Faerie Queene Delivered

I just received my copy of the Faerie Queene (154) this morning. It is a beautiful book. If anyone has any questions about this book please let me know. I will try to post pictures sunday.

The wooden slip case is covered in Toile Vendome and its absolutely beautiful. Its much much better than what I had expected from the pictures on the website. In fact I was thinking about finding a different way to house the volumes.

The paper and leather quality are higher than the Easton Press version if my memory serves me well.

Fantastic, do you have the Easton Press edition. I look forward to seeing the pictures.

I do not have the Easton Press edition, I only flipped through it at a used book store. So I am only going by memory.

I have the EP edition and I have inspected the FS edition as well. The FS edition is better - the paper quality, reproduction and binding are of a higher standard and of course it is slipcased. The EP edition is also beautiful and considerably cheaper. You get what you pay for.

I was tempted to "upgrade" to the FS edition but it is a lot more expensive and I know there will be other FS Limited Editions around the corner that I will want to buy, so I will hold on to my EP edition.

My feelings exactly, Quicksilver.

Received my set of FS Faerie Queene today. Certainly not inexpensive, and took some real agonizing as if I should spend that amount -went ahead and bit the bullet. Much more handsome than I would expect the Easton Press edition to be, as I have some examples of their work. The binding is - let's say, extravagantly delicious, a quite nice goat with impressive gilt imprint; the paper quite nice, certainly much whiter and a bit heavier than the original handmade paper which George Allen published Crane's original illustrations on. The wooden slip case covered in Toile Vendôme with sliding tray makes for a nice touch. A real 'Keeper.'

This seems like a very nice book, I really like that slipcase. Anyone care to upload some photos so I can lust for a bit?

Im am working on photos but first need to get batteries for the camera, I hope to rectify this ASAP

So, is anyone going to post snapshots of their 'Faerie Queene' for us all to drool over? I'm anxiously waiting!

Hi Can you tell me if the paper used in the FS Faeire queene is like that used in the Kemscott Chaucer FS?
I have a copy of the Chaucer — the paper is beautiful and heavy with rich black ink.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/65278778@N07/5944532172/in/photostream

Its thick paper, I really have to get on this picture taking

Not enough photos of this gorgeous set here. This is a magnificent Limited Edition -

Stunning! I hope it doesn't sell out soon- I'm in no condition to buy any more limited editions until a couple more months go by...

Had I mentioned lately how bad the people around here are? Now someone had to come and post these pictures and my resolve not to buy that one slowly starts to disappear again...

> 14

I think it will be around for a while, Sand-Man. FS are only about half way through the limitation. It has sold steadily but not at a fast rate. I think this is due to the fact that the Faerie Queene has an undeserved reputation as a difficult and impenetrable text. It is one of the glories of English literature and very influential, but it has never been popular.

> 15

Sorry Annie. Guilty as charged. I have been snared often enough by photos on this and the EP forums.

>16 Quicksilver66:

I never understood why it never got more popular than it is... Oh well.

PS: No worries... I think at this point I am looking for excuses... :)

Oh dear, David. Walter Crane's always been a favourite of mine. I really do want this one. Perhaps if I work nights!

> 18

Or win the lottery !!!

If my mom see me reading this she would think it is some really good Manga .

I thought it would be interesting to compare with the Easton Press Faerie Queene :)
(apologies, the pics were not taken in good light)









I'll be the first to say that I really like the white leather the FS uses over the red that EP uses. I also like the fact that the FS edition comes in a slipcase. Otherwise, the size of the books is comparable. The illustrations in the EP edition are crisp and clean, and the pages are thick and excellent quality. I also really appreciate the fact that each books is separated by a nice 2-color print. I don't know if the FS has such illustrations between the books? The biggest difference I see is the price. The EP set can be purchased new for under $400. Here in the US, the FS edition costs $995+shipping. The FS edition is of course limited to 1000 copies. Not so for the EP edition, although how many were/will be printed, I don't know. EP books do tend to just disappear without warning, and then sell for extravagant prices on the second-hand market. At any rate, for those who want a beautiful copy but can not afford the $1000 for the FS edition, this is a wonderful alternative, even if the leather color is not as nice :)

Astropi, a few more pics and some colophon info and we could get this up on B&V's!! It looks great.

> 21

I don't see the colophon info for 'Faerie Queen', astropi, is the binding in the 'Saderra' pigskin with the mechanically imprinted 'leather grain' patterns used for most EP regular editions, plus I think the Lincoln LE, or is it the Italian cowhide used for othe EPLE's;?)

edited just to say oops, busywine got in first.

