Easton Press Deluxe Limited Editions (5)

Well, since we hit the over 200 posts in the last DLE thread, I figure it's time to start another. Here is my latest update:

Kelmscott Chaucer -limited to 425, includes clamshell -$600, #2290 (SOLD OUT)
http://www.librarything.com/topic/76834
King James Bible -limited to 400, includes slipcase -$600, #2537 (SOLD OUT)
http://www.librarything.com/topic/107377
Midsummer Night's Dream (W.H. Robinson) -limited to 250, includes clamshell -$500, #2289
http://www.librarything.com/topic/87814
History of the Crusades (Dore) -limited to 600 -$500, #2563 (SOLD OUT)
http://www.librarything.com/topic/98080
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (Flint) -limited to 500, slipcase -$200, #2548 (SOLD OUT)
http://www.librarything.com/topic/106501
Leonardo da Vinci: the Notebooks -limited to 600, includes slipcase -$450, #2550 (SOLD OUT)
http://www.librarything.com/topic/103870
The Divine Comedy (Dore) -limited to 400, includes slipcase -$396, #2630 (SOLD OUT)
http://www.librarything.com/topic/110768
The History of the Indian Tribes of North America -limited to 400 -$597, #2597 (SOLD OUT)
http://www.librarything.com/topic/107300
Cassell's Illustrated Family Bible -limited to 800, includes slipcase -$396, #2564 (SOLD OUT)
http://www.librarything.com/topic/108713
The Romance of King Arthur (Rackham) -limited to 400, slipcase -$356, #2671 (SOLD OUT)
http://www.librarything.com/topic/108541
Lincoln A History (10 Volume Set) -limited to 400 -$999, #2725
http://www.librarything.com/topic/120487
Fahrenheit 451 (Signed by Bradbury) -limited to 700, includes slipcase -$195, #2708 (SOLD OUT)
http://www.librarything.com/topic/108648
Gulliver's Travels-limited to 500, includes slipcase -$199.80, #2747
http://www.librarything.com/topic/122158 (note: originally was supposed to have a limitation number of 600)
Fables of Aesop-limited to 300, includes slipcase -$500, #2721, now shipping
http://www.librarything.com/topic/122051 (note: originally was supposed to have a limitation number of 600)
The Canterbury Tales (W.R. Flint) -limited to 300, includes slipcase -$750, #2767, shipping Sept 30
(note: originally was supposed to have a limitation number of 500)
Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire (40 plates) -limited to 600, slipcase -$500 (CANCELED)
http://gibbon.epetitions.net/
Ovid's Metamorphoses (130 Illustrations) -limited to 400 -$500 #2710
http://www.librarything.com/topic/120475
Prince and the Pauper (192 B&W Illustrations) - limited to 600, slipcase, $285 #2784, shipping Oct 28
London A Pilgramage (Dore) -limited to?, slipcase -$496 #?, shipping Nov 25
Slaughterhouse-Five (signed by Vonnegut) -limited to 850, includes slipcase -$267, #2719
http://www.librarything.com/topic/120438

Please sign the petition to save Gibbon!

http://gibbon.epetitions.net/

Great!

As I write this, I have in my lap the delay announcement letters for the three yet-to-be-published DLEs. I don't know if you want to add the expected shipping dates to your list above; but, if so, here they are:

The Flint Canterbury Tales: September 30
The Prince and the Pauper: October 28
Gustave Dore's London: November 25

Silent, thank you so much for the update, even if it isn't good news. You seem to have more info than the ever-friendly but often uninformed EP customer service reps. I pre-ordered Prince and Dore's London, so am particularly interested in this info. Please continue to update us if you find out any additional details!

Incidentally, I called EP three times back-to-back and spoke to three different customer service reps and heard the following three varying stories. The first one told me that Prince and the Pauper was already published and sold out, the second told me that it was not currently available but she would take my name in case their were any "returns,' and the third one told me that it had not been published yet but that the 2nd rep had entered a pre-order using my credit card on file (which wasn't exactly the conversation and that is not the same as "taking a name"). So who knows if I will ever actually get it.

