David Irving's interactions and dealings with Penguin Books, primarily concerning the republication and printing of his works, represent a recurring and often contentious aspect of his publishing history. These interactions involved disputes over text, illustrations, pricing, and distribution, highlighting his meticulous control over his published material and his frustrations with the publishing process.
Penguin Books initially published Irving's work, most notably The Destruction of Dresden. Later, disagreements over revisions, printing quality, and distribution led to a breakdown in the relationship and a shift towards alternative publishing methods, including self-publishing and utilizing print-on-demand services. The excerpts reveal Irving's constant involvement in the minutiae of the publishing process, from font choices to image reproduction.
2021: Irving discusses sending DVDs for the reprint of The Destruction of Dresden* to Biddle’s, requesting 1,500 copies. He reset the text in Minion Pro and used the original PDF illustrations from 2005. ([Source: diary_2021]) * 2021: Irving expresses frustration with the pace of the reprint process and the need to confirm pricing for "100 Specials." ([Source: diary_2021]) * 2022: Irving instructs someone to retrieve photo scans of his grandfather for the back cover of a publication, emphasizing accuracy and typography. He also mentions using Lightning Source Australia for printing. ([Source: diary_2022_jan_jun]) * 2023: Irving notes that "all these ‘German’ institutions are effectively American," suggesting a broader critique of the publishing landscape. ([Source: diary_2023]) * 2023: Irving details a complex money transfer process involving Swiss and British accounts, highlighting difficulties with Bank of America's system. ([Source: diary_2023]) * 2017: Irving references a discussion on "True Himmler" published on codoh.com, indicating engagement with online forums and criticism of published works. ([Source: diary_2022_jan_jun])
Initially, Penguin facilitated the publication of Irving's works. Over time, his dissatisfaction with the process grew, leading to a move away from traditional publishing houses and towards more direct control over production and distribution. The diary entries demonstrate a shift from collaborative publishing to a more self-managed approach, utilizing print-on-demand services and online platforms.
* The Destruction of Dresden * Biddle's * Lightning Source * Deborah Lipstadt * CODOH