1Soup811
I've only recently gotten into collecting books, and am still discovering new press'...
I browsed the Easton Press site, and I did like some of the deluxe artwork copies of Animal Farm/Dracula/Macbeth.
BUT, and I know this may sound weird, I got a promotional email saying the 2020 Lakers Championship Season leather bound was available. I feel like
making items like that part of your catalogue dilutes your brand somewhat... I don't know it just felt weird to me. What are your thoughts on Easton Press?
I browsed the Easton Press site, and I did like some of the deluxe artwork copies of Animal Farm/Dracula/Macbeth.
BUT, and I know this may sound weird, I got a promotional email saying the 2020 Lakers Championship Season leather bound was available. I feel like
making items like that part of your catalogue dilutes your brand somewhat... I don't know it just felt weird to me. What are your thoughts on Easton Press?
2abysswalker
Initial disclaimer: I am both relatively novice and don't own anything from Easton Press. However, I did not too long ago have similar questions and I can at least share what I learned.
First, if you search this forum for Easton Press you can find some praise for specific editions here and there.
Search (restricted to Fine Press Forum): easton press
You may particularly be interested in this thread: Franklin Library vs. Easton Press
Special spotlight to this comment by chauvelin2000.
Also, for some explanation about various strongly held opinions, I found this thread illuminating.
In general, it seems that many people perceive that the quality of leather Easton uses has decreased. Additionally, they often take existing designs, in terms of layouts, commentary, etc. (essentially limited edition reprints), rather than creating new editions.
That said, I also see positive comments regarding the durability of the Easton editions.
I was doing this research in the context of considering some of the earlier subscription series put out by Franklin and Easton (series such as Greatest Books of All Time and Great Books of the Western World).
First, if you search this forum for Easton Press you can find some praise for specific editions here and there.
Search (restricted to Fine Press Forum): easton press
You may particularly be interested in this thread: Franklin Library vs. Easton Press
Special spotlight to this comment by chauvelin2000.
Also, for some explanation about various strongly held opinions, I found this thread illuminating.
In general, it seems that many people perceive that the quality of leather Easton uses has decreased. Additionally, they often take existing designs, in terms of layouts, commentary, etc. (essentially limited edition reprints), rather than creating new editions.
That said, I also see positive comments regarding the durability of the Easton editions.
I was doing this research in the context of considering some of the earlier subscription series put out by Franklin and Easton (series such as Greatest Books of All Time and Great Books of the Western World).
3RRCBS
I have quite a few EP books. I would not call them fine press. They are pleasant to hold and read, and are durable. Downsides are bad illustration quality and often the covers are boring. That being said, they have a good backlog of both classics and more recent literary fiction.
4Glacierman
A lot of EP books are poor reprints of Heritage Club books in leather armor. I have quite a few of them, though, but haven't purchased any in several years.
5jroger1
>1 Soup811:
The best way to explain EP is that they print whatever they perceive their customers will buy. It’s an eclectic mix of classics, coffee-table books, signed-by-the-author editions (often first editions), “Deluxe Limited Editions (DLEs),” most of which are reproductions of classic editions, very often beautifully reproduced but sometimes not, and several others.
There is a subset of the DLEs, however, that I would classify as fine press, although some on this forum would not because they aren’t printed letterpress. These are usually designated on the EP website as “Deluxe Illustrated Editions, but which members of LT’s Easton Press forum usually refer to as “signed by the illustrator” editions. The artwork in this series is newly commissioned by some of the best illustrators currently working, the type has been reset, and the craftsmanship is superb. I congratulate you on having good taste, because all 3 volumes you named belong to this set. I can personally attest to their high quality. Here is a link to a thread that describes all the volumes in this subset: https://www.librarything.com/topic/281244
The best way to explain EP is that they print whatever they perceive their customers will buy. It’s an eclectic mix of classics, coffee-table books, signed-by-the-author editions (often first editions), “Deluxe Limited Editions (DLEs),” most of which are reproductions of classic editions, very often beautifully reproduced but sometimes not, and several others.
There is a subset of the DLEs, however, that I would classify as fine press, although some on this forum would not because they aren’t printed letterpress. These are usually designated on the EP website as “Deluxe Illustrated Editions, but which members of LT’s Easton Press forum usually refer to as “signed by the illustrator” editions. The artwork in this series is newly commissioned by some of the best illustrators currently working, the type has been reset, and the craftsmanship is superb. I congratulate you on having good taste, because all 3 volumes you named belong to this set. I can personally attest to their high quality. Here is a link to a thread that describes all the volumes in this subset: https://www.librarything.com/topic/281244
6kdweber
Many good comments, I would like to add that most of the coffee table style books are books from other publishers. EP will take the standard text block and throw on a cheap leather binding.
At one time I had over 200 EP books. I'm slowly replacing the HP/LEC reprints with their originals. I like some of the facsimile editions and DLEs with commissioned artwork. I rarely buy EP books anymore and I don't consider them to be fine press.