Wow. From what I've heard in this group, it sounds like the software used by EP's reps tells them the number of available copies of each book, but not how many orders have been placed. Doesn't work too well for pre-orders. I don't know. Wow.

> 3, 4

Like SilentInAWay, all I can say is "wow". It is so sad and shocking that quite often EP reps, lovely as they are, often don't seem to understand what the hell is going on. This is so depressing and a major problem for any company. EP really need to get themselves sorted out.

It happens with a number of reps for companies, they can't read their own terms on what the symbols mean for weeks or months. Out of stock is appearing to be the same for not yet printed or thought as sold out to some reps. It would be confusing to some if they are new to phone calls. If you haven't seen it in their catalog it probably never was published yet, only a few have ever sold out overnight.

It's interesting that EP is reducing the number of DLEs.

Aesop is down to 300 from 600.
Canterbury is down to 300 from 500.

Perhaps they think those 2 won't sell as well as the others?

Maybe the price is to high for this economy. Gullivers was also dropped from 600 to 500 copies.

I received Gullivers today. I will start another thread with pics if anyone is interested.

> 8

I would be very interested as I have this title on order.

Thanks for the note Wootle. I've added it all to post #1. Maybe it is the economy, although their DLEs tend to sell out. Honestly though, I think they're doing the right thing by having smaller limitation numbers (300-500) at least for unsigned editions.

My guess is Pauper and London will also be in the 300-500 range.

Astropi, did I read in one of these posts somewhere that Pauper is sold out? I know they haven't started shipping yet, and haven't called EP direct. Is that correct?

I checked yesterday with EP, it is still being sold!

11: with EP, anything is possible. Personally, I would find that unlikely, but you never know. My suggestion to anyone that wants Pauper or any DLE is to order as soon as possible.

To paraphrase Eric Cartman (South Park), "I Hate You Guys!"

I realize that is to introduce rather low-brow humor into an otherwise respectable group, but here is why it is relevvant to this topic.

I have purchased several DLE, though I have no intent or resources to purchase all.

I fully intended to pass on the DLE Aesop's Fables as being way too overpriced and plain. Then you had to go and post those gorgeous pictures and talk it up, slowing breaking down my resistance.

Furthermore, I never had any interest in the DLE for A Midsummer Night's Dream. But again, there have been reviews, posts, pictures and oodles of praise for this particular edition.

So I just called Easton Press customer service and took the following steps closer to bankruptcy:

1) Confirmed my pre-order for the DLE Prince and the Pauper
2) Confirmed my pre-order for DLE Dore's London
3) Ordered the DLE Aesop's Fables (the rep mentioned there are "a lot" still left, which is surprising given the run was reduced to only 300, I'm curious how he defines "a lot")
4) Ordered the DLE A Midsummer Night's Dream (rep stated there are only "very limited" supplies)
5) Ordered the current iteration of the CLFE Tom Sawyer with the Rockwell illustrations (since 2nd hand copies regularly go for higher price, might as well get it from the source and brand new)

The customer rep did confirm the earlier advice offered somewhere in these forums to confirm your pre-order by August 21st...something about advance order exceeding 90 days needing confirmation. So if any of you have pre-ordered the DLEs released this fall, you may want to ensure you are still on the list.

I think I may need to remove Library Thing from my bookmarks as it is clearly too expensive to read all these posts!

>14 UK_History_Fan:: Hear! Hear! Knock it off, Wootle. (Just kidding, of course.) (kind of.) (maybe not.) (okay, kidding.) (i think.)

Okay, someone else now has to post pics if they are to be viewed. I've been told multiple times now to buzz off and quit it. Adios. :P

>16 Wootle:: I WAS KIDDING! i think.

Seriously, though ... I really was.

>14 UK_History_Fan:

There but for the grace of God go I --- no...wait a second..I already went there (damn!)

> 18

Yes, and I'm on the way as well.

>18 SilentInAWay:, yes, I will be going before God, or at least Saint Peter, when my wife discovers the bills for all these DLEs.

I'm trying to raise my criteria for these DLEs to something more than "it is beautiful" because I seriously can't keep up with EP. (Although I not so secretly want them all.)

14: another one bites the dust...

So, any idea when the next DLE is coming out?

