Glad you posted this. Being a citizen of the USA, I've been purchasing the Random House/Bantam Dell "illustrated editions" for my daughter (having been a book reviewer at the time, I glommed onto Martin's books when they were first published -- I was even around to get a free signed first edition, and notice several handfulls of such sitting in the bookstores in Kansas City at the time -- practically priceless, now!). The problem with the spine that you notice -- strictly glued -- seems to be somewhat endemic in British publishing. Being a collector of hardcovers from way back (before I knew how much 1st editions were worth), I started to notice that most American publishers used a combination of sewn spine with a bit of gluing; whereas, British publish go with glued spine 90 percent of the time. And while Harper is a BIG publishing company, there's no excuse for that when books are limited, special publications (the Random House illustrated, American, editions aren't leatherbound, but the spines are FAR better, and the illustrations -- paintings! -- are glorious). As recently as 2012, I purchased two last books -- never again -- from the British small press, specialty, publisher PS Publishing, and THEY were using GLUE on all of their "trade" editions (which are limited in number)! Even worse, a limited edition I purchased -- of ELLISON WONDERLAND -- had the MAIN book bound with sewn & glued, but a "bonus" volume included with that extra pricey purchase came with glued spine. Conversely, whenever I purchase a book from Subterranean Press -- the American equivalent of PS -- I find ALL of their spines are sewn, ALL of the books covers are well-made, and they are ALWAYS filled with gorgeous illustrations (and, yes, 90 percent, or more, of the time, Subterranean issues leatherbound copies -- albeit in an even more limited, more costly, version -- but _always_ of the highest quality). In any case, I'm gonna avoid these Harper/British publications. For the money paid, one should _at least_ get spines that are sewn& glued. The embossed maps on the leather (faux leather?) exteriors aren't worth it.
I wonder that, too. I was thinking of buying these (even though I have the first three illustrated editions), but I'm not so sure now, since 1) the first book is out of print and 2) we still don't really know if the series will ever be completed. :P
Beautiful books, but SAD how companies sell books/ products as new but have either been already purchased and returned or you purchase a book or product that is brand new but not handled correctly and is damaged on delivery.
I read the first book, have never seen the series. I was not inspired to continue reading. I did see the tv series for Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, then read the book. It's interesting how the storylines are changed to fit broadcasters expectations about what works best on screen. Seems the first way a person encounters a story (via book or via screen) colours how the person views the second way they encounter it. Would be interested to hear your take on which you enjoyed more: the televised series or the books. 😀
Wow. These are really very beautiful. I think the maps on the covers are an especially nice touch, and the illustrations are lovely - very atmospheric.
imo these are the most deluxe versions available right now besides the folio society edition (of which only the first book in the series has been published)
I have both the full set of these and the 2 current folio editions. There's no comparison the folios definitely earn their price tag. That being said these are also amazing.
Hi I'm reading a game of thrones at the moment and was wondering if these were bigger than the paperback. No particular reason why but it looks larger. Great video!
The blue editions that were older had no leather. They were buckrim kind of like Harpers version of lord of the rings if you're familiar with those editions.
Reading is just one more activity, there's nothing wrong with watching a TV series based on Book series, if the adaptation is good you can go through almost the same information, emotions, feeling, etc. Don't get me wrong, I'm more a reade than a... tv watcher? (Don't know how to say it), but honestly, readers are not superior beings, at the end of the day, we read to get some entertainment, have some fun and reflection when were done, not to speak about the ones who don't read a book before watching the adaptation, calling them 'book haters'.
That sound of the gilded pages being opened for the first time its amazing😊
Glad you posted this. Being a citizen of the USA, I've been purchasing the Random House/Bantam Dell "illustrated editions" for my daughter (having been a book reviewer at the time, I glommed onto Martin's books when they were first published -- I was even around to get a free signed first edition, and notice several handfulls of such sitting in the bookstores in Kansas City at the time -- practically priceless, now!). The problem with the spine that you notice -- strictly glued -- seems to be somewhat endemic in British publishing. Being a collector of hardcovers from way back (before I knew how much 1st editions were worth), I started to notice that most American publishers used a combination of sewn spine with a bit of gluing; whereas, British publish go with glued spine 90 percent of the time. And while Harper is a BIG publishing company, there's no excuse for that when books are limited, special publications (the Random House illustrated, American, editions aren't leatherbound, but the spines are FAR better, and the illustrations -- paintings! -- are glorious). As recently as 2012, I purchased two last books -- never again -- from the British small press, specialty, publisher PS Publishing, and THEY were using GLUE on all of their "trade" editions (which are limited in number)! Even worse, a limited edition I purchased -- of ELLISON WONDERLAND -- had the MAIN book bound with sewn & glued, but a "bonus" volume included with that extra pricey purchase came with glued spine. Conversely, whenever I purchase a book from Subterranean Press -- the American equivalent of PS -- I find ALL of their spines are sewn, ALL of the books covers are well-made, and they are ALWAYS filled with gorgeous illustrations (and, yes, 90 percent, or more, of the time, Subterranean issues leatherbound copies -- albeit in an even more limited, more costly, version -- but _always_ of the highest quality). In any case, I'm gonna avoid these Harper/British publications. For the money paid, one should _at least_ get spines that are sewn& glued. The embossed maps on the leather (faux leather?) exteriors aren't worth it.
