A new Canadian book series gives longform nonfiction stories the hardcover treatment

Alberta-based publisher Hingston & Olsen has launched a new selection of longform stories reprinted as limited hardcover editions.

The Permanent Record series is devoted to highlighting standalone nonfiction features that "combine inventive storytelling, careful reportage, and characters and ideas that are worth preserving," originally published in newspapers, magazines or websites — but never in book form. 

H&O is known for its popular Short Story Advent Calendar which gives readers a new short story to read each day over the holidays. According to a press release, H&O plans to release new titles in the Permanent Record series on an ongoing basis.

• With this advent calendar, you get a short story a day instead of chocolate

"As readers, we know that incredible stories pop up seemingly every day," said Michael Hingston, co-publisher of H&O, in a statement. 

"But many disappear just as quickly as they arrived — whether in the churn of the social-media cycle, or a magazine being thrown away when the next one is delivered."

Each book in the series features a letterpress-printed title band, is hand-numbered and signed by its author.

"We present these stories in hardcover editions to ensure that they will live on long after the newsprint crumbles and the link goes dead."

The latest addition to the collection is Jerry and Marge Go Large.

The story, first featured in Huffington Post's Highline and written by author and San Francisco Chronicle reporter Jason Fagone, tells the story of a retired couple in upstate Michigan who spot a flaw in their state lottery that guarantees a win. The discovery launches a decade-long adventure, including $27 million USD in winnings. 

H&O has 500 signed copies available.