Shhh!!

Any idea on how many sets are available for Lincoln?

24: if you go up to post #1, and look at my handy-dandy list, you'll notice it's 400 :)

>25 astropi: Thanks but I was actually asking how many were left or any idea. Now I realise that my post in >24 ironjaw: above did not turn out to convey what I was trying to ask :o)

26: ah... that I don't know. Although you could call costumer service. They're usually good at giving a ballpark figure if not actual numbers.

I've just been told I need new shocks for my car, and it's going to cost me. New shocks vs. another DLE (can't have both); hmmmmm....I'll probably end up taking the bus!!

>28 iluvbeckett:: I just paid the plumber $100. I tried to persuade him to take a variant spine edition of Great Expectations in trade but he wouldn't go for it.

Lol. I bet he would have accepted some old Playboy magazines though! Not that I am degrading your library or literary tastes, I hear the ARTICLES are quite well written :-)

Weird that the first editions of Aesop mention 300 copies only and the new catalog 400!

> 31
I agree, but it is also not surprising if the same people that manage the website and its content also manage the catalogue.

Indeed, it doesn't matter what the website says. It is often wrong. And the DLE Aesop is definitely limited to 300 copies.

I ordered London today and asked how many Aesop's Fables were left. The customer rep said "about 200".

I just received two separate letters today from EP asking me to reconfirm my orders for Dore's London and Prince and the Pauper. I just did this last week via phone when I called to get a return label for Gulliver's Travels

The good news is that my preorders made it to their system. The bad news is that there is still the longstanding disconnect between their usually excellent if often uninformed customer service, marketing, and shipping.

For a company that probably makes a significantly larger income than we would ever guess one would expect a better platform infrastructure!

> 35

I think EP is viewed as a small part of a larger business empire (Danbury Mint, etc) and is perhaps not given the resources it deserves by it's parent company. I know for a fact that staff at EP can be moved to Danbury Mint and vice versa. I think that's why staff are sometimes not sure what is going on.

I'm in a quandary (-is that grammatically correct?): I will have the opportunity to purchase either Aesop OR Canterbury Tales within the next month, but NOT both. Which is closer to a being "sold out", i.e. which title, both with 300 copy limitations, is selling faster at this point? Any inside ideas/notions from the experts? Any "intelligence" you can provide will be enormously helpful. (Of course I could always ask EP customer service, but tho' they are very sharp as a general rule, I'm not totally confident they are 100% reliable in regard to knowledge of remaining stocks of DLEs.) Thanks anyone and everyone!!

37: I don't know, but if I had to guess, I would say Aesop. Reason being that fables are fun and easy to read, and also that it's $250 cheaper than Canterbury.

I would say get the expensive one. Then at least if they sell out you can get the $250 cheaper Aesop at an not-so-inflated-price.

39: that's only assuming the Aesop does not sell out sooner. I personally think the Aesop is more likely to sell out more quickly.

Anecdotally only, I have ordered the Aesop and am passing on Chaucer. So I am acting consistently with the conjectures offered here. I would order the Aesop first. Plus Canterbury isn't even shipping yet and I think it might only sell more once pictures of someone's actual copy (Wail?) circulate and it becomes potentially more desirable. That is what happened with me and Aesop. Had every intention of passing until I saw pics here and discovered that it is much more comprehensive than the 100 Greatest version.

>41 UK_History_Fan:: Breaking down everyone's resolve with tempting pictures of DLEs is Wootle's specialty. I personally think we should demand E/P stop this DLE madness before we all end up penniless and broke. Who's going to post here then?

Shit sorry Wail. I knew it was a W. Too many Gins tonight and hard to concentrate typing on iPhone on a bus.

Why doesn't everyone petition EP to send me the new DLEs free since I seem to be the culprit behind many of their sells. Then I could share them with all of you after photographing and reviewing them.

Well ... why would they do that when they can sell you a copy that you share with all of us after photographing and reviewing them?

I suppose you have a point. But, in the near future, the run of buying all of them is going to come to an end for me.