I agree that they seem durable as all of my copies have aged well. Some fading to the spine (particularly red leather) and some of the earlier colored faux silk moire endpapers (particularly blue) have faded/discolored particularly on the edges.
At one time I had over 200 EP books. I'm slowly replacing the HP/LEC reprints with their originals. I like some of the facsimile editions and DLEs with commissioned artwork. I rarely buy EP books anymore and I don't consider them to be fine press.
I agree that they seem durable as all of my copies have aged well. Some fading to the spine (particularly red leather) and some of the earlier colored faux silk moire endpapers (particularly blue) have faded/discolored particularly on the edges.
7MobyRichard
The above posts seem like a great summary. I would only add that while EP is not top tier you can get great second hand bargains on most EP books with the exception of the DLEs. EP DLE price inflation seems far worse than for other publishers.
8RRCBS
Does no one like the signed modern classics or the sci-fi/fantasy series? I really enjoy both, though uninterested in the signatures.
9grifgon
>4 Glacierman: Great description
10SolerSystem
I’ve only collected a few of their fantasy and science fiction titles, and only then because they’re the nicest editions of favorite works by writers like Tom Disch, John Crowley, and Stanislaw Lem. I’ll absolutely take them over old paperbacks or standard hardcovers any day, but I would really rather see these books in true fine press editions.
I have had my eye on the deluxe illustrated edition of The Island of Dr. Moreau, but I really dislike that ‘Signed Edition’ was plastered right on the spine. Just seems tacky to me.
I have had my eye on the deluxe illustrated edition of The Island of Dr. Moreau, but I really dislike that ‘Signed Edition’ was plastered right on the spine. Just seems tacky to me.
11Sorion
>1 Soup811: I really enjoy older EP and Franklin books. They’re not fine press as others have said but what they are they did well. Very pleasant to hold and read and depending on your opinion they look great on the shelf. A big step above a regular hardback and they can be a good introduction to the better publications they often take their images and text layouts from.
12astropi
I had a large EP collection - note the past tense. I still have some of them, and overall they are in my opinion on par with the Folio Society in terms of quality (although don't ever mention that to the FS group, they don't take kindly to anyone that isn't part of their cult)! EP are NOT fine press, but are certainly far from "average". Some of the signed editions are really special in my opinion. The "Deluxe Limited Editions" do vary in terms of what you get. My personal favorite include Slaughterhouse-Five and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings both of which are signed by the respective author and includes beautiful specially commissioned illustrations! Alas, EP has not released any author-signed DLEs in years...
I do NOT think the quality in leather has gone down. In fact, people have been complaining about the quality of leather "going downhill" for as long as I can remember - just ignore it. That said, since the books are not letterpress, you're not getting the same craftsmanship as you would if you were purchasing a letterpress book, but you're also not paying the same cost. THAT said, EP did reprint many LEC books, and given the choice between the two I would certainly choose the LEC. THAT said, EP does have some books, particularly signed editions, that you simply will not find anywhere else. Definitely give them a chance, I hope you'll enjoy what they can offer you - also many of their books do sell out, and they are notoriously expensive on the second-hand market...
I do NOT think the quality in leather has gone down. In fact, people have been complaining about the quality of leather "going downhill" for as long as I can remember - just ignore it. That said, since the books are not letterpress, you're not getting the same craftsmanship as you would if you were purchasing a letterpress book, but you're also not paying the same cost. THAT said, EP did reprint many LEC books, and given the choice between the two I would certainly choose the LEC. THAT said, EP does have some books, particularly signed editions, that you simply will not find anywhere else. Definitely give them a chance, I hope you'll enjoy what they can offer you - also many of their books do sell out, and they are notoriously expensive on the second-hand market...
13Pellias
>12 astropi: (although don't ever mention that to the FS group, they don't take kindly to anyone that isn't part of their cult)!
Ok. I will bite .. :)
Might have to do about the fact that the devotee group is about FS books and not Easton Press. Meaning not relevant. You are probably the only one having actively tried to make Easton books seem interesting for a FS devotee on a devotee forum.
Easton Press are probably the least relevant and most uninteresting publisher to bring up on a Folio Society forum. Those publishers are polar opposites and are most likely to be viewed as spam.
To put it very simple. FS books are too messy for Easton collectors, and Easton books to boring for FS collectors, some collects them both, and it does seem more likely (based on no data at all) for a collector of Easton books to collect FS books, than the other way around.
I don`t know how it is now, i haven`t checked in a couple of years. But I was not allowed to buy from EP because they only dealt with those inside a certain trade zone. Excluding those that would want to collect their books. Lost complete interest after that, and non of that interest left now.
If Easton had been open to me in the start, who knows how this relationship would have wandered off ..
