“After 50 years, The London Book Fair (LBF) has become an essential part of the international book trade calendar and is the pre-eminent Spring event of the publishing year.
Exhibitors and visitors return year-on-year to develop relationships, gain insights, and set the tone for the year ahead.”
– The London Book Fair
The London Book Fair 2026 (LBF), held from March 10–12, 2026, at Olympia London, once again brought together thousands of professionals from across the global publishing industry. As one of the most anticipated events in the international book trade calendar, the fair continues to serve as a dynamic platform where publishers, authors, agents, and content creators converge to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and shape the future of publishing. With strong international participation and a diverse range of exhibitors, this year’s event reaffirmed its role as a central hub for innovation and collaboration within the industry.
The International Rights Centre serves as a dedicated space for rights negotiations and professional meetings, where publishers, agents, and scouts connect to discuss new opportunities and secure deals. It remains one of the busiest areas of the fair, reflecting the ongoing demand for international rights and content exchange. For more than fifty (50) years, the London Book Fair has played a vital role in the publishing ecosystem, bringing together established industry leaders and emerging voices in a setting that supports both business development and creative collaboration.
Beyond its commercial significance, the fair also offers a rich intellectual experience through its extensive seminar program. Across stages such as the Main Stage, Author HQ, and the Literary Translation Centre, attendees gain insights into some of the most pressing topics in publishing today, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, digital transformation, and the evolving global market for books. Special features such as the Writers’ Summit provide authors with guidance on navigating the publishing landscape, while the Academic and Professional Publishing Conference allows for deeper exploration of scholarly and professional publishing trends. These sessions are complemented by recognitions that celebrate excellence and innovation, reinforcing the fair’s commitment to advancing the industry.
In line with its advocacy for literacy and access to reading, the fair continues its support of The Reading Agency, a UK-based organization dedicated to improving lives through the power of reading. By working with libraries, schools, and community groups, the organization reaches millions of individuals each year, promoting the transformative impact of books on well-being, opportunity, and social connection.
Amid this vibrant global gathering, ARPress proudly participated in the London Book Fair 2026, presenting a curated selection of titles that reflect its commitment to diverse voices and meaningful storytelling. Through its presence at Olympia London, ARPress actively engaged with international publishers, literary agents, and rights professionals, creating opportunities for collaboration, translation, and wider distribution of its authors’ works. The company’s participation highlights its ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint, strengthen industry partnerships, and position its titles within the international market. By investing in major events such as LBF, ARPress continues to champion its authors, increase brand visibility, and bring compelling stories to a broader readership.
Among the titles showcased was Solomon Levi MacKeefer: A Gypsy with a Very Great Heart by Gordon Planedin, a deeply moving, community-rooted novel about a humble gypsy boy whose life becomes a testament to kindness, sacrifice, and profound influence. The book follows Solly—from his accidental birth into a roaming gypsy caravan, through life-shaping hardships, to his transformation into a beloved figure in a small town. His journey is rich with resilience, moral awakening, and the discovery of purpose through compassion. While the book explores dark realities—violence, loss, and injustice—it equally uplifts through hope, community unity, and the lasting impact of one man’s goodness.
Gordon Planedin, born and raised in Canada, brings to his writing over 93 years of rich life experience. His colorful past includes working in a circus, laboring as a deckhand on Great Lakes grain boats, operating carnival rides, and even assisting in a dangerous sea rescue during a storm in 1955. Throughout his life, he remained deeply committed to acts of charity—a value reflected in the themes of his writing. He continues his philanthropic efforts by donating a portion of each book sold to charitable causes. His lifetime of adventure, hardship, and generosity uniquely equips him to tell stories like Solomon Levi MacKeefer, which shine a light on the quiet heroism found in everyday people.
The novel begins by tracing Solly’s early years in a gypsy band, where survival often relied on petty theft and trickery. A defining moment arrives when Solly witnesses a young girl grieving her dead pet—killed during a theft by members of his caravan. This awakens in him a deep sense of empathy and moral clarity, shaping the path he would follow for the rest of his life. After befriending Old Anton, a shoemaker, Solly learns both a trade and the value of honest work. He meets Maria, falls in love, and together they build a small but hopeful life, eventually emigrating to Canada with the help of a close friend, Jeremiah MacKeefer. In their new home, Solly opens a shoe repair shop and Maria starts a fortune-telling booth, and their daughter Sarah becomes the light of their lives.
Tragedy strikes when Maria is brutally attacked by two drug-addicted youths, leaving her fatally injured and shattering the family. Solly and Sarah flee the city, hoping for a fresh start in the quiet town of Bensons Corner. But fate intervenes again—Sarah dies in a tragic accident brought about by a cruel remark from Aaron McPherson, a wealthy sawmill owner. Instead of becoming bitter, Solly responds with grace and compassion, silently transforming Aaron’s heart. His love for the community deepens, and he becomes a cherished mentor to local youth. When a fire traps three boys, Solly sacrifices his own life to save them, cementing his legacy. What follows is a remarkable wave of unity: the town rallies together, honors his teachings, forms the youth group “The MacKeefers,” and grows into a model community built on kindness, cooperation, and moral courage.
Solomon Levi MacKeefer: A Gypsy with a Very Great Heart is compelling because it celebrates the extraordinary influence of a simple, good man who chooses kindness at every turn—even when life gives him every reason to despair. The book pulsates with emotional depth: heartbreaking tragedies, powerful redemption arcs, and moments of pure heroism. Readers are drawn into the journey of a man who impacts every life he touches, ultimately inspiring a town to embody his values and build a better future. Beyond a novel, it is a reminder of what humanity can be when empathy leads the way.
Solomon Levi MacKeefer: A Gypsy with a Very Great Heart by Gordon Planedin continues to gain momentum and recognition within the global literary community. Its presence at the London Book Fair highlights not only its relevance but also ARPress’s ongoing commitment to promoting impactful works on an international stage.
The London Book Fair 2026 continues to stand as a vital meeting point for the global publishing community, where stories are shared, collaborations are formed, and new opportunities emerge. ARPress’s participation in this internationally recognized event underscores its dedication to amplifying voices, supporting authors, and bringing impactful stories to readers worldwide, contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of publishing.
Purchase the book via this link:
