Babel: an Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publish date: 10 September 2026
Language: English

Subjects: Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Urban, Dark Fantasy, Gaslamp

The instant Sunday Times bestseller from legendary author R. F. Kuang is now available in a stunning Deluxe Collector's Edition -- the definitive way to own this modern dark academia classic.

Babel took the world by storm, captivating readers with its richly imagined alternate history of Oxford, its exploration of language and colonialism, and its unforgettable cast of characters. Now, this beloved novel has been reimagined in a luxurious collector's edition worthy of its place as one of the most celebrated fantasy novels of recent years.

This exquisite edition features a foil-stamped faux leather package, patterned endpapers, stenciled edges, a ribbon marker, and luxe paper -- every detail carefully crafted for the discerning collector. Seven stunning spreads of original black-and-white illustrations by acclaimed artist Nico Delort bring the world of Babel to life like never before, alongside updated spot art for the Part pages throughout.

Whether you're a longtime fan looking to upgrade your shelf or discovering Babel for the first time, this collector's edition is the ultimate way to experience R. F. Kuang's masterpiece.

A treasure for every bookshelf. A must-have for every Kuang fan.

Traduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.

Oxford, 1836.

The city of dreaming spires.

It is the centre of all knowledge and progress in the world.

And at its centre is Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. The tower from which all the power of the Empire flows.

Orphaned in Canton and brought to England by a mysterious guardian, Babel seemed like paradise to Robin Swift.

Until it became a prison...

But can a student stand against an empire?

An incendiary novel from award-winning author R.F. Kuang about the power of language, the violence of colonialism, and the sacrifices of resistance.

'A masterpiece that resonates with power and knowledge. BABEL is a stark picture of the cruelty of empire, a distillation of dark academia, and a riveting blend of fantasy and historical fiction - a monumental achievement'

Samantha Shannon, author of THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE

R.F. Kuang's book 'Babel' was a New York Times bestseller w/c 11-09-2022.