>1 Soup811: Collect Folios ;))
>12 astropi: ;)))
*Collect what you want. I`m just dissing >12 astropi: (he did ask for it, he does that from time to time) ;))
Ok. I will bite .. :)
Might have to do about the fact that the devotee group is about FS books and not Easton Press. Meaning not relevant. You are probably the only one having actively tried to make Easton books seem interesting for a FS devotee on a devotee forum.
Easton Press are probably the least relevant and most uninteresting publisher to bring up on a Folio Society forum. Those publishers are polar opposites and are most likely to be viewed as spam.
To put it very simple. FS books are too messy for Easton collectors, and Easton books to boring for FS collectors, some collects them both, and it does seem more likely (based on no data at all) for a collector of Easton books to collect FS books, than the other way around.
I don`t know how it is now, i haven`t checked in a couple of years. But I was not allowed to buy from EP because they only dealt with those inside a certain trade zone. Excluding those that would want to collect their books. Lost complete interest after that, and non of that interest left now.
If Easton had been open to me in the start, who knows how this relationship would have wandered off ..
>1 Soup811: Collect Folios ;))
>12 astropi: ;)))
*Collect what you want. I`m just dissing >12 astropi: (he did ask for it, he does that from time to time) ;))
14jroger1
>13 Pellias:
EP and FS often publish the same title, and it is helpful to have a place to compare them. The EP forum is always open and appreciative of knowing about quality FS publications, but >12 astropi: is correct that many FS Devotees actually seem to get angry when EP is mentioned. I don’t understand why, but the designation of “cult” often seems to apply. Many of us appreciate and collect both.
EP and FS often publish the same title, and it is helpful to have a place to compare them. The EP forum is always open and appreciative of knowing about quality FS publications, but >12 astropi: is correct that many FS Devotees actually seem to get angry when EP is mentioned. I don’t understand why, but the designation of “cult” often seems to apply. Many of us appreciate and collect both.
15cweller
I collect both EP and FS books and enjoy both for different reasons. I'd say I typically prefer the aesthetics of the FS versions. I started collecting EP and their Greatest Books of All Time series and their 39 vol. Shakespeare set. I also have a fair number of their presidential biographies and recently started buying their SF titles when I can find them for a good price. EP has published quite a few books that you just aren't going to find with FS such as their Civil War library and the unabridged 10 vol. Abraham Lincoln biography. I'd probably buy more from EP if they were to bring back some of the series they used to have. I do find that they age well, some of my titles are now about 25 years old and look just as good as the newer volumes I've purchased.
16Pellias
>14 jroger1: The EP forum is always open and appreciative of knowing about quality FS publications : That I have noticed. Which is closely linked to what I meant by this : `some collects them both, and it does seem more likely (based on no data at all) for a collector of Easton books to collect FS books, than the other way around`.
Most people appreciate the now and then OT (off topic) post on the FS devotees as you most likely know, as long as it is relevant and doesn`t spam. We on this community be it Easton or FS, are more often than not interested in and after the same books, usually that is a quality edition of some kind we don`t want to miss. Like a Centipede, or a Suntup a Taschen or a sale of some kind, or something else.
Easton Press never get recognition on a FS forum. Which is probably a lot to do about he Easton press forum being so active, tidy and good in itself. Just as with the George Macy devotees.
Easton also is very US (United States) based (i believe not all states even are allowed to buy them, which sort of locks itself in, not making the books available for others). Whilst CP, Suntup; FS and all of these are more available to rest of the world.
If anything it would be interesting to know if any of the Easton Press members was not from the US / America, and if so to know the how and why they prefer Easton (when it is not as available.
NB ! I repeat that I have no confirmation on how available EP are to collectors from the rest of the world outside America. That is only based on own experiences, and the fact that EP very much seem to lock itself for collectors within it`s own country only.
Most people appreciate the now and then OT (off topic) post on the FS devotees as you most likely know, as long as it is relevant and doesn`t spam. We on this community be it Easton or FS, are more often than not interested in and after the same books, usually that is a quality edition of some kind we don`t want to miss. Like a Centipede, or a Suntup a Taschen or a sale of some kind, or something else.
Easton Press never get recognition on a FS forum. Which is probably a lot to do about he Easton press forum being so active, tidy and good in itself. Just as with the George Macy devotees.
Easton also is very US (United States) based (i believe not all states even are allowed to buy them, which sort of locks itself in, not making the books available for others). Whilst CP, Suntup; FS and all of these are more available to rest of the world.
If anything it would be interesting to know if any of the Easton Press members was not from the US / America, and if so to know the how and why they prefer Easton (when it is not as available.
NB ! I repeat that I have no confirmation on how available EP are to collectors from the rest of the world outside America. That is only based on own experiences, and the fact that EP very much seem to lock itself for collectors within it`s own country only.
