Catherine Taylor (1) (1967–)

This little book is a gem and a delight. Published by the Folio Society in 2008 with an introduction by Catherine Taylor (Fiction and Literature Publisher for the Folio society) this is an anthology of 15 forewords or introductions of books published by the Folio Society between 2004 and 2008. Or should one say "republished" as it is the mission of the Folio Society to manufacture anew fresh versions of great classics, which are ever popular and desired. The formula is a brilliant one of a classic text, a fine writer and recognize-able name penning a introduction, the best of illustrators enhancing the work , a suitably chose type and a quality binding with the book presented under the Folio imprint in a durable slip case. Even better then is this "gift book" of forewords in a slim volume of 132 pages. It opens with Tim Park writing about the significance of Machiavelli's The Prince ( Folio Society published it in 2006) and ends with Julian Barnes' introduction to Ford Madox Ford's the Good Soldier ( published by Folio in 2008). Peter Ackroyd writes about Dickens' Oliver Twist. John Sutherland reflects on Kurt Wonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five. It is all a bit of a random selection. There is no single theme and one needs to remind oneself that the books memorialized by forewards and republication are perhaps separate by a hundred or more years since the first edition. The illustrations a lovely and some go back to the 16th century - for example an oil painting by Santi di Tito from 1580 accompanying The Prince. One searches in vain for some information about the history of the particular book - when was it published originally, or what is the reason for this particular elite pick of 15 forewords. There is a bibliography with thumb nail sketches of the writers contributing the forewords. Overall an economical volume ( it is a little book) to charm and entice and persuade the potential reader that joining the Folio society would be a good thing. For those who are already FS members its another must have addition to the bibliography of books about books and joins Folio 21, or Folio 60 as highly collectable.… (más)