Hangman Books


Hangman Books is a British independent small press founded in 1981 by Billy Childish, who remains its owner and editor. It publishes poetry and some fiction. Associated projects are Hangman Films and Hangman Records.
Hangman Books has published poetry books and pamphlets by Billy Childish, Tracey Emin, Bill Lewis, Vic Templer, Joe Corkwell, Sexton Ming, Philip Absolon, Chris Broderick, Mark Lowe, Neil Sparks, Louis-Ferdinand Celine, Dan Melchior, Dan Belton, Alfie Howard, Simon Robson, Steve Prince, Joe Machine, Wolf Howard and Amanda Collier, among others.
1982-87 the daily running of the press was carried out by Traci Emin. 1988-99 it was managed by Kyra De Coninck (one of Thee Headcoatees band. Since 2000 Julie Hamper, Childish's wife, has been overseeing it.
From 1986 Hangman Records, also run by Childish, released over 50 LP Records, including spoken word, experimental works and punk rock. Many local Medway groups and artists had their first releases on this label.
Hangman Books and Hangman Records are both independent, non profit making and do not receive outside funding.