17abysswalker
>13 Pellias: … FS books are too messy for Easton collectors, and Easton books to boring for FS collectors …
This rings true. There is certainly a lot more variation in the aesthetics of Folio Society editions. Some are among my favorite offset printed books that I own (such as the recent Book of the New Sun slipcase set, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and the collection of Donne's prose "No man is an island"). But there are also many that I find positively hideous (such as Russell's History of Western Philosophy) or uninspired (such as Oryx and Crake).
I bet one could correlate some trait like openness to experience with preference for Easton versus Folio.
This rings true. There is certainly a lot more variation in the aesthetics of Folio Society editions. Some are among my favorite offset printed books that I own (such as the recent Book of the New Sun slipcase set, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and the collection of Donne's prose "No man is an island"). But there are also many that I find positively hideous (such as Russell's History of Western Philosophy) or uninspired (such as Oryx and Crake).
I bet one could correlate some trait like openness to experience with preference for Easton versus Folio.
18Pellias
>17 abysswalker: I bet one could correlate some trait like openness to experience with preference for Easton versus Folio.
For sure ! Most people also do just that. There is no reason to hate on books, that explains more about the hater than the book. But Easton simply doesn`t seem as available as FS for reasons mentioned
*I need a cup of something. I don`t want to end up in a debate on a saturday, life is to short :))
Enjoy, good people !
For sure ! Most people also do just that. There is no reason to hate on books, that explains more about the hater than the book. But Easton simply doesn`t seem as available as FS for reasons mentioned
*I need a cup of something. I don`t want to end up in a debate on a saturday, life is to short :))
Enjoy, good people !
19RRCBS
>16 Pellias: I’m in Canada (so still North America) and ordering books is a pain because you have to call and can’t check anything about your order online, but I order books when I want them and always get them well packaged with a few weeks. When I eventually get my new bookcase, I plan on posting my collection, to which many beautiful EPS have recently been added!
20Pellias
>15 cweller: Such is true about the Civil War etc .. BUT, it is not long ago that FS had Civil War history on a survey. So it will indeed come ! PS ! Nice to see a fellow monkey !
>19 RRCBS: I have a couple. John Jakes North and South and Fight Club always get them well packaged is almost an understatement, haha. Looking forward to your pictures ! We need more bookporn around here !
>19 RRCBS: I have a couple. John Jakes North and South and Fight Club always get them well packaged is almost an understatement, haha. Looking forward to your pictures ! We need more bookporn around here !
21Redshirt
>17 abysswalker: Don't forget the slipcase issue. People have very strong feelings, pro and con, about slipcases.
22Soup811
I've done a little research into letterpress/fine press etc,. most of the titles produced this way aren't ones I'm particularly interested in. But It's possible I have not looked hard enough.
I'm a fantasy nerd, and so honestly my favorite series aren't published by FS. Subterranean Press ends up getting to publish my favorite series (Books of Babel/Malazan/Red Rising) and I don't think any other non-trade publisher has done those series... I'd LOVE those series done by FS, as I prefer their books to SubPress' dust jackets, but I don't think they will due to various factors.
Certain series FS can't do because maybe they would cannibalize trade books sales compared to limited amount publishers. Others (Malazan) probably are too large without broad enough appeal to make it worth it.
I'm a fantasy nerd, and so honestly my favorite series aren't published by FS. Subterranean Press ends up getting to publish my favorite series (Books of Babel/Malazan/Red Rising) and I don't think any other non-trade publisher has done those series... I'd LOVE those series done by FS, as I prefer their books to SubPress' dust jackets, but I don't think they will due to various factors.
Certain series FS can't do because maybe they would cannibalize trade books sales compared to limited amount publishers. Others (Malazan) probably are too large without broad enough appeal to make it worth it.
23abysswalker
>22 Soup811: it sounds like your taste might lean toward a slightly later period, but if you appreciate Vance I highly recommend the editions put out by Underwood-Miller (particularly those illustrated by Stephen Fabian, one of my favorite artists for fantasy). These are well-made offset press books (rather than letterpress). I believe some were limited/numbered editions, but either way they are a pleasure to read, and the press ceased operating in 1994 (so now they are effectively limited, hah). (I would check, but that part of my collection is in transit at the moment.) I think the 1978 Underwood-Miller edition of Eyes of the Overworld might be the best version I have seen of that work.
And Donald Grant did attractive editions of works by Robert Howard.
And Donald Grant did attractive editions of works by Robert Howard.
24abysswalker
>1 Soup811: I just came across Grim Oak Press today, which focuses on limited editions of fantasy and science fiction, founded in 2011. (I have no affiliation, and in fact only recognize some of the authors, such as Stephen R. Donaldson, Brandon Sanderson, and a few others.)
Skimming how they describe their products, it looks like they are aiming for roughly the same market space as Centipede and Subterranean, though more focused on modern genre fantasy.
You can see some photos of a Feist lettered copy here, if you scroll down:
A Dark Tower collector's thread
(Or search the thread for Faerie Tale by Raymond E. Feist.)
