Human Kinetics has bought Lotus Publishing, the small U.K. press focused on illustrated titles in physical therapy, anatomy, health & fitness, sports injuries, strength & conditioning, complementary therapies and self-help, including top sellers such as Fascial Fitness, The Concise Book of Muscles, and Muscle Energy Techniques. The list of roughly 50 titles will be added to the Human Kinetics portfolio as a new imprint: Lotus Books.
Lotus founder Jon Hutchings will continue to work with authors and develop new books for the imprint in 2025 to help ensure a smooth transition. He noted, "Having used the classic Human Kinetics title Physiology of Sport and Exercise as a student almost 40 years ago, it seems fitting that the company I created with Chris Jarmey should be passed into their capable hands. I am thrilled with this acquisition, ensuring the continuing success of existing titles and the development of an exciting range of new titles to fit into their beautifully curated list."
With headquarters in Champaign, Ill., Human Kinetics specializes in physical activity, health, and sports publishing, including bestselling trade titles such as Strength Training Anatomy and Yoga Anatomy. The employee-owned company is also the publishing partner of such organizations as the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the Society of Health and Physical Educators, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and canfitpro.
Human Kinetics CEO Skip Maier said, "The Lotus titles align perfectly with the HK list, furthering our mission to help improve the health and fitness of people around the world, and we are thrilled to add them to our product line as the start of a new imprint. The additions will expand our reach in important health fields including manual therapy, yoga, and physical therapy. The highly visual and accessible nature of the books make them great resources for practicing professionals as well as general consumers."
Lotus has had a presence in North America via co-publishing agreements with North Atlantic Books and Inner Traditions, in addition to Human Kinetics. Those partnerships will continue for many of the legacy books in the list, while newly acquired titles will be distributed exclusively by Human Kinetics under the Lotus Books imprint.