Gloucestershire-based publisher The History Press has broken its own records with the summer publication of Victoria & Abdul in the run-up to a major film release based on the remarkable true story.

In Victoria & Abdul author Shrabani Basu uncovers how a young Indian Muslim servant came to play a central role at the heart of the empire, and reveals a tender relationship between an ordinary Indian and his elderly Queen.

The book, originally published in 2010, has now been adapted for the screen and will be released as a major feature film on September 15th starring Dame Judi Dench.

The History Press is the UK's largest independent dedicated history publisher and Victoria & Abdul is on track to be the fastest selling book in the company's 10 year history, with excess of 20,000 copies already sold worldwide.

Founded in 2007, the company has a rich publishing heritage, the roots of which can be traced back to 1897 when William Phillimore founded a publishing business which still carries his name.

The History Press is dedicated to keeping history alive through publishing content about interesting places, important events and intriguing people from the past. Publishing untold stories, such as that of the friendship between Queen Victoria and Abdul Karim, is at the core of the business.

This year The History Press is proud to be a sponsor of the Gloucester History Festival, which is also dedicated to sharing hidden histories. Their new partnership is bound by both a local link and a united cause: to reveal little-known stories from the past to new audiences.

At the festival Shrabani Basu will reveal a fascinating hidden story of Empire based on the lost diary of Abdul Karim and the letters and journals of Queen Victoria, including her previously untranslated Hindustani journals and other never-before-seen official Royal papers. Shrabani will also speak about her involvement in the production of the new film which also stars Ali Fazal, Simon Callow, and Eddie Izzard and is directed by Stephen Frears.

Victoria & Abdul: The Extraordinary Story of The Queen's Closest Confidant by Shrabani Basu, published by The History Press , £9.99, 2017.

Shrabani Basu is also a guest speaker at this year's Gloucester History Festival (2nd September- 17th September). To book your tickets to hear from the author herself, visit the Gloucester History Festival  website.

Picture caption: (left to right): Caitlin Kirkman, Campaigns Manager; Gareth Swain, Managing Director and Verity Brighton, Digital Marketing Editor.