Book 1 is out of print apparently. I wonder if HarperVoyager will ever print it again.
I wonder that, too. I was thinking of buying these (even though I have the first three illustrated editions), but I'm not so sure now, since 1) the first book is out of print and 2) we still don't really know if the series will ever be completed. :P
Beautiful books, but SAD how companies sell books/ products as new but have either been already purchased and returned or you purchase a book or product that is brand new but not handled correctly and is damaged on delivery.
These books are beautiful. I have the standard hard back versions, but I just might have to look at these!
I read the first book, have never seen the series. I was not inspired to continue reading. I did see the tv series for Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, then read the book. It's interesting how the storylines are changed to fit broadcasters expectations about what works best on screen. Seems the first way a person encounters a story (via book or via screen) colours how the person views the second way they encounter it. Would be interested to hear your take on which you enjoyed more: the televised series or the books. 😀
Wow. These are really very beautiful. I think the maps on the covers are an especially nice touch, and the illustrations are lovely - very atmospheric.
So they are smyth sewn, but also glued, or only glued? I thought I saw singnature bundles. Thanks!
Smyth sewn and glued. Plus the cover and the slipcase of course use glue to fix the leather to the boards.
Thank you very much.
Wow. Is Book 4 not available on amazon?
Denis Poisson Sweet. I will simply follow your footsteps and go amazon - BD
Denis Poisson Thanks Denis. Ordered 😬
imo these are the most deluxe versions available right now besides the folio society edition (of which only the first book in the series has been published)
Yes, that folio edition really is very nice :D
Just 2.5 times the price Xo
@@FoolishFishBooks hahah yea
I have both the full set of these and the 2 current folio editions. There's no comparison the folios definitely earn their price tag. That being said these are also amazing.
Hi I'm reading a game of thrones at the moment and was wondering if these were bigger than the paperback. No particular reason why but it looks larger. Great video!
Is there anywhere I could buy these today? I've tried searching online briefly but every eshop no longer had these in stock/available
i have seen a few on amazon and on ebay if that's any help
What do the maps in this edition look like?
Hey D, can you pretty please, do a review of luminarium (a grimoire of cunning conjuration)
😄 send me a copy, l'll gladly review it 😜
Hey, you got me back! Haha 😆
@@brandoncallaway8835 😜😂
The blue editions that were older had no leather. They were buckrim kind of like Harpers version of lord of the rings if you're familiar with those editions.
Yes, actually very nice too! Those Folio Society ones though! :o :D
"Might be worth reading the books?" That's the problem with the world - too many impatient book haters.
Reading is just one more activity, there's nothing wrong with watching a TV series based on Book series, if the adaptation is good you can go through almost the same information, emotions, feeling, etc. Don't get me wrong, I'm more a reade than a... tv watcher? (Don't know how to say it), but honestly, readers are not superior beings, at the end of the day, we read to get some entertainment, have some fun and reflection when were done, not to speak about the ones who don't read a book before watching the adaptation, calling them 'book haters'.
Good video if one plays it at 1.75 speed.
I am not fond of the fake leather cover but the sound was so rewarding as you first time turned the pages.
I'm sure I read somewhere the leather is morroco or goats leather so still genuine leather just not cow hide
If you want an actual leather bound book purchase from Easton Press. These are cheesy knockoffs and they're not real leather.
they don't carry game of thrones
Martin himself dislikes Easton hence they didn't get rights to it. Also I believe these are goats leather not cow but still genuine.
@@prototypep4 what does he dislike about easton?
@@zc8211 i'm not sure, I just recall an interview of him saying he doesn't like them.
That edition of the leatherbound looks kinda ugly compared to thevboxed set where they are all different colors.