Skimming how they describe their products, it looks like they are aiming for roughly the same market space as Centipede and Subterranean, though more focused on modern genre fantasy.
You can see some photos of a Feist lettered copy here, if you scroll down:
A Dark Tower collector's thread
(Or search the thread for Faerie Tale by Raymond E. Feist.)
25trentsteel34
I have one grim oak press. The edition i have is black and white images which i didnt really like however, the images correlate to the story which is nice. Also has ribbon marker, bonded leather(which is ok) I like it better than the subterranean press edition i have ( i have only bought limited no lettered of either). The one sub press i have which i was excited to get was the first law series by joe abercrombie. I was pretty dissapointed. The images didnt seem to tie into the story at all. Prob ended up selling those at some point. Of the editions i collect id rank folio/centipede/grim oak/sub press.
26Soup811
>25 trentsteel34: I actually have all the first law subpress books. The Blade Itself illustrations are god-awful. The other original trilogy ones are okay. The standalone books are black and white but are actually good/fit with what you're reading. Yea I saw Centipede I just don't see titles that I'm super interested in. Grim Oak I did order the upcoming dresden files book when I magically stumbled on it on SubPress' website.
27sdawson
>12 astropi:
I think astropi summed it up nicely.
If one is interested in Western Classic literature and is considering Easton Press, one should first take a look at both Heritage Press and Limited Edition Club versions of the titles. While the LEC productions may be more aesthetically pleasing then the HP editions, the HP books it seems to me have held up better over the decades. More durable, if less fancy covers.
If one has an affinity for leather covers, then go with EP. They are also durable, if lacking in crispness of illustrations compared to HP or LEC.
But once leaving the Western Literature section, then EP has a lot to offer. The breadth of their past catalog is astounding -- 20the century classics, a very, very large production of Science Fiction and Fantasy (including many signed first edtions of such), Adventure series, Horror, and many more that were not done by the George Macy productions (HP and LEC). While there is overlap between many EP and FS titles, there are many in both wihch are not in the other (and never will be).
True, they are not Fine Press. They are not Letterpress. While many have illustrations, they lack the design of fine press publications. Still, they are far and away of better quality, more attractive, more durable than trade editions. Compare the prices of a fine press editions today to an EP (or FS) edition and there is a huge price difference between EP/FS and fine press productions.
The questions are: Does one want a library with more breadth of title? Or does one want a library where each book is itself a work of art? What genre or time period of literature are you collecting. Let these guide your choices.
I think astropi summed it up nicely.
If one is interested in Western Classic literature and is considering Easton Press, one should first take a look at both Heritage Press and Limited Edition Club versions of the titles. While the LEC productions may be more aesthetically pleasing then the HP editions, the HP books it seems to me have held up better over the decades. More durable, if less fancy covers.
If one has an affinity for leather covers, then go with EP. They are also durable, if lacking in crispness of illustrations compared to HP or LEC.
But once leaving the Western Literature section, then EP has a lot to offer. The breadth of their past catalog is astounding -- 20the century classics, a very, very large production of Science Fiction and Fantasy (including many signed first edtions of such), Adventure series, Horror, and many more that were not done by the George Macy productions (HP and LEC). While there is overlap between many EP and FS titles, there are many in both wihch are not in the other (and never will be).
True, they are not Fine Press. They are not Letterpress. While many have illustrations, they lack the design of fine press publications. Still, they are far and away of better quality, more attractive, more durable than trade editions. Compare the prices of a fine press editions today to an EP (or FS) edition and there is a huge price difference between EP/FS and fine press productions.
The questions are: Does one want a library with more breadth of title? Or does one want a library where each book is itself a work of art? What genre or time period of literature are you collecting. Let these guide your choices.
28booksforreading
>27 sdawson:
A very nice summary of what Easton Press can offer.
A very nice summary of what Easton Press can offer.
29ubiquitousuk
>27 sdawson: Good summary. I would merely add that HP itself seems, from my limited sampling, to have gone a little downhill in the quality stakes after it relocated from New York to Connecticut. That said, my Connecticut HP titles are as good as my modern Folio Society ones.
30damorin87
Hi guys, I am also a recent collector of books, more of an accidental collector as I am more interested in reading them than them looking pretty. Having said that I believe that this thread never really got into the nitty gritty of the distinction. I agree that neither EP or FS are fine books but I believe that the classification has to be definitely revised, as an avid reader I have noticed the unfortunate degradation of quality from mass market publishing, even e-books have become so bad in many cases as publishers are starting to use more and more ARC files for e-books, then the print versions are becoming unreadable, the exception would be in what would be considered the pop-academic books. I am a Sci-fi/Fantasy dabbler and history books.
