Sometimes it is the packaging as much as the beauty of the written word. Have several stacks of proof, as of this afternoon – an estate purchase of some of the best stories ever written bound in leather and embossed gilt bindings.
It’s a little bit like drizzling chocolate over that scoop of ice cream. A decorative binding makes a classic that much better, just to take it down from the shelf.
Most of these are close to forty-year-old books, but they appear as though they came off the press just last week. Most are unread and the decorative ribbon place-markers have never been moved.
Beautiful books. A joy to have in the shop.
There are a couple of companies that have better reputations among the fine-binding publishers. Franklin Mint Library and Easton Press are both recognized as top-flight houses with an artistic craftsmanship.
Franklin Library ended its run in 2000, but published beautiful, yet affordable, editions for over thirty years. Some titles are a bit more expensive than others these days, but the Franklin editions are beautiful, high quality volumes that allow collectors of fine books to assemble a library without an extensive investment. Most of those added to inventory today are unread, gilt-edged, embossed, fine-binding books – under $20.
Easton Press continues to create some of the most beautiful books in the world, and offers limited editions, signed copies, and unique illustrated editions. Their offering of the 100 greatest titles proved to be among the most popular of fine-binding books published.
And they aren’t cheap.
They currently offer a deluxe edition of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – in a gorgeous leather binding – for $375 (in easy installments, of course.).
Although the books that arrived today aren’t the extra-fancy editions, they are all beautifully bound, and value-priced. (I’ve admitted to folks that I try to keep our retail prices in line with the lowest offerings anywhere in the US.)
The titles range from Edgar Allan Poe to Charles Dickens to Geoffrey Chaucer – including some very desirable classic literature.
You can’t play Pokemon-Go on them, but they’ll still be in fashion for years to come and a wonderful addition to any booklover’s library.
Stop in soon!
McHuston
Booksellers & Irish Bistro
122 South Main St. Broken Arrow OK!