Part of the Story

Margaret has been a cheerleader, instigator, organiser, defender and celebrator of black arts for the past 50 years, shouting about us from the rooftops, even back when few people cared to listen . . . We can because she did is a cliché but in Margaret's case it is both true and no exaggeration. She helped change the landscape of both UK publishing and arts coverage and so many Black British artists owe her a debt. I know I do -- Zadie Smith
Her ongoing contribution to our literary culture, often as a lone pilot in the early days has deep roots . . . Powerful, self-contained, pragmatic and visionary, she refused to let barriers stop her from pursuing a career in literature. As a pioneer, a trailblazer, and someone who has made history, she laid the ground for subsequent generations . . . For all the plaudits and her substantial, long-standing, consistent and hugely impressive career, Margaret remains one of the nicest people on the literary scene -- Bernardin Evaristo
Britain's first black female publisher revolutionised literature – and never gave up . . . In her 20s, she set up her own company, publishing everyone from James Ellroy to the Worst Witch series, and changing Britain for the better, book by book . . . Her account [of publishing the first Allison & Busby book, The Spook Who Sat By the Door by Sam Greenlee] tells you much about Busby herself: her persistence; her appreciation of a quiet character who turns out to be radically subversive; her instinct that a thriller could carry a serious political argument as easily as a polemic; and, yes, her bravery * Guardian *
Margaret Busby is a legend of British publishing . . . She championed important writers from a wide range of communities at a time no one else was doing so. Her taste was impeccable and she helped widen the scope of literatures available to the nation. She represents the fairness, good taste, and inclusivity that are qualities that ought to be part of the future of British publishing -- Ben Okri
A trailblazer as well as an enlightener on all matters African . . . [Part of the Story] provides us with a rich insight into the writings and lives of great historical figures like CRL James and novelists like Roy Heath and several others with Caribbean, Afro-American or African Heritage -- Nuruddin Farah