Paperbacks have always been low quality, but now even hardcovers have become paperbacks with hardcover shells, I realised this when looking for a new copy of Dune (my original got lost) and realized that besides the use of paperback paper in the hardcover, you actually can't read the hardcover as it will not open completely. (ouch)
EP and FS in my opinion dabble in the Fine book range but generally speaking they are what I personally would call Quality print books, (yes, EP is uneven in their legacy catalog) but the quality of the books is quite frankly much higher than mass market today, even their poorly typeset books (Referring to EP) is a far step above to Mass market, which is one of the main reasons for me to have a physical book, the reader experience.
There it goes to the complexity of their distinction, EP seems to me that their focus is the presentation library collector, (the beautiful looking bookshelves full of classically gilded age show off of erudition) but print popular books that will be good reading experiences. Folio Society is oriented to the reader, for the most part, their books are also a popular collection of modern literature in the main.
If you are looking for quality bound books that are good looking both presses are good bets and quality wise worth it. That being said, my feel is that as demand increases for their products as mass market presses continue to reduce the quality and durability of their books the collectability will certainly become a thing of the past.
If what you are interested is collectability or what most seem to consider a fine book which is letterpress printed that becomes another proposition these books are far more expensive, far more limited in subjects as they tend to do far more classical printings or more obscure publications.
Sorry for the rant.
these are my two cents on the subject.
Paperbacks have always been low quality, but now even hardcovers have become paperbacks with hardcover shells, I realised this when looking for a new copy of Dune (my original got lost) and realized that besides the use of paperback paper in the hardcover, you actually can't read the hardcover as it will not open completely. (ouch)
EP and FS in my opinion dabble in the Fine book range but generally speaking they are what I personally would call Quality print books, (yes, EP is uneven in their legacy catalog) but the quality of the books is quite frankly much higher than mass market today, even their poorly typeset books (Referring to EP) is a far step above to Mass market, which is one of the main reasons for me to have a physical book, the reader experience.
There it goes to the complexity of their distinction, EP seems to me that their focus is the presentation library collector, (the beautiful looking bookshelves full of classically gilded age show off of erudition) but print popular books that will be good reading experiences. Folio Society is oriented to the reader, for the most part, their books are also a popular collection of modern literature in the main.
If you are looking for quality bound books that are good looking both presses are good bets and quality wise worth it. That being said, my feel is that as demand increases for their products as mass market presses continue to reduce the quality and durability of their books the collectability will certainly become a thing of the past.
If what you are interested is collectability or what most seem to consider a fine book which is letterpress printed that becomes another proposition these books are far more expensive, far more limited in subjects as they tend to do far more classical printings or more obscure publications.
Sorry for the rant.
these are my two cents on the subject.
31jroger1
>30 damorin87:
I agree with most of what you said. I’ve collected both Folios and Eastons, as well as Franklins, for many years (decades really) and have given away the ones I don’t care to keep. I now have an excellent library of high quality books even if they are not technically fine press. Like you, I admire Folio’s typesetting, but I like the look, feel, and durability of leather. And I’ve never been tempted by the letterpress cult as long as the font is sharp and easy to read.
Now, at 75 years old, I don’t buy many “quality” books anymore, because I have enough to get me through this lifetime and the next. But I have rediscovered certain trade publishers that I admire greatly. Library of America produces excellent volumes at reasonable prices by virtue of being nonprofit. And New York Review of Books publishes an intriguing library of paperbacks emphasizing the out of print and often forgotten books from the past.
I agree with most of what you said. I’ve collected both Folios and Eastons, as well as Franklins, for many years (decades really) and have given away the ones I don’t care to keep. I now have an excellent library of high quality books even if they are not technically fine press. Like you, I admire Folio’s typesetting, but I like the look, feel, and durability of leather. And I’ve never been tempted by the letterpress cult as long as the font is sharp and easy to read.
Now, at 75 years old, I don’t buy many “quality” books anymore, because I have enough to get me through this lifetime and the next. But I have rediscovered certain trade publishers that I admire greatly. Library of America produces excellent volumes at reasonable prices by virtue of being nonprofit. And New York Review of Books publishes an intriguing library of paperbacks emphasizing the out of print and often forgotten books from the past.
32kdweber
>30 damorin87: I couldn't agree more. I recently bought a copy of The Red Sphinx with a new translation by Lawerence Ellsworth (Lawerence Schick). The translation wasn't bad but the quality of the trade hardback from Pegasus Books was atrocious. Glued binding, cheap paper covered boards, lousy paper and worst of all - 5 to 10% of the pages were splattered with ink! I'd be embarrassed to donate the book to my local library sale. Far worse than any recent paperback I've bought.
33sdawson
I am in agreement with your conclusions >30 damorin87:.
Both FS and EP produce quality hard bound books, far above mass trade hardbacks, but below fine press.
In some ways itʻs a shame that the major publishers have let their quality deteriorate so much over the decades. I purchased a 1960ʻs sci fi book recently, hard cover, and was so very impressed with the binding, the thick dust jacket, the overall quality of the book. It was published to last, even though it was just a normal trade hardback.
