my taste (yes, I have been a snob as a reader but I am trying to be better). To see that a publishing house I admire deeply has tackled these questions made me reconsider many things, including my own bias.
It was exhilarating to read about Virago’s sinusoidal journey to become what it is today. From being ridiculed to being revered, they have come a long way in defining themselves and the works they have backed and continue to, in the present. I could go on and on about this book but I’d much rather you discover its joys and wonders yourself!
February 1, 2020
A Bite of the Apple by Lennie Goodings is a personal journey as a book lover to editor, Publishing director to the chair of @viragopress . She starts with the early days of joining Virago, which was only then established and how everything was built from scratches with a limited pair of hands working in a small room, towards the success it is today.
It was founded in 1973 as a feminist publishing house.
I’ve always been a little curious about the publishing industry and it has honestly peaked while reading this. She shares how crucial decisions went behind every lists, titles, the number of books they cane out with, the backlist or forgotten and even undervalued works by women which needed to be read and appreciated widely.
She takes us through the ups and downs they went through including criticism from the media, financial rifts and the competition of online book selling that affected their growth.
My favourite parts from the book were when she shared intimate experiences working with authors (including Atwood, Angela Carter, Maya Angelou and so many more😍) on a manuscript or marketing trips and of course, leaving me a list of books and authors that I was constantly looking up; some I’ve loved, and some I’m keen to read!
4/5, the book was an experience, a walk down the history of Virago that will never be forgotten! Can’t thank @oxunipressbookshop enough for sending an advance copy my way.
It was founded in 1973 as a feminist publishing house.
I’ve always been a little curious about the publishing industry and it has honestly peaked while reading this. She shares how crucial decisions went behind every lists, titles, the number of books they cane out with, the backlist or forgotten and even undervalued works by women which needed to be read and appreciated widely.
She takes us through the ups and downs they went through including criticism from the media, financial rifts and the competition of online book selling that affected their growth.
My favourite parts from the book were when she shared intimate experiences working with authors (including Atwood, Angela Carter, Maya Angelou and so many more😍) on a manuscript or marketing trips and of course, leaving me a list of books and authors that I was constantly looking up; some I’ve loved, and some I’m keen to read!
4/5, the book was an experience, a walk down the history of Virago that will never be forgotten! Can’t thank @oxunipressbookshop enough for sending an advance copy my way.
August 30, 2021
A lovely view of publishing and how a niche publishing house was formed. Also, the only kind of bitten apple I support ;-). Will definitely keep an eye out for more Virago editions (I only have a Zora Neal Hurston).
May 3, 2020
I stumbled upon this book by complete coincidence, and I don't regret reading it. For anyone even remotely interested in the world of publishing, Goodings gives a detailed account of the life of one of the most impactful feminist publishing houses in the UK.
I never thought I would learn as much about the history of feminism from a book on publishing, and it did help me understand the ins-and-outs of the power books wield in the face of powerful social movements.
Definitely recommended for anyone interested in publishing, feminism or both!
I never thought I would learn as much about the history of feminism from a book on publishing, and it did help me understand the ins-and-outs of the power books wield in the face of powerful social movements.
Definitely recommended for anyone interested in publishing, feminism or both!
November 6, 2023
23.10.2023
So so interesting and inspiring! What an incredible career and woman.
So so interesting and inspiring! What an incredible career and woman.
December 11, 2020
Un mémoire assez précis d'une éditrice aux éditions britanniques Virago (pas distribuées en Amérique du Nord) qui est un mélange entre le mémoire d'autrice, une présentation du catalogue de Virago et un peu une histoire (très personnelle) de la maison d'édition.
Lennie Goodings raconte l'histoire de Virago depuis son embauche jusqu'à aujourd'hui en présentant un peu toutes les autrices qu'elle a rencontrées et lues à travers son parcours de publiciste à éditrice aux éditions Virago. Elle raconte aussi en détail les différents changements que la maison d'édition a dû vivre (des nombreux rachats aux changements politiques en passant par la disparition du prix unique en Angleterre qui fut un véritable séisme pour les librairies ainsi que l'arrivée d'Amazon). On en apprend un petit peu sur le métier d'éditrice aussi (un peu les challenges que ça représente, les enchères pour se procurer tel ou tel livre, la publicisation et la diffusion des autrices, etc.). On découvre surtout un très vaste catalogue de livre de femmes, les autrices derrière ces livres, fictions, mémoires et essais, parfois les contextes de création et de génèse des livres.