Corrected the spelling of Canterbury in > 40. Thank you for your kindness in letting that little typo pass until I could self-correct it....once again, gin, bus, iPhone, not the best combination. In fact, I missed my stop typing an apology of sorts to wail for accusing him of making us all buy DLEs after his wonderful posts when in fact it was Wootle (and here, I sincerely apologize to Wootle for not being appreciative enough of his efforts at emptying my bank account to offer proper attribution).

47> gin, bus, iPhone

Sounds like all those expensive book purchases are finally exacting their toll...

What's next...McDonald's three times a day?? (Yumm!!)

Well it has been a banner shipping day here in Chicago. I received both the DLE A Midsummer Night's Dream (21 of 250) and the DLE Aesop's Fables (95 of 300).

I find it extraordinary that these are both the same price. I am completely underwhelmed by the Shakespeare and feel it is completely overpriced, even within the DLE category. This should not have cost any more than Gulliver or at most just slightly more, say $250 or less. I have no intent to return it, mind you, but it will never rank as one of my best or most economical purchases. It is a very beautiful volume, but at that price it amazes me what it lacks: no inner stamping of the leather boards (similar to Gulliver, Aesop, and Lincoln), no gilt page ends (only a dark grey stain on the top pages), the standard brown/orange bookmark (matching any standard EP book's moire endpages, but matching nothing about this book), and B&W illustrations that could have a better/sharper print quality. Also, the color illustrations that have been tipped in do not seem as vibrant as I would expect given that they do not need to be mass produced and printed directly on the page. Ok, those are the criticisms, and here is what I appreciate: the quality of the leather binding, the gorgeous marbled endpages, the multi-color leather cover, the quality and thickness of the pages, and the green clam-shell box (though it could have been of better construction...a corner is dinged and wraparound fabric on one of the inside corners is pulling apart already). So on balance a disappointment but not sufficient to return it. Incidentally, it really has more to do with the price. At $200, I would have found it a fair value overall.

Aesop, on the other hand, is not a disappointment at all. Though I agree with an earlier review that mentions it seems somewhat plain, there is just something about the overall impression this set provides that I find worth the cost. Clearly, all of these judgements and reviews are purely subjective and everyone will have a different opinion/impression. First of all, the thickness and quality of the leather boards is quite impressive (and I love the rich burgundy color!), perhaps the sturdiest I've seen. Yet the books were a bit smaller than I expected (I know dimensions are provided in the advertisement, but I never really get out a tape measure to determine book size when ordering), but that is not a complaint. At least it will fit on the bottom row of my bookshelf (13") unlike most of the DLEs. Second, the marble endpages are every bit as beautiful as the pictures posted by Wootle, my favorite to date in any book I own. The gold stamping on the outside and inside edge of the boards is also quite attractive. Inside, the pages are of beautiful paper stock (with just the right shade of off-white) and the pictures and text appear sufficiently antique to appeal to my love of history and old books. Perhaps that is why Ovid is still my favorite DLE (keeping in mind I missed out on both Kelmscott and the Crusades), because it has the feel of owning a book that belongs in a rare book room of a fine university library. Ovid and Aesop really are fine reproductions, or perhaps I am just partial to 18th century publications! And quite honestly, the fact that London 1793 is stamped on the spine has quite a lot of appeal to me! Silly, but true.

> 49

Thanks UK. You have really whetted my appetitite for Aesop, which I have ordered (about a week ago with Ovid but EP have still not charged my card !!!). The Aesop does indeed sound beautiful.

You appetite should be even more sated by the Ovid which is far more impressive (sheer size alone!) and heavily illustrated.

>49 UK_History_Fan:

I agree with your assessment entirely, UK.

In the previous number of this thread, I commented that most of the DLEs have something deluxe about them, but none of the books share all of these deluxe qualities. I then went on to say that, with two exceptions, the relative prices of the various DLEs have, to me, been more or less proportional to the relative quality of the books. Bigger, multi-volume books with several "deluxe" features and a shorter print run are generally priced higher than smaller, single-volume books with a single "deluxe" feature and a larger print run. So, if you accept the general price level of the DLEs, you could say that, with each individual book, you pretty much get what you pay for. If you suffer from champagne taste--where anything less than the best of the best is not worthy of your attention--then I imagine you will want to avoid any book under $500 (maybe any book under $1000)!!