I also, this past year, purchased another trade hard back. The pages split in the first reading. Luckily it was a book I just wanted to read and pass on, so no big deal. But yes, it was such poor quality.
Hence, if we want to purchase somewhat affordable hard bound books today, one must search out the EP and FS of this world.
-Shawn
Both FS and EP produce quality hard bound books, far above mass trade hardbacks, but below fine press.
In some ways itʻs a shame that the major publishers have let their quality deteriorate so much over the decades. I purchased a 1960ʻs sci fi book recently, hard cover, and was so very impressed with the binding, the thick dust jacket, the overall quality of the book. It was published to last, even though it was just a normal trade hardback.
I also, this past year, purchased another trade hard back. The pages split in the first reading. Luckily it was a book I just wanted to read and pass on, so no big deal. But yes, it was such poor quality.
Hence, if we want to purchase somewhat affordable hard bound books today, one must search out the EP and FS of this world.
-Shawn
34damorin87
I commiserate with you all, truthfully.
I will say that the letterpress siren has tempted me. But it quite simply is too expensive to buy something that you're not going to read. I decided to try thornwillow makers and went for their letterpress paperbound, an Agatha Christie mystery will post my opinion on the subject.
I am satisfied with the superlative printing quality, materials, and binding of EP, FS, and Taschen to be overly concerned. LEC and HP are beautiful too, though I have not found any I am interested in owning.
>33sdawson Hence, if we want to purchase somewhat affordable hardbound books today, one must search out the EP and FS of this world.
Shawn, if I may, that is the even worse part of the whole thing. The mass-market hardbounds are not even that cheap! to me, that adds the injury to the insult, once you could have depended on at least relative quality materials for the regular market prices.
I will say that the letterpress siren has tempted me. But it quite simply is too expensive to buy something that you're not going to read. I decided to try thornwillow makers and went for their letterpress paperbound, an Agatha Christie mystery will post my opinion on the subject.
I am satisfied with the superlative printing quality, materials, and binding of EP, FS, and Taschen to be overly concerned. LEC and HP are beautiful too, though I have not found any I am interested in owning.
>33sdawson Hence, if we want to purchase somewhat affordable hardbound books today, one must search out the EP and FS of this world.
Shawn, if I may, that is the even worse part of the whole thing. The mass-market hardbounds are not even that cheap! to me, that adds the injury to the insult, once you could have depended on at least relative quality materials for the regular market prices.
35wcarter
The biggest problem with Easton Press is that they are xenophobic - it is almost impossible to buy their books outside the USA.
I have some of their standard books, and some of their superb deluxe LEs, and all but one have been bought on the secondary market as the hoops foreign buyers have to jump through to buy direct are ridiculous.
I have some of their standard books, and some of their superb deluxe LEs, and all but one have been bought on the secondary market as the hoops foreign buyers have to jump through to buy direct are ridiculous.
36abysswalker
>34 damorin87: wrote: ... once you could have depended on at least relative quality materials for the regular market prices.
One remaining reliable mass market publisher is Everyman’s. Not anywhere close to what this board means by fine press, but well constructed, solid, and pleasant to read. Always stitched bindings (though they had a brief outsourcing issue at one point, which was relatively quickly corrected). I think they use higher quality paper as well. Catalog only covers certain titles, of course.
One remaining reliable mass market publisher is Everyman’s. Not anywhere close to what this board means by fine press, but well constructed, solid, and pleasant to read. Always stitched bindings (though they had a brief outsourcing issue at one point, which was relatively quickly corrected). I think they use higher quality paper as well. Catalog only covers certain titles, of course.
38Jobasha
>35 wcarter:
I'm Australian and I was thinking about their Beowulf and Mabinogion. How much do you think postage for these two would be?
Also does anyone have them and is also willing to recommend them?
I'm Australian and I was thinking about their Beowulf and Mabinogion. How much do you think postage for these two would be?
Also does anyone have them and is also willing to recommend them?
39wcarter
>38 Jobasha:
Good luck in trying to order from them if you are in Australia. I am unable to succeed.
I would wait until they are available from Abe or some other secondary seller, and even then postage will be prohibitive.
Good luck in trying to order from them if you are in Australia. I am unable to succeed.
I would wait until they are available from Abe or some other secondary seller, and even then postage will be prohibitive.
40jroger1
>38 Jobasha: >39 wcarter:
I don’t know about Easton Press in particular, but dcloycesmith (David), a manager with Library of America, posted this message in October regarding overseas shipping on LT’s LOA forum:
“Our suspension of foreign shipping is temporary and is entirely because of COVID-related deliverability issues.
It's been a bit of a time-consuming and expensive nightmare: many packages were being returned to us, either because there was no available transport out of the country or because of delivery issues in the destination country; a lot of the books that did make it were taking three to four months to get to customers, by which time we had already refunded them; I mailed nearly 500 catalogs to our list a couple of months ago and nearly 200 of them were returned; etc.