On est toutefois étonnamment peu critique des autrices, c'est toujours toujours positivement qu'on présente les livres et autrices et même si on apprécie ces célébrations, je comprends un peu mal comment l'autrice arrive à célébrer Germaine Greer (devenue complètement anti-féministe) et souligner l'importance des luttes LGBTQ à quelques pages d'écart, une petite distance critique qui peut souligner l'importance de son essai La femme eunuque et de ses biographies de femmes dans l'art, mais de critiquer aussi ses positions politiques contemporaines à l'opposés des combats qu'elle menait. Je mentionne cet exemple parce que Greer est quand même nommée 5 fois dans le livre et ce n'est pas le seul cas de personnalité en désaccord avec les valeurs féministes que l'autrice met de l'avant ; j'aurais définitivement aimé un peu plus de réflexions sur ces choix plutôt que des compliments sans fin sur toutes les autrices mentionnées. C'est probablement très sincère, et l'aspect présentation de catalogue de la maison d'édition ne semble pas permettre cette critique ce que je trouve quand même un peu dommage, même si je comprends très bien l'aspect célébratoire de l'ouvrage qui est plus important que l'aspect critique.
J'ai évidemment pris encore des notes de livres à lire, découvert des titres ou à tout le moins connaît le contenu de plus de livres (génial pour mon travail de libraire ça!).
Lennie Goodings raconte l'histoire de Virago depuis son embauche jusqu'à aujourd'hui en présentant un peu toutes les autrices qu'elle a rencontrées et lues à travers son parcours de publiciste à éditrice aux éditions Virago. Elle raconte aussi en détail les différents changements que la maison d'édition a dû vivre (des nombreux rachats aux changements politiques en passant par la disparition du prix unique en Angleterre qui fut un véritable séisme pour les librairies ainsi que l'arrivée d'Amazon). On en apprend un petit peu sur le métier d'éditrice aussi (un peu les challenges que ça représente, les enchères pour se procurer tel ou tel livre, la publicisation et la diffusion des autrices, etc.). On découvre surtout un très vaste catalogue de livre de femmes, les autrices derrière ces livres, fictions, mémoires et essais, parfois les contextes de création et de génèse des livres.
On est toutefois étonnamment peu critique des autrices, c'est toujours toujours positivement qu'on présente les livres et autrices et même si on apprécie ces célébrations, je comprends un peu mal comment l'autrice arrive à célébrer Germaine Greer (devenue complètement anti-féministe) et souligner l'importance des luttes LGBTQ à quelques pages d'écart, une petite distance critique qui peut souligner l'importance de son essai La femme eunuque et de ses biographies de femmes dans l'art, mais de critiquer aussi ses positions politiques contemporaines à l'opposés des combats qu'elle menait. Je mentionne cet exemple parce que Greer est quand même nommée 5 fois dans le livre et ce n'est pas le seul cas de personnalité en désaccord avec les valeurs féministes que l'autrice met de l'avant ; j'aurais définitivement aimé un peu plus de réflexions sur ces choix plutôt que des compliments sans fin sur toutes les autrices mentionnées. C'est probablement très sincère, et l'aspect présentation de catalogue de la maison d'édition ne semble pas permettre cette critique ce que je trouve quand même un peu dommage, même si je comprends très bien l'aspect célébratoire de l'ouvrage qui est plus important que l'aspect critique.
J'ai évidemment pris encore des notes de livres à lire, découvert des titres ou à tout le moins connaît le contenu de plus de livres (génial pour mon travail de libraire ça!).
March 28, 2020
I purchased A Bite of the Apple after listening to a conversation with Lennie Goodings on Miranda Mills’ Tea & Tattle podcast. A Bite of the Apple is an engaging read about the history of Virago Press and feminist publishing. I enjoyed the descriptions of various authors Lennie worked with over the years and added several new authors to my TBR list.
Want to read
January 30, 2020Mentioned on Miranda Mills YouTube Channel - January 30, 2020
September 28, 2020
Review to follow.
January 17, 2025
“The excitement of bringing into the world something unique, a book that began as a glimmer of an idea, or writing that might give tremendous joy or even create change — that, to me, is a power of the deepest pleasure.” In A Bite of the Apple: A Life with Books, Writers and Virago, editor and publisher at Virago for decades Lennie Goodings paints an excitingly and exquisitely vivid picture of the long + rich history of one of Britain’s most iconic feminist publishers, its journey from new independent maverick to conglomerate-owned stalwart of the UK publishing scene. Amongst this history Goodings explores many timeless questions about reading and writing, and above all the earnest and palpable belief, defining not only her life and work but the Virago mission from day one, “that fiction can change lives.” Some of the stats and data — on Virago, the industry in general, readers and writers at large — is so surprising, by turns infuriating and reassuring, for instance in the fact that, by 2020, Virago’s “Classics list will have published more than 700 titles. I have listed so many of them here because only by naming — and publishing — them will these authors avoid the fate of once again being forgotten.” She writes effusively on Margaret Atwood and Canadian literature; on Maya Angelou’s zeal; on Angela Carter, the injustice of a small readership during her life. And later, Goodings’ reflections on the editor-writer relationship are illuminating and vital.
