Mission Statement
Sable Tower Press is dedicated to providing reenactors and living history practitioners with high quality books and related materials of historical and practical information. We supply how-to guides to assist newcomers, and historical resources to expand the knowledge of long-time participants.
Many knowledgeable persons already exist within the reenactment community but lack the ability to convey their expertise to other members. Sable Tower Press will create bridges between experienced artisans and craftsmen and those who wish to follow in their foots steps. We will lower the barriers to entry into these arts and crafts by providing books, kits, tools, classes, discussion forums, and any other reasonable means.
We intend to reward authors, editors, and other professionals for their hard work and wisdom. We will keep prices within reach of potential customers, both retail and wholesale. We intend to provide a living wage to any employees.
Description
There are many organizations in the US and Europe for people interested in living out events in the past. Some, like the Civil War re-enactors, seek to recreate specific battles or other important historic events. Others, like the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), recreate many elements from disparate times in the past. One thing that is common to these groups is that every year they attract many new members who lack access to solid information pertaining to their chosen historical melieu. Sable Tower Press fills this void by publishing accurate information written by re-enactors for re-enactors in easily accessible language.
Sable Tower Press will solicit book manuscripts from new and experienced authors who participate in these historic activities. Sable Tower Press will also accept unsolicited book proposals. Additionally, many re-enactors have written material and posted it to their website, or used as a hand-out for a lecture or demonstration. These materials could be collected and published to make them accessible to a wider audience.
The Yeomen’s Guide series of books will contain practical how-to information. Each volume will cover a single topic, art, or craft. They will be short, approximately 30 pages, and contain color photographs. Whenever possible, a volume will contain one easy to follow pattern. For example, a book on Viking clothing may contain a pattern for a Viking shirt.
Sable Tower Press will seek to build relationships with established retailers who cater to re-enactors. There are merchants who attend SCA events all across the country, and could display and sell books. Some books may also be sold through traditional craft retailers. For example a book on making leather armor may be sold through Tandy Leather Factory outlets. Sable Tower Press will also establish a website where customers can purchase materials directly.
Brian Pfeifer, the founder of Sable Tower Press, is more commonly known as Baron Sylvanus Perrin to members of the Society for Creative Anachronism. With over 10 years of participation, he has received numerous awards for teaching, artistic endeavors, martial prowess, and service to the community. This gives Brian a firm grasp of what goes into a good how-to manual. His first written contribution was Dogsoldier: a Beginner’s Guide to Armored Combat. This small booklet was first distributed for free by the Barony of Storvik, in the kingdom of Atlantia, and later reprinted in numerous local newsletters and eventually translated for a Polish reenactor’s magazine. It also was the seed that eventually grew into The Dogsoldier Codex: A Guide to Armored Combat for Fighters, Commanders & Teachers, our number one selling book.