The EP Faerie Queene is very nice and EP did a very good job on it. The FS edition is better - better binding, paper, print quality, etc - but then the FS edition costs considerably more so you get what you pay for. One thing the EP set does better than the FS set is that they use the original 2 colour print cover to separate each part. The Faerie Queene was originally published in parts and each part had this card two colour print as a cover - subscribers could then chose to bind those parts together. So from this perspective the EP set actually feels more authentic than the higher grade super luxury FS edition.

24: I agree that the FS Faerie Queene is more desireable, because it is limited and I love the white leather :)
However, it is a bit surprising and dissapointing they did NOT include the 2-color print for each cover!

22: no problem! I'll send you the pics and info later, and we can post it :)

I also prefer the white leather FS over the red leather EP but not enough to sell my EP edition and replace it with the FS set. Especially since I find the book to be a very difficult read.

> 26
You bring up an excellent point. I pondered for several months plunking down the money for the Easton Press set but never quite got around to it. And then in my mailbox I received the Folio flyer for their Limited Edition and I was so happy I procrastinated on buying the EP version as I much prefer the white leather and paper of the Folio version.

While I was considering the Easton Press version it did occur to me that even after spending all that money on the poem (the structure and subject matter of which does interest me greatly!), I would struggle to read and understand it. That and the price were my primary hesitations. But during my research, I discovered a really good web site (I don't have the link handy but a Google search should reveal it) that does a stanza by stanza modern translation of it. So when I finally get around to reading it, and clearly it will in the safety and security of my condo rather than "out there" during my commute, I plan to keep that website handy (perhaps on my iPad) and cross-reference as I read.

> 27

Spenser is not easy to read although he is not nearly as difficult as Chaucer (in the Middle English). I find with any difficult writer - Spenser, Chaucer, Shakespeare - that acquaintance gradually makes them far easier to comprehend.

Great pics Quicksilver. I almost bought this when announced. Now you make it difficult to resist it all over again :)

>27 UK_History_Fan:

Spenser's English is mock archaic - so the majority of it is fairly modern, with a few gimmicky Chaucerian words and turns of phrase (for that olde-worlde feel) that tend to repeat through the text, and are easy enough to get a handle on.

>21 astropi:. Not sure I know exactly all the ins and outs you are referring to regarding an EP employee on the FS Devotees board.

But regardless, I do share your sentiment regarding FS over EP. I have nothing against EP books, but I've never been taken by them, and don't find them all that desirable. I get their catalogs and I am hard pressed to find a single title I want. There are some oop titles I'm interested in by EP, primarily the Durants' Story of Civlization, but other than that, I haven't found an EP title that prefer over another publisher's edition.

Having said that, I don't have anything against them personally. And I respect the differing tastes encountered here on LT.

> 32

To my knowledge, Durant's Story Of Civilization is still available and not OOP. But I own it, so I haven't really been paying close attention, but I do seem to recall it in a recent EP catalogue.

> 31
I can agree with you to an extent, in that I do think certain people on here have an agenda involving reselling either privately or on eBay, and this motivation tends to color their posts and frequently expressed opinions. But on the other hand, if we ignore those "opinions," which generally are quite transparent, then sometimes I am actually interested in the EP vs FS comparisons of the same title since I actively collect both and sometimes wish to learn other people's impressions as to which version is better.

I think I'm with brother_salvatore on this one. I also receive the EP catalogs but so far have not found any books that I had to have, and I knew about EP long before I heard of or joined the FS. Also, I'm sure part of the reason it seems that was is also that people like to complain and criticize more than they like to speak highly of things. I do think we all do a good job of complimenting books that deserve it here though.

> 33
I asked EP some months ago about the Durant's, they said it was OOP.

My comments on the EP vs FS Faerie Queene were posted sincerely and in a spirit of helpfulness. Although I did not originate the comparison I feel that I have been dragged in as having done something wrong !! As you will see from my comments, the FS edition is superior to the EP version (that's why I replaced my EP copy with the FS one - I bought the EP version before the FS copy was announced, otherwise I would have bought the FS version first). However, as UK says, it is I think very useful to have comparisons between available editions of a book.

