Blink Publishing, the flagship commercial non-fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired The Stuff of History: A Curated Compendium of Curious Objects and Forgotten People from presenter and historian Steven Moore.
Matt Phillips, Associate Publisher, acquired World All language rights from Ben Dunn of DunnFogg.
The Stuff of History is described as a ‘thoughtful, entertaining and carefully curated miscellany of fascinating forgotten histories’. Too often history focuses on the tales of kings, or those (often men) who were given the credit for shaping our stories. Yet, what fascinates most are the figures who have passed through the cracks of history, people like the fourteen-year-old boy who lived undetected in the chimneys of Buckingham Palace or the women of Playtex who were instrumental in putting the first man on the moon. As well as forgotten heroes, there will be an array of curious back stories behind everyday objects, be it the humble fork or the origin of tea, which is something Steven has become known for across his popular Instagram channel @mrstevenmoore.
Steven Moore said: ‘For me, it’s always been storytelling. From tales told at my Grandma’s knee to sharing the story of a teacup on TV. It’s been quite a journey, but I’ve had help along the way. I’m delighted that Matt Phillips recognised my passion for storytelling and gave me the chance to get some of them down on paper. I’ve always found the forgotten lives, the slipped through the cracks of history stories to be the most fascinating and I hope this book will bring them to a wider audience. Bonnier Books UK has been brilliant in bringing my vision to the page.’
Matt Phillips said: ‘Reading The Stuff of History is like being seated next to the best guest at the dinner party. Steven is a consummate raconteur with an eye for only the juiciest gossip and a roguish sense of the absurd. It’s an absolute pleasure to be publishing his wonderful compendium of the criminally overlooked, all underpinned by the authority and curiosity that Steven demonstrates weekly as an expert on The Antiques Roadshow.’
StevenMoore has worked as an antiques dealer, auctioneer and museum curator. He is a published author, journalist, and also a highly experienced TV presenter best known for his appearances on the BBC, particularly BBC One’s top-rated factual Antiques Roadshow, where he has been a regular expert since 2003. His popular Instagram channel has over 450,000 followers.
The Stuff of History by Steven Moore will publish on 9th October 2025 in hardback, ebook, and audio.
