Portland based Bedouin Books operates by a simple yet profound publishing philosophy:

To give emerging writers legitimate, quality collections of their work in bound form as a springboard to their careers, publishing credit, as well as something they can sell.

Originally started by editor M. D’Alessandro in a cramped studio in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, Bedouin Books has lived up to its nomadic namesake as Portland is now its third home.  A three year stint in Kauai was sandwiched in between.  So it is only fitting that Bedouin Books’ new imprint has been named Nomads, which will focus on “emerging, non-fiction authors’ work in travel writing, memoir, essay and philosophy.”

The first release was Wild Dogs, A Naked Man and Such: Inspiration for Reluctant Adventurers by Marjorie Ketcher & Jim Ehle.  Wild Dogs follows Marjorie on a “wild ride of discovery across America with…her bike Old Blue, appreciating the suchness of the rich and intense moments of life.”  An excerpt is available here.

To be released this month is a new edition of Hidden Portland: Museums and Collections by Carye Bye, the “Local Museum Lady.”  The first edition of Hidden Portland was self-published by Bye and quickly sold out. 

“Hidden Portland takes you on a tour of [Portland's] overlooked and rarely seen museums and collections. Find out how the city got its name, see a collection of dental anomalies sure to make you squirm, and get the inside look at the world’s largest independent bookstore. Complete with tour suggestions, practical info, fun locator maps and a do-it-yourself spirit, this colorfully illustrated and candidly written guide is an essential book for the curious explorer and consummate collector.”

You can read an excerpt here, and learn more about the project here.

Nomads promises two further books in 2010: a memoir of food, and a story about growing up in an unlikely environment.  Lets hope that Portland continues to tame Bedouin’s restless soul.

Image credit Bedouin Books.

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