Welcome to Rufus Books
Rufus Books Publishing is an independent small press specialising in the creation of quality publications by poets primarily from Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Using the best papers and techniques that adhere to traditions of old as well as a view to the modern, transcendence of the word in its best possible expression into tangible book form is the focus and celebration of all our publications. As such, the artwork, graphic design, and printing are vital in the production of the unique books, chapbooks, and broadsides created by Rufus Books.
Recent & Forthcoming Titles
Molly, Etc.
SCOTT ELDER
"Scott Elder's small, seemingly slight poem, 'Your Neighbour Will Catch You', packs quite a punch. It is the matter-of-fact statement like the opening line 'The way is not clear' that pulls the reader into a sophisticated litany of imagery and rhetorical questions that juxtaposes against each other like pieces of a broken puzzle. It is once elegiac and fluid, each re-reading rendering another layer."
— Malika Booker
Uncertain Densities
IAIN BRITTON
"Uncertain Densities is a call to bring intimacy back into the act of observation, to touch the world — as Britton says — with our eyes. His exploration of touch doesn’t stop at the poems: the physical book itself is a delight to hold. The slight indent of the letterpress-printed title on the thick, textured handmade paper gives the impression that words are meant to be felt as well as read."
— Keziah Cho, The Indiependent
Stone Hours
JEREMY CLARKE
"Reading Jeremy Clarke's poems is like watching something emerge out of the consciousness of the street. The language too feels its way along: precise, tenderly inventive. The place is littered with stray voices and brief psalms — beautiful, tiny adjustments to the progress of the book. It is, in effect, a religious process, with its prayers and psalms and hymns, a kind of liturgy for the permanent in the fleeting." — George Szirtes
News & Notes
Offering a snapshot of most recent happenings. Visit the News & Notes webpage for archived posts or our social media for more.
Looking back 21 years to the launch of Rufus Books & a moment of repose
3 November 2026
The moment of repose is for my mother who died four weeks ago today. Here we are pictured together at the launch of Matthew Francis's Whereabouts,— and of Rufus Books — 3 November 2005. I leave with you a recording of her singing the Hungarian folk song, "Erdő, erdő."
Coming to the BOUND Book Arts Fair 6 December at the Arts & Letters Club
15 October 2026
I've often wanted to go to the BOUND Book Arts Fair, and finally I will — as a vendor, no less! Look for my table in the Great Hall. The fair highlights limited editions, hand-made books, artist's books, prints, broadsides, cards, ephemera and more. A perfect opportunity for Christmas shopping! Come by 6 December, 11 AM to 4 PM. Free admission.
Participating in the Indie Lit Market again this year — See you 21 November!
2 October 2026
Looking forward to participating in Meet the Presses's Indie Lit Market again this year that will be taking place at Trinity-St. Paul's on Bloor St. W., on 21 November from 1 to 6 PM. Had such a good time meeting, greeting, speaking, and selling books last year. Admission is free, so come along with pockets full of coins and tote bags in tow, and drop on by!
Readings & Other Happenings
21 NOV 2026
Trinity-St. Paul's
United Church & Centre for Faith, Justice, & the Arts
427 Bloor St. W., M5S 1X7
@ 1 to 6 PM
BOOK FAIR
Indie Lit Market
The Indie Lit Market is organised by Meet the Presses, a volunteer collective devoted to promoting micro, small, and independent literary presses in the GTA.
Free admission.
6 DEC 2026
Arts & Letters Club
14 Elm St., Toronto, M5G 1G7
@ 11 AM to 4 PM
BOOK FAIR
BOUND Book Arts Fair
Limited editions, hand-made books, artist's books, prints, broadsides, cards, ephemera and more… Look for Rufus Books in the Great Hall.
Free admission.
"I am only interested in poetry, which occurs more often in verse than in prose."
— John McGahern
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