Part of the Story

Writings from Half a Century

By: Margaret Busby

Narrated by: Margaret Busby, Sara Powell

Brought to you by Penguin.

This rare self-portrait from pioneering publisher, writer and cultural activist Margaret Busby underscores her powerful legacy and celebrates some of the people and places that have shaped her exceptional life

Margaret Busby has been at the heart of cultural life in the UK for over 50 years. From becoming Britain’s youngest and first Black woman publisher when she founded publishing house Allison & Busby, to editing the ground-breaking international anthologies Daughters of Africa and New Daughters of Africa, her many achievements are testament to her dedication to championing the lives and stories of others, particularly those throughout the world who have been marginalised by the mainstream.

With little attention previously given to her own skills as a writer, Part of the Story is a unique opportunity to enjoy her own remarkable literary output. It brings together her writings on people, places, politics and publishing, and provides a rich insight into the many elements that have contributed to shaping her life, from her childhood in Ghana to the Black writers, intellectuals, artists and activists she has worked with, befriended, supported and championed for over half a century.

© Margaret Busby 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

Critic reviews

Celebrated as Britain's youngest and first Black female publisher, Margaret Busby revolutionised literary London . . . Margaret's writing, like her thinking, is incisive , unflinching, sharply funny and exact . . . In her prose and in person, Margaret neither shows off her expertise nor flaunts her achievements. Her lightness of presence is that of the consummate editor: fully focused and committed while working and thinking outwards. She understands the power of writing that is born out of personal imperative and framed by collective endeavour. She deflects attention and is quick to point out the activity going on around her, and the importance of sharing and passing on what you learn . . . Writing in 1985, she quoted her friend and fellow editor Toni Morrison, but could have been speaking for herself: "What I really want to do . . . is to make it possible for someone else to do the same things." She has and she does and she will (Lavina Greenlaw)

This fascinating and simply fantastic book is a comprehensive record of Margaret Busby’s exceptional life story, unparalleled career and deep knowledge of black culture and literature, with many personal connections to the people who shaped it. It is an astonishing revelation to read of the myriad ways she has been at the centre of our culture through the ages - generously opening doors and changing the game through her work as a publisher and editor and providing ongoing cultural and literary context and advocacy through her writings in the media. A true trailblazer, we all walk in the deep imprints of her footsteps (Bernardine Evaristo)

A very special work of non-fiction from one of publishing's most iconic figures, Margaret Busby . . . From politics and publishing to her own childhood in Ghana and the circle of writers who surround her, this is an absolute 2026 highlight

Margaret has been a cheerleader, instigator, organiser, defender and celebrator of black arts for the past 50 years, shouting about us from the rooftops, even back when few people cared to listen . . . We can because she did is a cliché but in Margaret's case it is both true and no exaggeration. She helped change the landscape of both UK publishing and arts coverage and so many Black British artists owe her a debt. I know I do (Zadie Smith)

In Part of The Story Margaret Busby quotes Victor Hugo on Ngugi Wa Thiong’o “There is nothing like a dream to create the future” but the quote could equally apply to Busby herself. She had the dream that created the future. She is one in a million, a pivotal figure in the literary world, a champion of the unheard, a fighter for literary excellence (Lemn Sissay OBE)