How the Ulverscroft Foundation began
In the early 1960's it was recognised that many people, and particularly the elderly, could no longer read normal size print due to failing eyesight. People who had been avid readers for most of their lives were denied the pleasure of reading. For the elderly, their failing eyesight occurred at a period when they often had more leisure time on their hands than previously.
Frederick A. Thorpe, a newly retired printer and publisher, was asked for his help and advice in finding a way of printing books that most people could read easily. He found that producing large print books had been thought about over the previous twenty years, but nothing had been done as large print had not appeared to be a commercial proposition. Frederick Thorpe realised, that although there would be difficulties in attempting to print in a type size more than twice as large as that used in a normal book, it could be done.
Ulverscroft Large Print Books Limited, was formed by Frederick Thorpe in 1964 as a non-profit making organisation to republish standard books in large print for sale to public libraries. Ulverscroft books use a high quality paper that gives minimum glare, and high density black ink to give good clear print making the books easier to read. Ulverscroft large print books are now distributed throughout the world bringing the pleasure of reading to millions of people.
The original books were large and rather heavy which was a problem for the elderly and disabled. Over the years, improvements were made and the modern books are very similar in size and weight to standard print books and often have identical covers to the original editions - an important point for people who do not wish it known that they have difficulty with standard print. The books are very durable, lasting longer, and being borrowed more often than the standard print editions. The public libraries that buy Ulverscroft books can ensure that Ulverscroft books will be very good value for money as more people read and enjoy them. Ulverscroft large print books are now often bought by people who first borrowed the books from libraries and wanted to have their own copies.
Ulverscroft Large Print Books Limited acquired other large print book publishing companies over the years to form the Ulverscroft Group. Ulverscroft now also produce, sell and distribute talking books - audio cassettes and compact disc versions of books, both abridged and unabridged. These talking books can be enjoyed by those who have so little sight that reading even large print books is no longer possible.
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