The two exceptions that I mentioned were the Kelmscott (which was, to my mind, underpriced) and A Midummer Night's Dream (which was overpriced). It's really hard to believe that the Kelmscott is the same price as the 1611 KJB -- and only a hundred dollars more than the Crusades and Ovid (even thought these are two-volume sets). Likewise, it's really hard to accept that A Midsummer Night's Dream is the same price as the Ovid and over a hundred dollars more than both the Dante and the King Arthur!!

The real test will be with the upcoming Flint-illustrated Canterbury Tales which, although at $250 per volume, is right in line with the prices of the other multi-volume sets (Crusades, Ovid, Aesop and even Dante). The problem is that, at three volumes, the $750 price tag is high enough that I can't imagine not comparing the book with the Kelmscott, which sold for $150 less. Even with Flint's illustrations, them's some big shoes to fill...

Thanks for your thoughts, Silent. As I mentioned in another post I decided to Pass on Canterbury since I own so many other versions and I can't swallow $750 for the Flint illustrations, which as someone else pointed out aren't the most appropriate illustrations For this particular title.

Thanks for your input, UK History Fan. Previously, you indicated your dissatisfaction with Gulliver's Travels, but were reserving final judgment until you received a replacement copy. I was wondering if you had received your replacement and, if so, what your final assessment of that DLE is.

> 54
That is so nice of you to remember and follow up. I just checked with EP today and I should receive it by tomorrow and will post my final impressions here. I am inclined at this point to keep it, especially after a very enlightening discussion on here about the price as compared to the other DLEs and what to expect in that cost tier which was fair and made me feel better about it.

55- Don't let us guilt you into keeping a book that you are not happy with.

>52 SilentInAWay:: Ah, worship at the Alter of the Kelmscott continues apace!! (though certainly justifiable)...a bit of sour grapes on my part, I'll admit. I was a year late to the party and never got a copy :-((

I missed the EP Kelmscott too. If anyone needs to sell theirs I would be happy to make a fair offer :-). Same with Dore illustrated Crusades which I also missed because I decided to fund my London vacation instead. Now I realize I should have just done both and recognized the decrease in my bank account as part of living.

> 54
Ok, perhaps I am being too picky, or perhaps Easton is just letting quality slip with the Gulliver's Travels DLE, but I just received my replacement copy due to the issues described here: Easton Press Deluxe Limited Editions (4) (see posts 185 and 205-208).

The replacement, while without the ding on the upper right hand corner of the front board, has some silver overspray (I don't know how else to describe it, it is rather small, perhaps the size of a pinky nail, but appears as though someone spray-painted in silver) in a couple of spots along the edges of the front and back boards. Further, the upper corners already appear discolored and rubbed. The leather covering the boards is very tan/brown but the hide underneath is closer to purple or burgundy (which is visible where it was cut to fold over the corners) and that is what is showing through the corners. There is also a pin-hole of this purple showing through toward the bottom center of the front cover and also a couple of flecks of it elsewhere on the boards. I was so surprised by this that at first I assumed there was some glue residue that had adhered to the inner lining of the slipcase but the slipcase is lined in charcoal grey felt. Only upon closer examination did I realize that whatever process is used to convert the purplish-burgundy raw leather into the glossy brown of the covers must have been inherently flawed on this copy. So I went back to my original shipment copy and very carefully examined the corners and discovered a similar issue too a lesser extent (though far less prominent as I clearly missed it upon the first examination).

I am inclined to try for a third time by sending back both of these copies, provided it is still available. Unfortunately, the return and third copy will all have to take place at the end of September when I return from London. Or maybe I should just give up on this DLE, but I sort of still want it.

This is getting a bit frustrating. I think they cut corners on quality a bit too much to meet their $200 price point (sort of, I still think $200 seems high for this, perhaps $150 would have been more fair). But my benchmark is that I would not accept these flaws in a $60 new EP book, so I should not have to accept them in a $200 one.

Can any of the others here who own this book carefully examine their copies and report back? Thanks in advance.

"But my benchmark is that I would not accept these flaws in a $60 new EP book, so I should not have to accept them in a $200 one."