31: (deleted)

As for FS vs EP, those who own both (such as myself) will happily speak of the merits and "faults" of both. I clearly said in my post that the FS leather is more attractive than the EP (which it is), and I also said I'm surprised that the FS did not publish the 2-color prints which were in the original (and I'm still surprised about that)! I did NOT say that the EP version is more desirable, I just posted pics so that people can compare the two. I know it may be hard for some people such as olepuppy to understand this, but not everyone can just go out and purchase a $1000+ limited edition from the FS. For those who want the Faerie Queene, but have limited funds, EP offers a wonderful edition that is under $400 and payable in monthly installments. As I originally said, the EP edition is "a wonderful alternative" to the FS edition.

People have different taste, and I respect that. If you don't like EP that is fine, but of course I would hope people would be more rational than olepuppy who likes to just generalize and say "In my honest opinion, EP can't hold a candle to FS:)" I find such remarks very close-minded. Still, it's completely his loss. Myself, I'm happy with both, and I'll continue to laud both.

edit: edited, to be less angry!

Both EP and FS alike produce excellent work and the odd lemon. I will continue to be a customer of both.

>37 astropi: Well said except for your first paragraph.

39: yeah, I usually don't care when people attack me personally ('tis silly). However, I got up on the wrong side of the bed today (so to speak), and at any rate, I'm just going to put him on ignore. So, I edited the message so as to follow strict LT guidelines. However, the other two paragraphs will remain untouched :)

I own buy and own both FS and E/P books and in general I prefer FS books for three reasons:
1. The bindings
2. The (usually original) illustrations
3. The complete resetting of the type, usually in a pleasing font.

However I own and prize like the E/P limited edition of Fahrenheit 451 and I am subscribed to their MoSF series. I wish the Society would be as committed to SF as E/P is.

I also see no reason to get upset at a valid comparison between FS and E/P editions of the same title and I enjoy reading them. I also think that posts informing FS devotees that titles they have mentioned are available as E/P editions is helpful. I even think comparing business practices is useful. I do agree, however, I get annoyed with posts in teh E/P group that just state how wonderful E/P editions are.

>36 Quicksilver66:

Most importantly here, Qs, is that I'm sorry if you think my post was in any way directed at you. It was not. I thought your post was important as you have both editions and you appreciate beautiful books. I'm sure this thread would have progressed differently had a specific question, not addressed to you, been answered.

>32 brother_salvatore:, Thanks for your thoughts, b salvatore.

>34 exodus5139: Thanks too, exodus. I think this board benefits from so many polite posters, and any board talking books might suffer with constant talk about the buying and selling of books.

>33 UK_History_Fan: You may be spot on in your first sentence to me. I think that a wealth of opinions exist about FS/EP and can be enjoyed, but I also believe that constantly ignored transparent opinions can gain an audience and can adversely affect the free expression of opinions.

>41 LucasTrask: Hi, LucasTrask I agree with your breakdown of Folio virtues, and I will add the great variety of selections-with SF beginning to be included more. I assure you I am not upset about the idea of FS/EP 'Faerie Queen' comparisons. I am curious about the leathers used for each. I have some familiarity with the Wassa goatskin(white) leather but no known familiarity with the so far unidentified (red) leather.

I had read on the EP site, when the question was going 'round this summer about EP editions and bonded leather, that a company named Cromwell made 'Saderra' leather from pigskins and, using thousands of pounds of pressure, imparted artificial grain patterns on said pigskins, which were then used to bind EP books. And so I wonder if the EP Faerie Queen uses this leather.

Well, that's it. I hope some humorous(and/or intoxicated)people get some giggles and snorts and even the ever-popular explosively sprayed drink from the tongue twister at some upcoming Christmas parties.

> 42

Thanks for the clarification Olepup.

To answer your question on the leather used by EP on the Faerie Queene, it feels to me like the standard leather used by EP on all of their non-LE titles, ie: the Cromwell Saderra variety. This is not top grade leather and appears to have no natural patina - I can well believe the grain pattern is artificial. But it can still be attractive and is quite serviceable and durable as a book binding - but customers need to know what they are buying. I think many buy EP books under the impression they are bound in top grade Nigerian Goatskin.

Since I don't have a single EP edition, I'm happy to report that I've been spared any agonizing doubts on the matters discussed here... that is not to say that I come totally scathe free from speculative issues.

My EP purchases, so far, have all been of books I couldn't get in a nice hardback edition elsewhere.

>41 LucasTrask: I have mixed thoughts on standard FS bindings, many are nicely designed but I'm not a big fan of the paper bindings (e.g. The Rosetta Stone) we're seeing more and more. I like the commissioned art work of the FS but I also love the LEC commissioned art work on display in many EP reprints. For me, the big advantage of FS over EP is the type resetting. EP's reprints are just not anywhere near as sharp as the text found in FS volumes; though, neither hold a candle to letterpress printing.

>43 Quicksilver66:

Thanks for the reply, Qs. Apparently a part of the price differential between the two editions reflects the great difference in quality of the leathers. I see the paper for the FS edition is a watermarked laid paper, if the EP used a Mohawk paper then the quality would be similar, but if the EP paper was the usual generically described unnamed paper then its quality, like the quality of the leather, would reflect a cheaper value.

Really, some guy comes to the front door and says, Hey I got these great lookin books-Real Leather!- only $400 almost-na, it's a pigskin leather and see the marks on it, machines made em so it'd look like the best leather, yeah! it'll never wear out-tough as a football-and look at the pretty color, that's the result of an intense chemical coloring process! yeah, yeah, that's right!-What, you'll give a hundred for em?! OK. just for you, cause I like ya- I'll let em go for 379.95!

>46 kdweber:

Pattern papers, engraved papers, hand marbled papers, illustrated papers have been used regularly in fine binding and rightly so because the material takes the designs so well. The Modigliani paper sided FS editions I've seen are beautiful, but it might be wise to use some mylar to protect the paper down the years. But of course, to each his own.

Nothing like having great illustrations for books, a focus point for FS. EP does benefit from the LEC work, republishing it keeps great stuff alive for future generations. I have read that some of the reproductions are not very sharp compared to the originals, seems as if that weak point could be overcome.

FS does have the Letterpress Shakespeare, hot metal and all. But to have a letterpress library with some of those plus some of the beautiful editions I see online from Arion, Yolla Bolly, Gwasg Gregynog(how is this pronounced?), Whittington, Fleece, Incline, Old Stile, etc would take more bucks than I have! I have had some fun with affordable LEC's and the odd LE over the last coupla years, tho.

>47 olepuppy: "Gwasg Gregynog(how is this pronounced?)" Pretty much as it looks, with the 'a' pronounced as in ask, but with the 'y' pronounced as a u as in under, so unog.

These two versions cannot be compared, one is a LE from FS and the other a normal edition from EP. There, move on people, nothing to discuss here. Go on with your daily mundane lives :-)

>48 HuxleyTheCat:

Thanks, Fiona, I can handle that pronunciation, if you can imagine, someone had told me he thought the g's were silent, ha!

>49 ironjaw:

But for the price one could have purchased an LE with naturally grained leather!

I am surprised that the topic of machine stamped pigskin has not been discussed more completely.

But thank you ironjaw for the succinct and accurate analysis. I will now go out and play, oops, work.

Has anyone had any issues with the dark dye of the Toile Vendôme slipcase rubbing off on the white leather & bottom edges of the pages of the three volumes? I just received my copy yesterday and found this to be an issue. May not be enough of an issue to warrant a replacement order, but I am still surprised, as limited editions from FS always arrive in perfect production condition (at least that has been my experience with them).

Otherwise, this is a stunning edition and well worth the cost. I've been dreaming of ordering this edition for a long time now, and I was finally able to take the plunge and order it.

Dye marks aside, I'm very satisfied.

I very new to the this site and I love the discussions, I collect older books but I also supplement my collection with modern day editions from EP and FS, or even "common" publishers where the prices are very affordable. A great example is the 1958 Version of the Kelmscott Chaucer. Amazon and independent booksellers price this 1958 Kelmscott Chaucer at a very low of 50 up to 500$ and there's lots of in between prices depending on the condition. The 1958 Version was published by The World Publishing Company (now out of business) they were based out of Cleveland OH ! I suggest any book collector to buy a copy. Often a amazon seller will have one in nice condition and at a great price. I would add one more point, the 1958 version is only in Black (no red type), but that's ok with me.
The 1958 version is scaled down in size aprox 9'' by 12'' but the cover is a Cream leatherette (fake leather), the paper used seems hand-made, AND EVERY woodcut is in this version as the original. I don't know how to add images to this site but here's a link to the ABE site where one is listed with a nice picture:
http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=5546491141&searchurl=kn%3DT...

oops...Back to the Faerie Queene ! I have a EP Set which is a great set to have; and if I had the cash as most of us do wish; I would also purchase a FS Faerie Queene set! Maybe Santa will be nice to me this year.

My last thought is don't be afraid to go off the radar to add to your collection. Last year I purchased a damaged set of the first edition Faerie Queene set published 1897 George Allen set; illustrated by Walter Crane. The set came is 6 volumes, my set had all 6.

(4) of the books in my set were in nice shape, where one was poor condition and the remaining volume was nearly a total loss from water damage. I purchased from a UK book dealer for $400. dollars. Some may think it's crazy, but to have and to hold a first edition of the Walter Crane set is worth every cent of the $400 I paid. The hand-made paper with the illustrations is hard to appreciate in a digital image or even a fine copy by EP or FS. And as the FS the first edition of 1897 was also limited to 1,000 copies. I often wonder how many sets are still in existence.

thanks all for keeping the discussion going!

Tom

There's an FS Faerie Queene about to go at half price on ebay uk in a few hours. If I hadn't blown my budget on the FS sale...........

Sorry to cross post this in a thousand spots, but I should have put here instead of the other thread. Pictures of the FS LE, EP and LEC Faerie Queen are up at:

http://booksandvines.com/2011/12/27/the-faerie-queen-by-edmund-spenser-limited-e....

> 54

Fascinating article Busywine. I must say that I am rather taken with the LEC Spenser pictured in your article. That looks like a beautiful edition and appears to have the merit of being relatively portable compared to the oversized FS and EP versions.

FS is much better than the EP edition

56: and your reasoning is...?
Oh, and please verify whether you have actually seen both in person. Thanks.

I decided to post this info here as I was not certain it merited its own topic. I was doing some book research (shocker, I know) and came across this lovely gem that I had never even heard of before:

http://www.amazon.com/Decorative-Illustration-Books-Old-New/dp/0946495416/ref=sr...

It is a 1984 reprint by Bracken Books in London (NB: NOT a fine press book) of an 1896 Walter Crane book entitled Of The Decorative Illustration Of Books Old And New. The description I found states:

"Originally published in 1896, this survey of book illustration is both comprehensive guide to many facets of early work in the field and important evidence of Victorian taste and the influence which shaped it. Walter Crane, as a leading designer and illustrator, was exceptionally well placed to survey the subject - indeed, some of the finest pieces among over 100 drawings reproduced here are those by Crane himself."

Since I have openly declared the Walter Crane illustrated Faerie Queene as my favorite Folio book, I could not resist and ordered this. I actually found it originally on the US eBay site but the opening bid was over $20 so a quick search of Amazon marketplace and ABE revealed several copies in fine condition at significantly less. Thought I would share with you, in case anyone is interested. Now that I have my own copy on order, that is :-)

Sean.

You are a master facilitator. I now have to own that book !!!!

Now I do - I have just ordered a copy.

Excellent David! I am so pleased to payback all those lovely individuals who inspired book purchases in the past year or so. Hopefully you found a good price in the UK, I only checked on US prices. It is funny there were 2 people I immediately thought of when I discovered this book: you and busywine (Chris). I sent him a note alerting him to the thread just in case. I deliberately left a few "like new" copies in stock for less than $15 :-)

> 58

This is indeed a lovely little book. I haven't seen the Bracken Books version, although I have other books from this publisher of reissues which are very good. My copy is the 1979 Bell & Hyman edition (G. Bell & Sons were the original publishers) which I bought from my local bookshop (now defunct, of course) in 1984 for the princely sum of £2.95, reduced from £4.95! It looks identical to the Bracken Books one. The binding is green cloth with gilt titling on the spine which is reminiscent of that on the old Everyman editions. Internally, the paper is creamy and of a good weight - in fact, the whole thing is pretty much just as good as a standard FS offering. And it's chock-full of engravings on almost every page. I second your recommendation.

> 62

Thanks Boldface. You and Sean are two members whose recommendations are usually spot on.

> 61

I picked up an "as new" copy of the Bracken Books version from an Amazon UK seller for £4.99. Can't go wrong at that price.

> 63
Now I'm simply GREEN with envy! (Bonus points if you know the reference, and since you are a Brit, triple bonus points since it is an iconically American one!)

I paid $12 USD which is about £7.50.

>62 boldface:
Jonathan, thank you so much for letting us know (while we wait for delivery) that the quality of production is good. I doubt it is printed on acid-free paper but a 1984 book should still have some life left in it without becoming brittle.

> 64

My Bell & Hyman copy must be printed on acid free paper - at least, I can honestly say it is mint, i.e., it could have been bought yesterday. There is no hint of discolouration, the binding is tight and even the cloth shows no sign of shelf wear.

> 64

Was the origin not Shakespeare -" beware, my lord, of jealousy;/It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock/The meat it feeds on' - from Othello ?

I could be wrong. Over here we think that everything originated with Shakespeare.

Oh David, remember you are dealing with an American. We are not nearly so high brow over here in the former colonies. No, the reference in question refers, in fact, to a memorable line uttered by Scarlet O'Hara in Gone With The Wind. "Oh my, I am simply green with envy!"

But the Shakespeare quote is a good one too!

The Folio Society Faerie Queen LE

UK...$926

US...$995

CAN.$998

AUS.........$1579

> 67

Well, I love Gone with the Wind as well. I think it is seriously under-rated as a novel. An FS edition would be welcome - with a green binding of course.

> 63, 65 and busywine (Chris):
I certainly hope I didn't steer you wrong. I just received my copy of the Walter Crane book Of The Decorative Illustration Of Books Old And New. As it somewhat typical of Amazon resellers, which is why I try to avoid them if possible, there is significant "grade inflation." My copy was described Like New, and it really is more like VG+, which I would consider a grade or two below that. The dj, while sound and largely free of chips or tears, is a bit faded/discolored on the front cover and the internals, while clean overall, definitely have that "cheap book production" feel. Quite frankly the insides remind me of no better than a standard issue paperback on the age-faded yellowed brittle paper that is very soft to the touch but also very unpleasant when one has become accustomed to Folio and fine press paper (even Easton for all their cost cutting lately is superior to this). The illustrations are mushy and not sharp and the small section of b&w glossy plates appear faded due to the extremely light application of ink on the page. Overall, a big disappointment, but then again, it was less than $15 so I guess I can enjoy reading it once and trying to look at the pictures, but it is getting donated somewhere sooner rather than later.

Jonathan, I would definitely hang on to your Bell & Hyman which sounds in every way superior to the Bracken Books production. I may have to seek out a copy from that publisher intstead, though this isn't exactly a book I feel confident duplicating or spending additional money on.

> 70

I'm sorry if my description was misleading. As I said (and as you repeat) I was talking about the Bell & Hyman edition. There is no degradation of the paper and the book is really "as new" after nearly 30 years - honest!

> 70
Oh I believe you, and no, I never thought you were misleading. I know you know books and how to assess their quality. Based on that I just have to believe that the Bell version is superior in nearly every way to the Bracken version, which apparently is a mere cheap knock-off. Besides, I had already ordered my book when I got your assessment. I just feel bad if David and Chris get inferior copies based on my recommendation. Perhaps I should wait to inspect a book in person before recommending it to others.

>70 UK_History_Fan:, just got mine and it sounds similar to yours -- a bit of grade inflation also! What is particularly funny is that the body block is upside down from the binding -- i.e., the front cover of the binding opens to the last page of the book!!! But, the cover is in great shape. Paper is fine, though yellowed...as you say, sort of standard paperback paper.

But, only $13 or so and I still find it charming and VERY interesting to read through, so am very happy to have it....really, I am, so thank you! I agree with your plan -- read it, then donate. It is in plenty good shape, and I think my local schools (and print shops) would be happy to have it.

Sean

There is no need to worry. I received my copy yesterday and I am quite charmed with it. At that price I was not expecting an FS quality book. What I received was a gem of a book, with the original dust jacket design by Walter Crane and beautifully illustrated. I like the compact size and I think it a well produced and bound book. No regrets here at all.

>27 UK_History_Fan: Did you by any chance manage to find that website you referred to with the stanza by stanza modern translation? I have not been able to find it, and as I am now considering this LE, it would be a useful reference. I have always been intrigued by The Faerie Queen, notwithstanding its reputation as a difficult read, and it is a major gap in my pre-17th century reading which otherwise is quite sound.

Here is a link to Project Gutenburg. It is an inelegant text file. I swear the original search turned up something that was hyperlinked. But perhaps armed with the info in this text file, you can more effectively narrow your search for an easier to read version of the "shadow text."

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/6930/6930.txt

I bought my queenie a little while ago - ca 600 (of thousand). They seem difficult to sell? It`s a lovely book - though the question sometimes come up - what am i going to do with it. Anyway, she stands there, behind the glass in the bookshelf, and just look nice ..

I wonder if there will be "a thing" for theese limited editions later .. it`s a lovely piece, and smells good too

But why dont it sell out, is it too strange? (many people like it strange) - is it to expensive? (if you love it, you can almost always find a way to afford it)

Personally, i bought it for the Arthurian connection, even if it`s limited we hear from prince Arthur.

Im from Norway by the way ..

Just my few ... something

>77 Pellias: Hej godt at se en bibliofil fra Norge

The Queenie looks wonderful. I would love to buy it but have other books I need to buy first.

Bibliofil - but like it beautiful .. (therefore folio)

Jeg skriver på engelsk, eller så kan jeg bare fortsette å skrive på norsk, så blir mange forvirret .. uansett

Thanks "jernkjeven", see you in the community .. ask questions if you want to, about the volume

Well, you're welcome. Do upload some pictures of your new acquisition. By the way have you heard of Co'libre bindery and their book-club? If you don't mind reading Danish :)

http://www.colibri-bookbindery.dk
http://www.colibri-bookbindery.dk/bog-og-prisliste/

Will do. Maybe tomorrow, maybe later .. nice prices on those elegant books .. i`m actually looking for some collectible horror stories, nice books .. i`m looking into tartaruspress right now, anyway .. it`s off topic

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Easton-press-fairie-queene-queen-fairy-leather-/131344...

If you feel the urge to purchase the E.P. Edition. This is my auction and i am sad to see it go, but recent acquisition of the Henry Psalter for just over 400 has force my hand. 2 of these have never been opened. Lovely set at affordable price.

Sorry if i am being commercial here but i think it fits in quite nicely :)

There is some pics of the queenie in my profile. I didnt manage to upload them here on the site (im not so smart - yet, but will be)

That's a very nice book-case. All that empty space waiting to be filled with beautiful books. Can you comment on what books you have there? I can see FS Lord if the Ring set and Gibbon's Fall and Decline

Crusades
1)The crusades
2)Crusades from arab view
Myth
3)Beowulf
4)Roland
5)Robin Hood
6)Gilgamesh
7)Bulfinch mythos (Barnes and Nob)
8)The rings
Fiction
9)Lord of the flies
10)Fahrenheit 451
11)1984
Rome
12)Cicero . oreations
13)classical world
14)Rise of rome
15)The decline of rome
LE`s
16)Faerie queene
17)Aneid - incoming
Philosophy
18)Levithian
19)Deschartes
20)Zarathustra
21)Consulation of philosophi
22) Art of war - B & N
21)The republic - B & N
22) Aurelius - meditations
23) Lukretius - incoming
24) Aristotle - ethics - incoming
Easton Press
25) N & S - signed
26) Fight club - incoming - signed

.. and some more incoming from ABE and folio

.. and prob. 20 more B & N - which i started with .. but they are other places

So, now i go to collect everything folio has on Rome, and crusades, some fiction, and greek myths/science etc .. some HOmer

The books on the bottom left is B & N Stehen hawking, Tesla, and Dr.Gray

Yeah .. heaps to fill .. BUT, some space between, room for figures etc .. there will in future be other shelves, solutions .. now i actually feel for a buying bookbrake .. incoming christmas and all. Just one more book ..

At least i am starting to see a whole here .. the room is quietly filling

.. incoming also from e-bay .. barbarian invasion on europe - series of eight .. im happy about that one

Currently reading - MArcus aurelius meditations, then i think 1984 .. when Livy comes into my home (early history of rome) then my visit to rome begins

And also i am going to buy SNORRES KONGESAGAER: http://www.bokkilden.no/SamboWeb/produkt.do?produktId=29047&rom=MP
512 US. Dollars .. but thats when christmas is over i think - or mmaybe thats my christmas gift

>83 Pellias:
I agree - beautiful bookcase. I bet it will be overflowing within 6 months :-)

Yup. I`m happy about that one. Right place, right time. Didn`t manage to sleep the night before it was secured. English furnitures.

There will be air in it, but there will be more bookcases ;)

I'm new to the site but have been following discussion on the FS Faerie Queene. I saw it on-site and have been lusting after it ever since. I was lucky enough to find this set of books for a discounted price through a bookshop in the UK. I paid $654.58, which includes S&H, a few days ago. It is 269/1000 which is a good number.

I've generally been hearing how beautiful the LE is but I've seen no real pictures of it except for comparison purposes and broken links on the Internet. I would love for someone who has it in their collection to post pictures of it. My copy is still 7-21 days away, being shipped by Parcelforce to the US.

I'm amazingly jealous of that price. I bought direct from Folio and paid full price without hesitation as I didn't want to wait for a bargain to show up eventually. Luckily it was a good bonus that year. I believe it was $1,500 but I'd have to check my records. I can only imagine the shipping cost was eye popping with the wooden box holding the books.

Thank you for commenting. I had seen the set on-site first and knew that there was no way that I could afford it. Folio Society prices for shipping to the US was $995 plus S&H which would make the total something like $1060. Definitely not within my budget, so I checked ABEBooks (US) one afternoon recently and there it was for $654.58! I couldn't believe my eyes. Meanwhile others were selling in the $1000s range. $654.58 was still a lot of money for me to spend knowing that I could have used it in other ways.

The thing is that you don't know if there will ever be one of these available at a reasonable price. I'm glad that I jumped on it.

Yes! Shipping it overseas was probably taxing on the bookseller, seeing as the box is made out of wood. Luckily the book guy handled it all and I wasn't very involved. I know that it had to go by special carrier and had to be packed very carefully. Overseas shipment is definitely a lot different than someone coming into a bookshop and carrying out the heavy set of books to their car.

He gave me a tracking number and said that it was going by Parcelforce, which I think Folio Society uses as an overseas carrier too. Tracking info should be updated by late Monday he said, as there was a weekend in-between. Overall shipping this behemoth has been very smooth. I just hope it gets here in one piece! I've been very anxious to recieve. Never had anything this heavy come to me via overseas.

Shipping est. is 7-21 days. So we wait.

I have but one pic. in my album

There is also here: http://booksandvines.com/2011/12/27/the-faerie-queen-by-edmund-spenser-limited-e...

Over 200 illustrations in the heavy, thick volumes .. i bought it for the arthurian legend of (prince) Arthur, and as a lover of mythos

I have a great place for it, in a lovely bookcase .. so that`s the biggest challenge (or maybe not) .. where to put it

2011, and still not sold out .. a little strange for me that this volumes is not yet knocked out of the marked by the british mainly (as a national epos) - that`s a question actually :)

Just looked at them, and it looks to be a great set.

I am super-excited for one these are delivered to me now. I am excited about the illustrations, they look amazing and beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

I'm not sure if I want to display these on a desk or a bookshelf but I have to see how large the set is first with the wooden display box. I ultimately want to display it somewhere and there's a good chance it won't be leaving my bedroom except for casual reading.

I mainly purchased them for the editions themselves, and for their beauty. I would also love to read "The Faerie Queene" in it's entirety. It's semi-confusing where they begin and end so it's best to start at the beginning as they often say. :) Alas, it has been something I've always wanted to read. And this is something that I do for pleasure reading.

I am surprised as well. But I don't think many people are familiar with Spenser to warrant the hefty purchase price, unless you majored in English in college and are familiar with it. To be honest, I'd picked up a simple Penguin edition of the 'FQ' and the translation is horrendous. That's mainly why I decided to purchase this set. I seem to have gotten away better with a lesser version of "extreme sticker shock" having paid only 654.58 instead of $1060.

Just looked at them, and it looks to be a great set.

I am super-excited for when these are delivered to me now. I am excited about the illustrations, they look amazing and beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

I'm not sure if I want to display these on a desk or a bookshelf but I have to see how large the set is first with the wooden display box. I ultimately want to display it somewhere and there's a good chance it won't be leaving my bedroom except for casual reading.

I mainly purchased them for the editions themselves, and for their beauty. I would also love to read "The Faerie Queene" in it's entirety. It's semi-confusing where they begin and end so it's best to start at the beginning as they often say. :) Alas, it has been something I've always wanted to read. And this is something that I do for pleasure reading.

I am surprised as well. But I don't think many people are familiar with Spenser to warrant the hefty purchase price, unless you majored in English in college and are familiar with it. To be honest, I'd picked up a simple Penguin edition of the 'FQ' and the translation is horrendous. That's mainly why I decided to purchase this set. I seem to have gotten away better with a lesser version of "extreme sticker shock" having paid only 654.58 instead of $1060.

For me Faerie Queene was one of the first LE that caught my eye as a new member last year. I would not in a longshot have heard about it if not for folio (i think) - because they produce the one classic after the other - that has also made collecting classics a passion of mine - a tough read sometimes maybe, but .. it`s influential works, in which stand theire ground in history

Some new pics in my member gallery .. and nothing more to show really .. pics don`t justify any book (is my opinion)

Walter Crane used 3 years on the illustrations .. it will probably take the same to dive into it .. henche all the illustrations also

Second best binding, although not a Folio original. Too bad the text is so hard to stick with.

I've got the EP edition which is quite nice but I found the Faerie Queene an impossible read.

> 96

Yet, in Soviet Russia, Faerie Queene read you!