The Folio Society has revealed its Summer 2026 collection, a new line-up of finely-produced and illustrated editions spanning multiple genres. If you love to read crime fiction, fantasy, modern and classic literature, science and history, there is sure to be a title to catch your eye.
The collection will be released exclusively on the Folio Society website on 5th May 2026.
Among the highlights are a centenary edition of Agatha Christie’s ‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd', new illustrated versions of Ray Bradbury’s dystopian science-fiction classic ‘Fahrenheit 451' and John Steinbeck’s modern American classic ‘The Grapes of Wrath'. You'll also find Richard Rhodes’ startling account of Twentieth Century history in ‘The Making of the Atomic Bomb'. The collection also includes works by celebrated American author James Baldwin, as well as Susanna Clarke and Erin Morgenstern. Those who enjoy the Folio Society's range of ancient texts from the Graeco-Roman world will love to see the epic poet Homer and the ‘father of history', Herodotus, included.
Take a closer look at each title in the collection.
‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' by Agatha Christie
To mark the best-selling crime novel’s 100th anniversary, The Folio Society is publishing a newly-illustrated edition featuring artwork by Owen Gent. Widely regarded as one of Christie’s greatest and cleverest mysteries, the novel was first published in June 1926, just months before the author’s infamous 11-day disappearance. The story follows Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot as he unravels a tightly constructed web of secrets and suspicion in a case where every character appears to be hiding something.
‘The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate' by Peter Wohlleben
Peter Wohlleben’s bestselling non-fiction exploration of forest ecosystems arrives in a new Folio Society edition with artwork by Dina Brodsky and translation by Jane Billinghurst. Drawing on decades of forestry experience and scientific research, Wohlleben examines the surprising ways trees communicate and coexist within woodland communities. It features a new introduction from the author and delicate illustrations inspired by real trees from locations including Boston, Florida, Rome and France.
‘Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury’s dystopian classic receives a new illustrated edition with artwork by Sam Weber and an introduction by author Michael Moorcock. Set in a future where books are outlawed and burned by “firemen”, the novel follows protagonist Guy Montag as he begins to question the society he once served. Bradbury’s vision of a culture shaped by distraction and censorship remains one of the most influential speculative works of the 20th century and its themes strongly resonate to this day.
‘If Beale Street Could Talk' by James Baldwin
James Baldwin’s powerful 1970s novel about teenage pregnancy is presented in a Folio Society edition illustrated by Lela Harris and introduced by Women’s Prize winner Tayari Jones. Set in New York City, the story blends an intimate love story with a critique of racial injustice, following Tish and Fonny as they confront a legal system stacked against them. Designed as a companion volume to The Folio Society’s edition of Giovanni’s Room, the book features a vivid blue cloth binding, charcoal portraits on the cover and a slipcase depicting Harlem in summer.
‘The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories' by Susanna Clarke
Returning readers to the magical world of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Susanna Clarke’s collection of eight stories mixes folklore and historical fantasy. This edition includes a new introduction by Clarke and illustrations by acclaimed fantasy artist Charles Vess. Bound in red cloth with gold blocking, the book also features new colour plates and artwork depicting John Uskglass, the mysterious Raven King.
‘The Starless Sea' by Erin Morgenstern
Erin Morgenstern’s labyrinthine fantasy novel is illustrated by Cristina Bencina. The story invites readers into a mysterious underground world of stories, symbols and secret societies, celebrating the power of books and storytelling. The volume is bound in navy cloth with gold and burgundy detailing, accompanied by a slipcase design inspired by dripping honey and a series of colour illustrations.
‘The Wanderer and Other Old-English Poems' translated by Michael Alexander
Following the sell-out of its previous limited edition, The Folio Society is reissuing ‘The Wanderer and Other Old-English Poems'. The collection gathers surviving works from early English literature in Michael Alexander’s translations. Renowned illustrator Alan Lee provides artwork inspired by medieval illuminated manuscripts, with watercolours depicting ruins, battles and mythic imagery that echo the poems’ themes of heroism and loss.
‘The Odyssey' by Homer
Celebrating one of the oldest texts of Western civilisation, Homer’s epic poem ‘The Odyssey' returns in a Folio Society edition featuring Emily Wilson’s acclaimed translation and illustrations by Clive Hicks-Jenkins, partnering with ‘The Iliad‘ that appeared in the Spring 2026 collection. The famous tale follows Odysseus’ long journey home after the fall of Troy, confronting gods, monsters and the consequences of war along the way. With renewed interest in the story ahead of a forthcoming film adaptation, the edition presents the classic text in a contemporary design.
‘The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about the Dust Bowl migration has illustrations by Gérard DuBois and an introduction by Studs Terkel. The modern American classic story follows the Joad family as they travel west in search of work and dignity during the Great Depression. DuBois’ graphic illustrations combine an earthy colour palette with bold compositions to capture the hardship and resilience at the heart of the novel.
‘The Histories' by Herodotus
Herodotus’ foundational historical work – the oldest surviving account of real events – appears in a new translation by Robin Waterfield, illustrated by Nick Hayes and introduced by historian Peter Frankopan. The text recounts the conflict between the Persian Empire and the Greek city-states, led by Athens and Sparta, while also incorporating digressions (some very lengthy!), anecdotes and cultural observations. Hayes’ linocut-style illustrations and maps provide a vivid visual accompaniment to a text often described as the beginning of Western historical writing.
‘The Making of the Atomic Bomb' by Richard Rhodes
Richard Rhodes’ Pulitzer Prize-winning history explores the scientific discoveries and political decisions that led to the development of nuclear weapons. The Folio Society edition includes a new introduction by Rhodes and a curated selection of 100 archival photographs, sourced from institutions such as the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Niels Bohr Archive. Among the highlights is an eight-page foldout documenting the Trinity Test, the world’s first nuclear explosion.
The Folio Society’s Summer 2026 collection will be available exclusively through the publisher from 5th May 2026. Known for its finely crafted, design-led editions of both classic and contemporary works, the independent publisher, with dedicated readers in the UK and US, continues its tradition of combining literary significance with high-end craftsmanship.