We're not the only company facing this problem, obviously. After consulting with other publishers of our size (and several that are a lot bigger), we followed their lead and decided that it was best to suspend foreign shipping until the situation with the pandemic clears up.
We are truly sorry for this situation and we hope to be able to begin shipping again in early 2021.”
I don’t know about Easton Press in particular, but dcloycesmith (David), a manager with Library of America, posted this message in October regarding overseas shipping on LT’s LOA forum:
“Our suspension of foreign shipping is temporary and is entirely because of COVID-related deliverability issues.
It's been a bit of a time-consuming and expensive nightmare: many packages were being returned to us, either because there was no available transport out of the country or because of delivery issues in the destination country; a lot of the books that did make it were taking three to four months to get to customers, by which time we had already refunded them; I mailed nearly 500 catalogs to our list a couple of months ago and nearly 200 of them were returned; etc.
We're not the only company facing this problem, obviously. After consulting with other publishers of our size (and several that are a lot bigger), we followed their lead and decided that it was best to suspend foreign shipping until the situation with the pandemic clears up.
We are truly sorry for this situation and we hope to be able to begin shipping again in early 2021.”
42Jobasha
>40 jroger1:, >39 wcarter:
Thank you all for the words of wisdom.
>41 supercell:
This is very interesting and useful information, thanks a lot!
Thank you all for the words of wisdom.
>41 supercell:
This is very interesting and useful information, thanks a lot!
43SF-72
>38 Jobasha:
Beowulf is a beautiful book. The artist has a contact form that will supposedly make it possible to buy the book from outside the US. I didn't try it - a friend of mine in the US was kind enough to forward the book to me before I discovered this.
https://www.yoannlossel.com/beowulf
As has been mentioned, Easton Press make it really difficult to buy from outside of the US, which includes works that are out of copyright in my experience. But their shipping fees were very reasonable before corona. I can't speak for now. A forwarding service can definitely help with this issue, though.
Beowulf is a beautiful book. The artist has a contact form that will supposedly make it possible to buy the book from outside the US. I didn't try it - a friend of mine in the US was kind enough to forward the book to me before I discovered this.
https://www.yoannlossel.com/beowulf
As has been mentioned, Easton Press make it really difficult to buy from outside of the US, which includes works that are out of copyright in my experience. But their shipping fees were very reasonable before corona. I can't speak for now. A forwarding service can definitely help with this issue, though.
44Jobasha
>43 SF-72:
Thanks a lot for this! I was looking at redirecting and it looked to be quite expensive.
Thanks a lot for this! I was looking at redirecting and it looked to be quite expensive.
46RRCBS
Other tip for buying from non US: twice I have found books I want that specific US only on the website, but I’ve been able to have them shipped to Canada by calling to place an order.
47JamesSanders
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48laotzu225
>6 kdweber: I agree entirely, particularly with second paragraph. And I've followed something of the same path.
The EP book interiors, especially the illustrations, don't come anywhere close to the LEC/Heritage originals. I finally sprung for a copy of the LEC The Wind in the Willows, where Rackham's illustrations are a major appeal. Light years distance from the faded EP edition images . The book that originally drew my attention to the difference was Candide. I had the EP (since sold at low price to a bookstore) and found the Nonesuch/Heritage version. Remember, this was not a Limited Edition. But the colors in the illustrations was more vivid and it was letterpress printed as well.
The best that can be said for those EPs is that, in a world of diminishing quantity of the originals at least in good condition, is that they are better than not having the book at all.
The EP book interiors, especially the illustrations, don't come anywhere close to the LEC/Heritage originals. I finally sprung for a copy of the LEC The Wind in the Willows, where Rackham's illustrations are a major appeal. Light years distance from the faded EP edition images . The book that originally drew my attention to the difference was Candide. I had the EP (since sold at low price to a bookstore) and found the Nonesuch/Heritage version. Remember, this was not a Limited Edition. But the colors in the illustrations was more vivid and it was letterpress printed as well.
The best that can be said for those EPs is that, in a world of diminishing quantity of the originals at least in good condition, is that they are better than not having the book at all.
49laotzu225
>29 ubiquitousuk: I think most Heritage enthusiasts will agree that New York Heritage books are far better than Connecticut ones, especially where the latter were reprints of the former. I recently replaced my Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin which i had gotten as a latter day member of the "Heritage Club" for the 1951 New York version (letterpress, superior binding design). It is an adventure trying to find decent copies as time goes by but it is worth it when one succeeds.
50kdweber
>49 laotzu225: I have around 50 HPs. I try to buy the NY editions. A number of times I've replaced my first HP Connecticut purchase with an earlier edition. At this point the only HP editions I purchase are the HP exclusives. My most recent HP purchase was Lust for Life (1936) in a yellow full leather binding.
