Abrams & Chronicle Books

Originally established in 2004 as 'Abrams Books UK', the London office was the subsidiary of the prominent French publisher La Martinière Groupe. Abrams encompassed Abrams Books, Abrams Image, Abrams ComicArts, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, Abrams Books for Young Readers, Amulet Books.

In June 2010, US publishers Abrams and Chronicle Books teamed up to create a joint marketing and distribution force to serve the UK and European markets.

The UK Abrams sales and marketing team, expanded to accommodate the Chronicle lists. It continues to be based in London. The joint venture is called Abrams & Chronicle Books.[3]

The company continues to provide distribution services to US and International publishers and seek out new complementary lists. Books began shipping under from the new company on 1 July 2010 from the UK warehouse, at Littlehampton Book Services. In January 2019 the warehouse switched to the new Hachette UK distribution centre in Didcot [4]

Jack Jensen, president of Chronicle Books, said: "Over the last decade we have experienced consistent sales growth and increased market penetration in both the UK and Europe." He added: "Our partnership will provide the opportunity to enhance the highly skilled Abrams sales and marketing team, and the combined lists will allow us to bring an inspired, market driven publishing program to these most important market channels." Michael Jacobs, president and CEO of Abrams, said he was "excited" at the deal. He added: "Together we have a comprehensive range of both adult and children's books, gifts and stationery to offer to all types of retailer partners . . . Additionally, the partnership between our two companies—and the complementary skills and affinities of our programs and people—is a natural fit and one we’ve been looking to capitalise upon for years."

Inez Munsch is the Managing Director of the company.[5]

Abrams and Chronicle Books offers wide-ranging list including titles on art, photography, architecture, design, sport, gardening and food and wine. The company is also renowned for its cutting-edge titles on popular culture, its craft list and its graphic novels. In addition the Chronicle brand has an extensive range of gift titles and stationery by Jill Bliss, Nick McClure, David Chow and Susie Ghahremani. Recent high-profile publications include The Selby Is In Your Place, Art of Avatar, Avedon Fashion, Wisdom, Prada and Equus.