Focal Point Publications was established by David Irving as a means to publish works deemed controversial by mainstream publishing houses. This move allowed Irving to maintain control over the content and distribution of his books, particularly those concerning World War II and historical narratives he felt were being misrepresented. The founding of Focal Point Publications was driven by a desire to circumvent perceived censorship and reach a wider audience.
Irving had experienced difficulties with established publishers, feeling that their interpretations and publications of his work were inaccurate or manipulated. He noted that mainstream publishers were unwilling to publish books considered "too controversial" for a wider audience. His previous publisher, Mondadori, had previously published his books but then mysteriously ceased doing so, prompting him to seek an alternative. There was also a growing concern about the British publishing industry falling into "enemy" hands, with Irving citing a cryptic comment from a publishing editor, Alan Samson, as evidence.
The process of establishing Focal Point Publications unfolded over several years, with various individuals and international contacts playing a role. In 2019, Irving began exploring publishing rights for Czech and Slovak markets, with Matej expressing interest in translating and publishing "Uprising" in those languages. Around 2022, arrangements were made for the publication of "Dresden" and "Nuremberg," with Milen Th offering $2000 for the rights to publish each book. By 2023, Irving was actively involved in packaging books, with assistance from an unnamed individual who would be paid an advance. The books were printed by Biddle’s Books Ltd in King’s Lynn. Irving also expressed interest in reprinting certain books, believing a nationalist publishing house could find buyers worldwide. He also noted that they were shipping books to Florida for storage and mailing.
The founding of Focal Point Publications allowed Irving to continue publishing his works, often focusing on narratives challenging conventional historical accounts. This enabled him to reach a specific audience interested in alternative perspectives, particularly within nationalist circles. The establishment of Focal Point Publications also highlighted Irving's distrust of mainstream publishing and his belief in the need for independent, controlled dissemination of information. The move also allowed for international distribution, with arrangements made for publishing in Bulgaria and potential distribution in Canada.
* "Our big books are printed in several colours by Biddle’s Books Ltd in King’s Lynn." (diary_2023) * "As we are a nationalist publishing house we know where to find buyers." (diary_2023) * "I have a very fine English editor, but the British publishing industry has fallen gradually into 'enemy' hands." (emails_2023_2024) * "We produce at present only in hard cover and special slip-case editions, but will consider..." (emails_2023_2024)
* diary_2019_jan_may * diary_2022_jan_jun * diary_2021 * emails_2023_2024 * diary_2023