ReadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2025

John Elkin Author & Illustrator



John Elkin keeps things delightfully under the radar, which makes uncovering his work feel like stumbling on a hidden trail in Cairn City itself.

The Anthropoetry Project is John Elkin's ongoing digital experiment blending anthropology with poetry and philosophy and spirituality

John Elkin describes his work as preparation for a world of magic, urging readers to confront the illusions we build to survive reality. He self published Cairn City on Amazon in 2022.


Alix Daniel translates poetry and fiction, with a focus on bilingual editions. She thrives on the preservation of the original rhythm, depth and meaning. Notable works include:

The Porridge of the Countess Berthe by Alexandre Dumas, Cybirdy special edition

Goblin Market/ Marche des Gobelins by Christina Rossetti , Cybirdy bilingual special edition.

Ariel Percy Bysshe Shelley, second translation of Ariel ou la vie de Shelley by Andre Maurois