Gina Pollinger

Gina Pollinger studied English Literature at Oxford University and worked in publishing in New York and London before her marriage to literary agent, Murray Pollinger with whom she worked as partner until their retirement in 1996.

Gina was dedicated to the nurturing of good writing – for adults as well as for children. Molly Keane was her pride and joy, as were her discoveries, Penelope Lively and John Coetzee, both ultimately winners of the Booker Prize. Gina is perhaps better know as a powerful, if often unseen, influence on children’s publishing: in particular as literary agent, during the National Year of Reading 1997/98, in her championship of anti-censorship, her support for the Dyslexic Institute, but above all in her total commitment to excellence in publishing.

Gina Pollinger has edited two inspirational books, A KINGFISHER TREASURY OF SHAKESPEARE’S VERSE, illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark and ALPHABET GALLERY: AN ABC OF CONTEMPORARY ILLUSTRATORS. In 1998, Gina was awarded the Eleanor Farjeon Award for her distinguished contribution to the world of children’s books.

An introduction to Shakespeare, this lyrically illustrated anthology has been edited to make it accessible to both older children and teenagers. It includes more then 200 short examples of verse, arranged in thematic sections such as: heroics and love; good and evil; fun and frolic; and magic and mystery. The aim of the book is to capture the rich, powerful language and imagery of Shakespeare without overwhelming the reader who is new to Elizabethan poetry.