February 22, 2021
Rather dry recollection of life in the seminal publishing house of Virago. Lennie Goodings recounts her rise from part time publicist to Virago Chair. Unsurprisingly she's strong on the books and authors from her own early days but apart from the founding books, misses out on a chunk of early history dating from before her time. It was interesting to read of the divisions and arguments within the house, although thanks to the laws of libel one assumes Lennie had to be circumspect, something that alas, always limits the drama and therefore the readability.
She's good on explaining how feminist philosophy has mutated over time and has given special thought to drawing in younger generations. It's her personal recollections of people such as Maya Angelou that entertain but I could wish more had been included of the women the imprint was first created to represent, not just the stars of literature but the women going every day to work while juggling motherhood etc.
And since motherhood is a prime part of femininity its surprising to find little on the subject. I have wondered if, having originally been a publicist, you may be so aware of the impact of your words that you lose touch with your unconscious, thus somehow muting the impact of those words.
She's good on explaining how feminist philosophy has mutated over time and has given special thought to drawing in younger generations. It's her personal recollections of people such as Maya Angelou that entertain but I could wish more had been included of the women the imprint was first created to represent, not just the stars of literature but the women going every day to work while juggling motherhood etc.
And since motherhood is a prime part of femininity its surprising to find little on the subject. I have wondered if, having originally been a publicist, you may be so aware of the impact of your words that you lose touch with your unconscious, thus somehow muting the impact of those words.
April 21, 2024
The Virago Press was an amazing undertaking and the best sections of this book were the descriptions of the publishing business. It’s unfortunate that in places this book just seemed to consist of endless lists of names, some of which were interesting, others not. Endless praise of people also became rather trying. The main annoyance for me was the prevalence of quite a few grammatical errors which was very disappointing, especially in a book written by an important person in the publishing business. Was the book even edited? I may be a grammar nerd, but this really tarnished the book for me.
March 7, 2021
This is definitely a book for book-y people, and those with an interest in publishing and bookselling. It's not a tell-all memoir, filled with juicy gossip - any drama is told with restraint - but instead it offers an interesting look into the creation, success and struggles of a feminist publishing press, and also an accessible perspective on how feminism and the publishing landscape has changed since the 1970s.
March 8, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable - a glimpse into a piece of publishing history that's warm and engaging but not rose-tinted. I particularly enjoyed the long form pieces on Lennie's relationships with Maya Angelou, Margaret Atwood, Angela Carter, and my TBR pile has pretty much tripled with all the great suggestions for me to read next!
December 31, 2020
As one who compulsively reads acknowledgements, this book had odd satisfactions. Goodings is not a story teller, I fear. She is more a lister, a cataloguer, so much of this felt like a very general overview, but since it was looking at Virago Press, it was intrinsically interesting. Also, I now have a list of my own of books to read and writers to look for in the new year.
May 24, 2021
I was excited to start reading this memoir by Canadian author Lennie Goodings, who eventually became the head of feminist publishing company Virago Press in London, England. Unfortunately the details of the company were tedious to read and I didn't finish this book.
September 22, 2021
An informative lively history of the most successful feminist publishing house by its chairman, who was one of its earliest employees. Unlikely to be of interest to anyone not in publishing or researching feminist history, but an enjoyable collection of anecdotes and insights for those who are.
July 6, 2023
Not quite what I expected. I listened and found the narration not up to audibles high standards, a little bit mumbly. Some of the content is interesting but also contains a lot of office and industry politics. I recommend it to those who know or are working in publishing.
December 24, 2020
3 1/2 stars. Interesting history of Virago Press, feminism from the seventies on, and women writers over the past forty or so years.
February 3, 2021
Miranda Mills mentioned this book on her YouTube Channel and I thought I would give it a try. So glad that I did.
May 8, 2021
I had to keep a pen close by with this book for annotated sections and dog-eared pages I want to return to again & again. I also discovered a whole new list of books to add to my reading list.
June 1, 2022
Very interesting history of women's publishing, and of that era and place; lots of detail in some spots, but you get the feeling that there is much left out.
December 3, 2022
4.5 stars
December 6, 2022
Excellent behind the scenes look at publishing at the feminist publisher Virago. Fascinating and beautifully written.
December 20, 2024
Tragically she attributed Jabberwocky to CS Lewis, instead of Lewis Carrol. That’s an automatic three. Otherwise pretty good.
May 13, 2025
3.75 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews