Pics and Thoughts on Moby Dick Limited Edition???

Does anyone have any pictures of the Limited Edition Moby Dick? Any of you have gotten it yet? Thoughts on it, "value" for the price, etc?

Busywine there are tons of convo on this subject so please check the threads; my opinion is that it is the most beautiful edition of MD ever (to my knowledge) produced.

Gorgeous edition, (of course, I love Kent) plus an interesting companion volume. Very soft leather binding. Very high quality.

Thanks, I will spend more time looking through search results rather than being lazy... I just find that search sucks in library thing, IMO...Moby Dick looks great, will probably pull the trigger...

>4 busywine:
google it with the "site:" command:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22moby+dick%22+Limited+site%3Ahttp%3A%...

ahhh, thanks that helps!

I have it - it is absolutely lovely. I recommend it. You will definitely be surprised. I don't understand why it already is not sold out.

I have pictures of it still online, check out: http://pacfrodo.home.xs4all.nl/books_Juli2009/index2.htm
(and scroll down a bit below the Humboldt book)

I can't understand why it is not sold out, I think it is extraordinary.

>8 friso_geerlings:, thanks! Great pictures. That Wind in the Willows is awesome!

I have it too. Agree with all the positive comments so far - stunning.

I believe the FS could learn a lot from Friso's slideshow, it is really quite a stunning way of presenting the books and lots of fun too!

Argggghhhh. Just spent more money I did not mean to...thanks to you all just placed an order. Looking forward to it!

Congratulations, you won't regret it trust me, I too cannot believe it hasn't sold out.

>8 friso_geerlings: Nice work Friso. Thanks for sharing.

>13 busywine: You most certainly will *not* regret this purchase. It's a wonderful edition.

>12 Texaco:

Agreed! FS books almost always look better in person, which leads me to conclude that the problem is in the presentation. In their mailings they generally do a better job.

> 8 Friso and all others

Although my budget for books (for 2011) has been completed, you force me to do an additional expenditure: Moby Dick.

In a month or two, you can see me on the street begging. Too bad I can not play music.

Congratulations Islandbooks but what took you so long??!!

I've seen a lot of good ones but haven't seen that sign on the side of the road yet: "Will work to pay my next Folio Society installment!"

> 17 Always a pleasure to lure someone into more Folio Society L.E. wonders, Islandbooks ;-)

Speaking of Moby Dick, I'm waiting for this edition to add to the Melville section of my library:

http://www.tinhouse.com/books/coming-soon/moby-dick-in-pictures.html

The artist made an illustration for every page of the novel based on some section of the text that inspired him. Great idea. Can't wait to see the book.

I'd love to have the FS Moby Dick but haven't been able to pull the trigger based on limited editions higher up the "want" list. So I'm glad it's still available in case I ever get around to it.

It's certainly a wonderful edition. I think if you want what is arguably the "most beautiful" edition of Moby Dick ever published, you will want to save up for the Arion Press Mody Dick. It received universal praise, and has been called one of the 100 most beautiful books of the 20th century. I think one sold on abebooks a while ago for slightly less than $30,000.

>22 astropi:

The Arion MB is certainly a beautifully printed book. I find the illustrations less than satisfying, however. I have commented on this in the Fine Press Forum blog, and certainly admire the technical skill of Barry Moser, but I think the illustrations he did for the book were the equivalent of a steeplechase champion refusing the most challenging obstacle.

The AP Moby Dick may very well be one of the 100 Most Beautiful Books of the 20th century, but in my opinion, not one of the most beautifully-illustrated books.

I don't know about you Robert, but I don't particularly enjoy Barry Moser's illustrations. I think his style works for some things, like Alice in Wonderland, but not others, like the Bible. I find that he doesn't adapt his style to what he is illustrating, and ends up just doing a whole lot of illustrations that look very similar, regardless of the theme or subject matter. Your thoughts?

Not a big fan of the Arion Moby Dick. Yes, it's big and it's blue, but I'm another who is not enthralled by the illustrations. Even the binding. I must be some sort of charlatan, but I prefer the sleek black and silver of the Folio.

Yes, it's like this with many "fine presses". They choose the best material for the books, take care of the printing and binding but when you look at the illustrations it seems they choose the artist not by esthetic value of his/her work but maybe some other criteria.
I like for example the "The Age of Innocence" from Arion Press but the photographs taken by Stephen Shore seem to me more
like snapshots with little care about composition and lighting. But if you have made a name in the business it's easier to sell almost anything.

>24 chase.donaldson:, 25, 26

Yes, I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds Moser's work less than meets the eye. I haven't seen his illustrations for the Bible, but I was underwhelmed by his work for the LEC edition of The Odyssey and his Arion Press Moby Dick.

koszakedv, I have had that same thought myself about many of the productions of the finest of fine presses today. Arion Press has generally not impressed me with their choice of illustrators, though everything else about their editions is unsurpassed. Likewise, the LEC has produced very little of interest to me since it was sold by the Macy family. Their books have become even more lavishly produced, made with exotic materials by the finest of small presses, using artists who command stratospheric prices for "illustrations" of dubious relevance to the works they are supposed to illustrate. (The nadir of this was reached in the second LEC Heart of Darkness which used what appeared to be textile designs by Sean Scully to "illustrate" Conrad's story--particularly irritating since the LEC had issued the work 20-odd years earlier with illustrations by Robert Shore which are, to me, ideal.)

This is where the Folio Society shines. Their choice of illustrators seems more consistently right than any other press today. Even when they falter, as I think they did with the Count Belisarius illustrator, the choice shows that they have a strong design concept in mind, and are not just pairing a work with a high-profile artist.

Hear hear

I agree that FS does an excellent job creating a complete design concept for each title, for example, Irish Myths and Legends illustrated by Jillian Tamaki. I think her illustrations are excellent and I'm very pleased I ordered it. Before it came out I went to her website and she has a wide range of sytles, but I think she nailed it with the style she used for her illustrations for the book.

Even when I don't care for the illustrations, I usually like the design and style of the binding, for example The Name of the Rose. I love the binding design, but the illustrations leave me cold.

>27 Django6924:

I looked up the Scully Heart of Darkness just to see, and wow! That truly is terrible.

http://www.artvalue.com/image.aspx?PHOTO_ID=1802037&width=500&height=500

I personally find Moser's work on Moby Dick to be perfect! For me, they truly capture the feel and power of the book. I much prefer his illustrations to the LEC illustrations. The Kent illustrations are also fantastic, and for the price I think the FS edition is the best, but I would far prefer to have the Arion Press edition. Still, seeing as I doubt I'll ever be able to afford it, it's a moot point. Nevertheless I think the AP Moby Dick is the most beautiful edition ever published. The Lakeside Press 3-volume edition is a close second :)

Seeing as my University has the Lakeside Press edition in special collections, I will take pics and post them later...

For now, there are some pics from various editions:

http://blogs.princeton.edu/graphicarts/2010/02/moby_dick.html

>31 astropi:

One's response to art is always, to some degree subjective, but what is it about Moser's illustrations of Moby Dick that makes you consider them perfect? You don't mind that eschews any attempt to represent any of the major characters or scenes in the book?

32: actually, that's one of the things I enjoy about his illustrations. He does not depict any major scenes or characters, he leaves that entirely to your imagination. On the other hand, his illustrations are historically accurate, in fact, they are almost like a historical guide to a fictional tale. I think it fits perfectly and is absolutely splendid. I ended up going to the rare books library and checking out 3 copies of Moby Dick. The 1851 3-volume London first printing (which preceded the US 1st printing by a few weeks), the 1930 Lakeside Press edition (also 3 volumes), and the 1979 Arion Press edition. I'll post pics later. In my opinion the Arion Press edition is the most beautiful. Of course, the Kent edition is also gorgeous.

I also think Barry Moser's work is the better of the two. Rockwell Kent's illustrations for Moby Dick contain too much transcendentalist vision and the characters feel a little like post office mural men. For some reason I think it would be great if there were more illustrations, almost like a graphic novel interpretation of the book. Incidentally, Bill Sienkiewicz did a very nice graphic novel version for the Classics Illustrated series in the 90's. But I feel there is a middle ground, are illustrators depicting the action that is happening at an exact moment in the book, or are they looking to be more suggestive? Should they exaggerate? I've always found the dreadful paperback version of Cathcher in the Rye to capture the issues of literary depiction quite well:

http://tinyurl.com/43vn5bh

http://www.billsienkiewiczart.com/gallery/mobydick/mobydick_p5_thumb.jpg
http://www.billsienkiewiczart.com/popup.asp?img=gallery/mobydick/mobydick_p28_fu...
http://www.billsienkiewiczart.com/popup.asp?img=gallery/mobydick/mobydick_p17_fu...

I think Moser went a little overboard with the "realism" for his illustrations of the Bible. There is an unmistakably sordid quality to them:

http://tinyurl.com/3qs98e6

http://www.crosscurrents.org/moser0701.htm

http://www.crosscurrents.org/madsenmoser.htm

Technically, impressive.

I like Kent's Candide very much.

It's just that this is not Ahab:

http://clubs.plattsburgh.edu/museum/mdimg/md_232.jpg

And stuff like this does not feel like any part of the book Melville wrote:

http://clubs.plattsburgh.edu/museum/mdimg/md_233.jpg

>33 astropi: "actually, that's one of the things I enjoy about his illustrations. He does not depict any major scenes or characters, he leaves that entirely to your imagination. On the other hand, his illustrations are historically accurate"

Fair enough, but that's not why I buy an illustrated edition of Moby Dick. The whaling ship Charles W. Morgan and the museum at Mystic Seaport are historically much more accurate if what you are interested in is the business of mid 19th century whaling. Melville, of course gives you that, too, but if that's all Moby Dick were about I suspect not many of us would be reading it. I want an illustrator to give me a feeling for the characters and the drama, the epic scope of the action, and give some sense of Ahab's obsession over the nature of Good and Evil. Just because to do so involves a risk on the part of the illustrator is no reason to take the easy way out and not even try to do so.

That's just me. I'm sure my sensibilities are the result of watching too many movies (and reading too many comics) when I was growing up.

35: I'm not sure it's easier, to leave out the "characters and drama". There are so many dramatic moments in Moby Dick, that it would be easy to illustrate them. However, having numerous illustrations for Moby Dick without actually directly depicting any of that... seems very hard in my opinion. Yet, Moser did that, and still keeps the integrity and feel of the epic. I do admire Kent as well, and he did some amazing illustrations. However, some of them do leave a bit to be desired (his Ahab, as DanMat noted, is not how I would picture him). The real problem with the Arion Press edition is that it's so insanely rare and expensive.

>34 DanMat:

Sienkiewicz's art is very striking; thanks for the link. This is more what I think of when I think of an illustrated work. It not only gives the artist's concept of scene and character, but by use of color palette, composition, and technique creates a mood that represents that artist's feelings for the work.

As an example of an artist who can really illustrate the scope of the novel, consider this pre-production illustration for an abortive film remake of Moby Dick. The artist is an accomplished matte painter, Paul Lasaine:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pYhtd5F751g/Rzfu0fDVggI/AAAAAAAAAdY/nvnIkzvHU4Y/s1600-...

Received Moby Dick today....thanks all for the advice today. I do love it as I thought I would based on your comments. The leather in particular is very soft. The paper seems a bit thin, with being able to see through it pretty easily.

38: really? that's dissapointing. For a limited edition, you would think the paper would be nice and thick...

yea...I am sure others will disagree with me, I just do think it is a bit thin....of course, the book would be 8 inches thick if they used paper like what is in the Importance of Being Earnest from Bowler Press that I just received (or for that matter what is on the EP Ovid DLE). All in all, I loved the book, it looks and feels great....that is my only 'constructive' criticism.

I love my FS LE Moby Dick and can't find anything to fault it actually. It was my first FS LE and the first order (order second if you count the Fairy Tales introduction offer). I love it to bits and haven't found myself in awe with any other FS edtion of the ones I have as I was with Moby Dick, although Canterbury Takes comes close. Although, Arion Press's Moby Dick might surpass this. I do love the coloured capital letters

Actually, looking at the pictures, it looks like a pretty amazing book. That cover is great.

I can't believe they used sean scully to illustrate anything. He's an abstract painter. A mix of Rothko and I dunno, someone who loves stripes. So left-field.

I just learned that Melville's birthday is today - and my Moby Dick Folio Society LE arrived only yesterday: what a nice coincidence! After unpacking I spent a long time just admiring the gorgeous leather binding wondering how it was manufactured. It looks like they have removed a thin layer of the black coloured leather to display the white areas. Never seen anything like this before. It's marvelous!

Some photos here: link

>43 rainerc:
Congratulations rainerc! Moby Dick was my first FS LE and the reason why I joined The FS. Three years and a couple of LEs later it is still one of my favourites. Enjoy the beautiful binding!

> 44

I have hesitated ordering Moby Dick for a long time because I already owned the German translation with the Rockwell Kent illustrations, which is indeed a very nice edition. But the notes in this forum finally made my decision to order - and I am very, very glad that I did.

May I ask if you are from Germany, too?

BTW: My reason for membership was the Kelmscott Chaucer, offered in this year's Spring Sale for just £ 150.

>45 rainerc:

I am German, but I left my home country more than twelve years ago for job reasons. I currently live and work in the Netherlands. This means that my library is split between Germany and the Netherlands.

Am I the only one who doesn't like that they put a large label of what the contents are on the outside of the package? I suppose they would leave it off if asked, but still...

An unpacked copy of Moby Dick is for sale on ebay. Link. 1 bid at £ 25 but reserve not yet met.

You may love this : Moby Dick big Read

Not pictures and text but pictures and voices. One chapter daily starting today

Program looks great:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/sep/15/moby-dick-captures-stars-big-read

> 49

Interesting concept. As someone who was brought up on Charles Bronson's Elizabeth Bennet, call me prejudiced if you like. But Tilda Swinton as Ishmael? Still, once you've played Orlando, I suppose anything's possible. Bring on David Cameron as Khan of the plank.

Tilda Swinton as Ishmael?

**swoooooooon**

A worthwhile project... but a feminine voice?

I checked it out, as I was intrigued, but I am afraid my prejudices got in the way. I know I should perhaps be more open minded, but knowing Moby Dick quite well, and having a very strong sense of character in my head, I just couldn't reconcile Ishmael and a female narrator. Especially for Chapter 1 which includes a lot of content which I think has a lot of gender context)

>54 EclecticIndulgence:

HA! Good point!

People are reading Moby Dick...I think actors might play up dialogue, but the book is essentially in Melville's writing voice, more than a internal dialogue or narration from a specific character.

Tilda Swinton has a good voice, I don't categorize it as particularly feminine or Moby Dick as especially masculine. But is John Waters the only American? I guess MB is still bettter appreciated across the pond...

Moby-Dick has been discussed on many occasions and threads. I'm reviving this old exchange to mention, tangentially, that an edition of essays, commentaries and illustrations on Melville's work, extremely well done, has seen the light this month as the beginning of a series of similar books dealing with the classics. Of course, the book is in Spanish but you don't have to know the language to enjoy the presentation, the wide scope intended and the illustrations. Those with some knowledge of Spanish will be able, no doubt , to benefit even more.

http://graphiclassic.es/index.html

Moby Dick is one of my favourite books and I have about 5 editions of it. The FS LE is far and away my most prized edition. One of the nicest LE's FS have produced, I think.

> 58

Yes, David, you are right. Overall, in terms of quality, size, price, printing, illustrations and binding (not to say anything about the story) the FS LE of Moby-Dick is tops.

I know I'm probably going slightly against the grain here but I prefer Gary Palmer's engravings in the standard Folio edition to those of Rockwell Kent in the LE (which thrilled my wallet). But I do think the full black leather binding of the LE is beautiful - certainly a good choice to use the LE voucher with if you're a Rockwell Kent fan.

I agree with David and Antonio above, it was one of my first purchase after joining the FS and I absolutely love it. Everyone who visits me when I show them Moby Dick LE are in awe of its beauty. There is nothing like it currently available from the FS at that price and awesomeness, Yes I know that's not eloquently put but hey that's what comes to mind.

Moby Dick is almost OOP. Only 15 copies left!

> 62
Thanks for the heads-up. These are going like hot fish-cakes. There are now twelve left. I believe I have taken the thirteenth-last (provided the order can be fulfilled). I left this book go far too long.
Clark's landscapes and diary coming with this order - that's me 'renewed', and so no new books for a while!

> 63

You will not regret this. It is a magnificent edition and I have been amazed by how long it remained in print.

> 64
Glad to hear it. I think it's always better to get LEs from FS while they can be had; I've never seen much of a bargain on the second-hand market. I forlornly look for a Surinam Album (which I didn't buy in time) every week.

Do you think it may be because the novel itself is not regarded universally (outside the US) as a classic?
I read it, found it to be a good read but 'special'? I don't know.

>62 wcarter: My wallet would have been better off not knowing! One day it's no books for a while...the next day I buy a LE:-\

> 66
I have never read it - looking forward to it. I'm currently reading, and delighted by, Philip Hoare's Leviathan, and this (along with a whole armada of O' Brian novels) has given me something of taste for brine-flecked fiction.

I know this will be anathema to some of you who proudly insist on reading each of your purchases, but I would point out that given the canonical nature of Moby Dick this beautiful edition is one to own even if one never actually sits down to read it. I have plenty of friends who simply could not make it through, and among those that did, most did not like it. So I bought this one because of the exquisite cover design and illustrations. When I finally manage to read it (or at least attempt to) I plan to read my Limited Edition while at home and one of my less expensive but still collectible editions for away from home.

>69 UK_History_Fan: I was the other way round: I bought it because I absolutely loved the book (which is the same for the other four LEs I've bought over the years).

The FS Moby Dick LE is without doubt one of my favourite books. Both in terms of content and quality. I absolutely love everything about it, including the tangential meditations on the human condition.

>68 Firumbras: I agree that Hoare's Leviathan is great. It was not normally something I would have picked up, but was drawn to it when I saw a programme on BBC2 discussing the Samual Johnson prize shortlist for 2009 (which it went on to win).

-70

I love Moby Dick as well. It is a strange masterpiece and yes the plot disappears for 300 pages and morphs into a whaling treatise but I find those chapters fascinating in their own right. The book is also full of puns and learned word play and reads like the King James Bible entangled with Shakespeare and Captain Mariyat. The early chapters are deliciously atmospheric. I have never had difficulty getting through it. One of my desert island books.

Moby Dick is a masterpiece and rightly belongs in the Western canon of great literature. The whaling passages can become initially distracting as perhaps unnecesary, but subsequent readings reveal symbolism and metaphor that enrich human understanding. The Folio edition is a fantastic book to hold with admiration. The surprising part is that it has been available for so long. One of Folio's best projects.

> 73
"The surprising part is that it has been available for so long."

Well 1750 is a rather high limitation number!

> 74

True. My guess is that although there are many fans there are also many good editions. And also good translations and adaptations. See, please, my post # 57 above.

Moby Dick is a bona fide universal classic, and with every reason too.

I have pointed out before that my son loved this book when he read it, at the age of seven. And, of course, now he reads only infrequently. I had some influence on him I'm sure, having read it either three or four times myself. A brilliant book, though I am sticking with my University of California reproduction of the Arion Press edition.

I hope I did not give the impression that Moby Dick was not worthy of LE treatment. Indeed when I look back at my notes after finishing it, I see that I used words like masterful, gem, intense etc. But now later I do not hold the same intensity for the novel, as I do for others I have finished, so on reflection I myself think it is very good, but it has not 'stayed with me' if that makes sense?

Coincidentally, today's Spanish newspaper 'El País' carries an article on Moby-Dick. Excellent occasion to practice the language:

http://cultura.elpais.com/cultura/2013/08/22/actualidad/1377201232_261842.HTML

ETA: Sorry, I've found that the link may not work for non-subscribers. Not fair. See post 81, below, for a way around the problem.

The LE is still being hunted to extinction. Only ten copies now left in the wild...

> 79

Although the link gives you an "Error" page, you can still find the article if you type moby-dick in the search box and then click on "¡Cázala otra vez, Ahab!" when the search results come up.

> 81

Thanks, TabbyTom. Excellent navigational research! Certainly hope that you were rewarded with reading the story.

>82 drasvola:

I needed to tab every few seconds from the article to an online Spanish-English dictionary, but it's a very interesting piece. I don't think I'll be buying the Folio limited edition, but maybe I'll go to see Howard's movie if it comes to the local Odeon.

If I wasn't already in dept to the eyeballs with the society well into the new year, I'd certainly jump on this LE. Haven't read this classic yet, which was the only thing that held me back from spending my LE voucher on it earlier this summer (though I'm quite happy with my Alice LE too).

It is the only LE I have and well worth the money

Now down to only six copies left.
Going, going, ......................

I SO want to get a copy, but up to my eyebrows with payment plans...

I'd catch it before it is gone. It really is a wonderful edition, with all the great illustrations of Kent Rockwell.
A classic that, at least for me, is totally absorbing and worth re-reading from time to time.
Gorgeous, contemporary looks, with its all white, black and silver accents and gilding. Good font size.
Very soft leather. Feels much better than similar formatted LEs like Aeneid, LesMis, War&Peace, Decameron...
I've been tempted to get an extra copy for a while. I'm still are.

Still, a very good substitute for travels, etc... is the Hardcover copy of Modern Library, which has Kent's illustrations.
It is a great little book worth having around. Also, here with a 30% discount and free shipping to many countries:
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Moby-Dick-Herman-Melville/9780679600107

I wouldn't get the paperback version, though. It's porous paper greatly affects the details of the illustrations.

Don't think. Don't procrastinate. Just buy :)

Sorry, but its the nicest release in that particular series of FS limited editions.

and the leather smell, when you open the box... that smell ! : )

The enabling is getting pretty thick in here.

Four copies left!

Thanks for pushing me over the edge y'all :) Only 3 left!
This will be my first LE directly from FS (acquired a 2nd hand Alice, from this forum actually). Will keep the faith that I will receive an LE voucher in the future so I can get Just So Stories, but in the mean time I'm really looking forward to thoroughly enjoying this edition based upon everyone's comments. Thanks

>94 crazysyd:

Now that you've seen sense, I'll add an afterword to confirm that you'll love it! In fact, I just had to go in the Shed a moment ago for a sniff myself - and I'm still on a high.

>88 Smiler69:

It is not too bad if you put it on a 10 installments plan. And you really want it anyway - it is a magnificent edition.

I expect my copy to arrive wrapped in whale blubber, with a cask of whale oil for seasoning the leather.

>94 crazysyd: Congratulations. This is a purchase you won't regret.
You owe us. And you will agree soon.

>95 boldface: Impressive Shed!! Not so sure about the couch though, must hold sentimental value ;)

>98 Saint-J: Thanks! All I was thinking when making the order (the third go around) was 'hope I don't regret reading this forum today'....I'm sure I won't.

*groan*

As it is, my monthly payments are quite scary. I think I will ignore this thread from now on. Or should I just call FS back a second time today, after asking them to reorganize my financing and get them to throw Moby Dick in as well??

Again, *GROAN*

Wait , let me post some pictures of it. how come a topic like this goes without a picture..

I refuse to do any irresponsible enabling..

...but I have to agree that this is a marvellous LE. One I would not be without for all the tea on China.

>101 kafkachen: Kafka might be oppressive but kafkachen is just plain evil.

For those on the fence, a Moby Dick quote:
“Think not, is my eleventh commandment; and sleep when you can, is my twelfth. ”

>102 Conte_Mosca: > 101 >90 Quicksilver66: etc... Look at us... we should get some sort of commission for being honorary members of FS Mkting Dept.

PS: I would feel guilty tempting people with any other book. Not so much with this one, though.

friso_geerlings provided some pictures here (after Humboldt) Thanks:

http://pacfrodo.home.xs4all.nl/books/index2.htm

Ahhhhhh..........the smell of the leather.

3 left.

>99 crazysyd:

Thanks, crazysid, for your vote of confidence on the Shed. Not so sure about your comments on the couch! I agree, however, it doesn't look its best in the photos. We've got some temporary (well, they've been there about 5 years so far!) cushions under the proper ones to add some extra bounce. The covers stand out like sore thumbs. The couch itself, though, was bespoke and hand-made in solid oak for my grandparents when they married and set up home in 1922. It's actually a fine piece of furniture (the best I own!) and there are two matching armchairs. That said, they may well not be to your taste - modern, they ain't!

You should definitely get it. If I had to recommend just one, just one FS LE it would be Moby Dick LE.

It's responsible for making me join the FS and I'll let you know that everyone who visits me always pauses, and comments Moby Dick LE.

I've also thought about getting another copy.

Years from now, when you're all settled in, with a wonderful house, two kids, and a golden retriever; you will glance at your library, the fireplace from 1887, the oil painting of Napoleon, the Eames lounge chair, except you will feel that something is missing; a void; a splinter refusing to leave, that my dear would be FS Moby Dick LE withholding you from a perfect library.

I did actually, but somehow I am still trying to pursue a dream, that started 10 years ago: a career in law, if that ever happens.

I have number 962 - my birthyear is 1962...

did I mention the smell ?

-113

Funny you should mention the smell. Is Moby Dick the best smelling LE ever? Quite possibly.

it's the only book where I noticed an agreeable leather coach "smell". Most often it is a synthetic glue whiff.

Yes I do sniff my books but then again so did Oscar Wilde

- 115

I think quite a few of us here are book sniffers. It beats sniffing glue.

>107 boldface: Ahhh indeed a fine sturdy piece of craftsmanship, I had no doubt in that from the pictures, but the 'temporary' cushions did catch my eye and I thought that it's a sitter for sure! However it's probably the most comfortable piece of furniture you could rest your caboose in....never judge a couch by its cover!

>109 ironjaw:
That modernist Eames Lounge Chair won't match that far more classic setting. Especially if you add the ottoman, which you must do.

But then again you can throw it all together and call it "eclectic", as Fraiser did in the first episode of the series, with his Eames besides tribal African masks and the like.

I love my Eames Chair, especially for reading. Best purchase ever.

After my FS Moby Dick LE. That is.

And then there were 2 ... I just snagged one. All this talk of its smell finally swayed me. I'm a highly sensory person and have to sniff it for myself to see if it lives up to its hype :)

I bought Moby Dick last week and I'm still waiting on it. It will be my first LE also. I never thought I would see the day when I fell this far into the folio hole.

>113 Macumbeira:-116

Yes, maybe this edition would have sold twice as fast if the brochure had had one of those scratch and sniff tabs.

Just snagged the last one.

I just went through this thread and was a bit embarrassed to see I'd mentioned my payment plans over and over again. But then, I'm sure many of you can relate.

Before I even visited this thread just now, I went to the FS site and snagged the penultimate copy. Whether I actually get it or not is of course in the hands of the gods at the moment, but let it be known I did take the plunge BEFORE I read all the comments here. I must have felt the pressure mounting as you were each posting. Also, thanks to a particularly difficult day, I felt I needed to treat myself. At worst, if I end up not being completely thrilled with it once I've gotten around to reading it, I'm sure I can at the very least recoup my investment by selling it to an eager collector. That is if I actually receive it to begin with... The waiting begins.

>105 drasvola: I WANT THE SURINAM ALBUM!!!

That was my reaction to those photos. Not that anything's changed, just that I want it even MORE than before, if that's even possible.

>109 ironjaw:, 118 I'm not quite sure Faisel was targeting me with that comment, but I can say that it's true enough I have eclectic tastes and like to mix it up. I would absolutely love to have that Eames recliner and matching ottoman, and would gladly put myself and it in an old house or apartment with vast rooms, fireplaces and beautiful mouldings and carvings... Perhaps even original built-in bookcases? Everything coated in a nice soft creamy white, like those Folio pages we like to fondle so much. Something to dream about. But I'll draw the line at the Napoleon portrait. Maybe I should put an ad on one of those singles sites and just copy this post, see what comes up? I'm willing to put up with a lot for vast rooms filled with book cases and guaranteed me time on that Eames chair. Ideally this is a new collector who needs help building up the ideal library--which of course eliminates anyone from this group! :-)

>125 EclecticIndulgence: Thanks Chris. I'm touched that you thought of offering them to me first. Did make me smile. I'm just thinking it over and will respond soon.

Just had confirmation of my credit card being deducted so managed to get one of the last few!

Does anybody know why it's now listed as being 'sold out' as opposed to OOP?

>128 Smiler69: Sold out has certainly been used in the past to denote that all copies of a particular batch of books have sold. Most FS LEs are produced and sold in batches up until they reach the last of the limitation at which point they are listed as OOP. I don't know whether 'Sold Out' in relation to Moby Dick is an error and it is indeed now gone, or whether it is simply that they have reached the end of the batch and more will be forthcoming.

Congratulations to the last buyers. Wait to see it "in the leather".

>123 Smiler69:, 124. I'm certain you will be able to recoup your investment, should you decide to sell.
Most likely with some gain soon due its quality, design concept, and original "low price" for a LE.
I'm not afraid to mix things up, but I'd draw the line at the Napoleon portrait too!

>130 HuxleyTheCat: if that's the case Fiona (that they've only reached the end of the batch) that means that some poor Faddics are up for more of this pressure cooker enabling here when the end of the next batch draws near. Heaven forbid!

I seem to recall that the Van Gogh sketchbooks were listed as SOLD OUT in the days after the last one was sold, and then the designation was changed to OUT OF PRINT at some later point.

They check for some last copies (and some copies may get returned for various reason including "I do not like it" or "Receiver not reachable"). At least this would be my best guess.

Is this thread the first example of Book 'Ramping'. I've heard of stock ramping but not this! ;-)

Well if the quest is to be intellectually enlightened then that ain't bad!

136

Ramping an 'edition' might be closer to the mark then, not the work itself! ;-)

From Folio Society's customer service department regarding the Moby Dick LE: "This edition is now out of stock and we will not be getting any more in."
So, those who purchased the last few remaining copies over the past week or so, myself included, can feel good about the splurge.

>138 wrenegade: you can ignore my inquiry on the OOP thread. I'm still waiting for confirmation on whether or not I made the cut as an official owner of this LE. will report back when I find out.

I would like to know if the last Mobies were numbered 1497, 1498, 1499 & 1500 ?

> 140
Mine (bought last Friday) arrived today, no. 1745. A lovely book, and more richly illustrated than I had thought. Now begins the hard task of finding it suitable berth-mates on the bookcases (out of the solander box, of course).

> 141
Thanks Dejavoo - this one is already becoming a real challenge. I'll post a pic when I have it suitably harpooned!

Oh, which Castle of Otranto is that, kafkachen? Lovely lineup.

>146 LolaWalser:
That is from LEC :)

> 145

kafkachen: Who's the publisher of your copy of Prescott's Ferdinand and Isabella, please?

>148 drasvola:, 149
All the other non-fs are from Limited Editions Club .

This is just a temporary space where books stay for a few days before going back (with slipcase ) into its original shelve.

> 150

Thanks. A very enabling picture! Congratulations!

>150 kafkachen: I'm relieved to see its a temporary arrangement, if only because I was feeling very envious of your courage to rid yourself of the slipcovers--I always think the books look so much better without them, but couldn't bring myself to take them away.

That a great shot. How do you get your depth of field? Is it your camera/lens or do you use a filter?

>152 Smiler69:
Yep, it is more appealing without slipcase. and I believe there must be a pile of books somewhere on your desk or sofa without its slipcase. I just clear up a space for them.

Aperture control depth of field, It was shoot with f2.8 , any setting wider then f2.8 will give you very narrow depth of field and the blur effect.

I still haven't received confirmation from FS one way or the other about whether I made the cut for one of the last copies of Moby Dick, so just called them up. The LE department is shut down at this hour, but it seems demand supplanted available stock, which isn't too surprising. I'm mentally preparing myself for NOT being a lucky winner, so to speak, that way if I do get it, it'll be a pleasant surprise. Confirmation emails should be forthcoming at the beginning of the week. It'll be a long weekend...

>154 Smiler69: Has the FS charged your credit card for the Moby Dick LE? Mine has been charged already, so I'm assuming that means I made the cut? Or would FS automatically charge my card and then refund the payment if the book isn't available?

> 155
Although I have never purchased is this close to the end of the limitation, I would have to think that Folio only charges upon shipment so it would seem a safe bet you are getting it.

> 154, 155
I got my copy today, and the shipping status still reads 'processing'! I'd say it's on the way. My card was debited straight away.

>157 Firumbras:

Shipping status is notoriously unreliable :)

No charge on my card, which is rather ominous.

> 140 I would like to know if the last Mobies were numbered 1497, 1498, 1499 & 1500 ?

I doubt it. By chance, I ordered the Alice LE on the last day before it went sold out, so close that I phoned up to check that I had actually got a copy. When it arrived it was numbered 3361 (out of a limitation of 3750).

Antonio, Ferdinand and Isabella by the LEC (Limited Editions Club) is a beautiful volume; just amazing! And it's printed letterpress. If your lucky, you can find one on ebay already with the monthly letter (detailing the production, illustration and other musings by the publisher George Macy) and announcement card.

I highly recommend it. I have just gifted one away to a dear friend.

>154 Smiler69:

And just to make things funnier, I got one of my books refunded today (apparently because they did not have it at the end) even though I think I saw a charge to my card. I think they charge the card as soon as they are ready to get the book in the warehouse - and when they cannot find another copy, they refund. Or at least this is how it looks to me.

>148 drasvola:, 161

The Ferdinand and Isabella volume is a beauty and my introduction to the delights of LEC. By coincidence, I received my copy as a gift from a friend whose taste is impeccable.

> 161, 163

I see. Many thanks for your good advice. I'm looking into it.

> 152 I shudder at the idea, not to leave the books in their slipcases or solander boxes. Why would you do that ? It protects against damage and discoloration

> 165
It also protects them from being seen by me! I want to see the book, not the box, and I'm fairly sanguine about reasonable wear arising over time from a well handled and enjoyed title.

As promised, here's a pic of it anchored in its new harbour:

Antonio, here are some pictures of Ferdinand and Isabella:

> 168

Many thanks, Faisel. I'm sold. I did some research as to availability and prices. I've placed an order through abe from the US. Another vendor (also in the US, stated that close to $35 would be due in import taxes !! not applicable in Spain to books).

Congratualtions, did you acquire it with the monthly letter? I have a copy, will probably have to scan it in

> 170

I'm not sure if the letter is there. Will let you know. Thanks, Faisel. Have sent you a PM.

> 145

I laud your bravery and taste in displaying your books free of those heavy, ugly, cumbersome, plain, boring slipcases. If only I were as brave as you.

Post script

I have just read your later post in which you say this is only a temporary arrangement and the books go back into their fusty slipcases. What a shame !

I also think that LEC Ferdinand and Isabella is beautiful as well. I admit to being very tempted by it.

>172 Quicksilver66:

Yes, a temporary place to line up for a few weeks wouldn't hurt. it is very lovely to look at :).
Ferdinand and Isabella is beautiful in many aspect ( very thick paper ), but I find its illustration average. although it was hand-color .

>145 kafkachen:, 168

I congratulate you both on your excellent taste, and your subtle enablement. I have just purchased a copy from Abe. Not sure if it came with the monthly letter, though.

I picked up my Moby-Dick from the post office today. I ordered the third from the last in stock and my limitation number is 1742.

My first impression: Call me impressed. The solander box is suitably imposing, although it could have been dressed up a bit. The leather feels great and smells even better. The cover is rather striking and gets me in the mood for what's to come inside. In flipping through the book, I was struck by how heavily illustrated it is. My first impression is that I like the illustrations but I will reserve final judgment until I read the book. It's been about two decades since I last read Moby-Dick, so I think the commentary volume will come in handy.

All in all, I'm pleased with my first FS LE and I'm sure I'll enjoy reliving the adventure all over again, this time in high style.

It seems I will be receiving a copy, even as I'd given up all hope and started thinking it just as well considering how much money I owe the society already (here I go mentioning that again!). They did run out of copies, but apparently managed to find a couple which had been saved for the dMR, of which one should be headed my way any time now.

No. 1749 arrived yesterday.

>175 johnbean9:, 176, 177

Congratulations to all the new owners, especially to Ilana as it wasn't clear at all that was able to snatch a copy. You will be glad you did.
On the subject, I found myself this afternoon buying yet another Moby Dick "cheap, pocket-sized Moby Dick FS LE" (mentioned in 89). I always end finding an use for all of them. Practical but "not quite" as nice at the FS LE!

>178 Saint-J: Thank you Saint J, but with all this waiting, I'll believe it's mine when I'm actually holding my copy in my hands.

>179 Smiler69:

That will happen any moment now. : )

Moby-Dick was my very first LE (copy number 1031), and turned out to be a "gateway drug" to full-blown FAD. At the time, paying £175 for a book seemed utterly outrageous and indefensible - after all, I'd just shelled out £46.50 for the hardcover "reduced" Arion Press edition (now sadly unavailable), and I was very pleased with it.

And then I saw the LE on the FS website. OMFG - it looked fabulous, but it took me the best part of a month to justify the outlay. Ultimately it was the Rockwell Kent illustrations that clinched it. The rest, as my bank statements will attest, is history.

>89 Saint-J:, 178
The Modern Library edition is my favourite reading copy - it ticks all the boxes: reasonably compact, well bound, decent quality paper and, above all, the Rockwell Kent illustrations. For the ultimate in portability, of course, there's the wonderful little gem that is the Collector's Library edition, but you have to supply the images yourself :-)

-167

Nice grouping! The design on the Les Miserables spine looks especially sharp...

182
Thanks- just some books I threw together! I've always liked the Miro- esque design for the Les Mis LE . Anachronistic but pleasing.

I received mine last week (no. 1746 I believe). All I can say is well worth the money. However, I'm still sniffing the leather so haven't had time to look through it.

Hi, my name is Steve and I'm a book sniffer:-P Now...what LE to get next??!

> 184
Thanks, Dejavoo - I aim to please!

It's a good smell.

Mine finally arrived today--#1602. Read the first chapter and I think I will enjoy it quite a lot. Otherwise, looking at some of the prices on Abe, I'm confident I could get my money back and quite a bit more.

> 188 It is a beautiful book which you will no doubt treasure. I hope you are proud in the knowledge that you are one of only about 1750 people in the whole world owning this beauty. May this convert you to the cause of FS LE's?

It's actually gone! I have mixed feelings, but ultimately it's a temptation removed for me. The book is quite obviously a beauty, but I always had reservations about the recycled Rockwell Kent illustrations. This isn't intended as a knock on the illustrations themselves; I just have a strong preference for original interpretations and Folio is at its best when they go this route. The recent Faulkner and Voltaire LEs are two examples, in my opinion, of Folio at its best.

This be a good thread for the pirate talk. Arrrr.

>189 groeng: I was converted to the FS LEs from day one, but the practicality of spending that much money one one book is rather daunting. Then there's the fact that I'm nervous handling the book and may consider getting a cheap reading edition, which is sort of ridiculous and for me defeats the purpose of getting a beautiful book to begin with.

Having missed the opportunity to purchase it directly from the Folio Society when it was available and after reading every message on this thread not once but three times and waiting patiently for three months, I was able to snag a like new copy of FS LE Moby Dick on eBay just now for $450 (with free shipping). Seller wanted $549.51 and I offered $425 and then raised it to $450 before seller accepted my revised offer.

Googling, I found that the last one sold on eBay for around $475 (with free shipping as well) in April 2014. So at this rate perhaps another one will appear on eBay for sale eight months from now.

I can't wait to get my hands on the book when it arrives and enjoy it over the holidays.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moby-Dick-by-Herman-Melville-The-Folio-Society-Traycased...

>194 folio_fl_and_ep:

I've been your exact shoes; I missed the opportunity to buy MD from Folio but recently was fortunate enough to find a brand new copy (which included some dusty old spiders inside Folio's cardboard packaging)

I actually just finished reading it a couple weeks ago and it's become one of my favourite books, both the text and the binding. Having held it for a week, day in and day out, I can say that you'll love it. The leather is like no other I've felt before. I'm not sure why the leather for this edition just feels so much softer and smoother than the other similarly-bound books ie Aeneid, Don Quixote & Ulysses etc. but it does. I sometimes find myself taking it out of the solander box just to fondle it and it's something I can say without doubt that I will never part with.

>195 wongie:

Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience. Reading these firsthand accounts from you along with others posted on this thread made me realize what an impressive book production MB is.

With Don Quixote, Moby Dick is one of the best LE's. I have to agree with Wongie - the leather on this edition is exquisite. The binding design is beautiful and with Rockwell Kent's classic interior illustrations, what more could the lover of Moby Dick want. And the aroma of that binding .......................fantastic!