Exactly. I think you've sealed my disinclination to purchase this DLE, especially since I already own a 19th century quarter-leatherbound edition with nice color illustrations. On the other hand, I do believe I'll buy the Aesop DLE, which has a look of elegant simplicity to me.

I have very small spots of rub through on the very corners from being pulled from the slipcase. I don't think you will be able to get a copy without them. The brown covering just isn't very thick and the purple/red dye is the under color.

59: could you please post pics of these blemishes?

I examined my copy and there are certainly no areas of "silver overspray." Moreover, the only place where I see the pre-dyed color of the leather (dark pink/light burgundy?) is where the leather was cut to fold over the corners (and, in one place, on the fold itself, where the surface of the leather seems to have frayed). The surfaces and edges of the boards are all clean (that is, tan/brown). I hate to say it, but you may want to return or exchange your second copy too, UK.

Now, I realize that this is not your primary concern, but I find it disturbing that we can even see the undyed leather at the folds!! More or less arbitrarily, I pulled out a dozen or so "regular" EP volumes from the late seventies to the present and none of them had this issue. Only the dyed color of the leather was visible at the cuts/folds. I then pulled out the two volumes of the new Aesop DLE and--surprise!!--you can see the same pink/burgundy/purple-ish color at the folds. So I examined my other DLE volumes and the interior corners were pretty much all clean--except for...(wait for it!, wait for it!)...the Ovid!!

So, with the exception of Slaughterhouse-Five, my three most recent DLE purchases all exhibit this "issue" (although none of them have UK's outright flaw where the leather was punctured, scraped or worn on the main exterior surface of the boards). Since this isn't the case with every corner of these books, it must be a manufacturing defect (as opposed to an expected aspect of the binding process)--although perhaps this defect will now be so common that any attempts to procure a thoroughly "clean" copy of a book will be viewed as quixotic.

Believe it or not, I am way more forgiving of minor manufacturing defects than I probably should be (which isn't to say that I haven't returned a book or two in my day) and I certainly do not plan on exchanging any of my current DLEs. It is nevertheless disheartening that we might be witnessing the birth of yet another trend that translates into a drop in quality (whether perceived or actual). That this change is being introduced in the most expensive books that EP has to offer is...well...unconscionable.

> 59

Made in China?

Another beautiful edition of Crusoe, for a very modest price, is the Franklin Oxford Edition with the color woodcuts of Pierre Falké (1982).
Very thick embossed leather cover, moiré endpages, etc.
No silver overspray..

Can be seen occasionally on ebay or abebook for $40-60. That the reason why I did not order the DLE of EP.
One day, I may build him a slipcase.

Although I don't have Gulliver's Travels, I share your frustration with some of the DLEs I have ordered. I have had to order replacements for the 3rd volume of Indian Tribes twice, the second volume of Divine Comedy, and Fahrenheit 451. I now view the shipping box with trepidation before I open it. I would think that at these prices they would have better quality control procedures in place.

I think if we have concerns about quality, we should address EP costumer service. That is, each individual should writer to them and let them know any issues/questions/concerns. Although costumer service can not directly correct these issues, they can let the proper people know.

> 63
Here here Silent! I agree wholeheartedly with your last two sentences. And I cannot believe I did not immediately think to do as you suggested and compare the issue I see with Gulliver to some of the other DLEs I have. Upon re-examination, I am happy to report that there are no real issues with Aesop (there is an extremely minor amount of this push through of the underlying dye/color at the most stressed point of the corner fold) but I likely would never have noticed it if the more egregious example of Gulliver wasn't in mind. It also shows up far less prominently since the underlying leather is far more complementary to the finished leather board color in Ovid and Aesop than in Gulliver where it is quite a vivid contrast to the tan/beige. I also re-examined Ovid (I have other DLEs, but these are the ones I care most about) and this is not an issue at all (which is a little surprising given how big these volumes are).

But, thank you Silent for making me do this because it turns out the Ovid books, which are "wedged" between the wall and the bookcase in a little available nook was leaving a line impression into a portion of the leather boards (these are very thick and cushy so a line imprint isn't really that surprising) where it was resting against the wainscoting on the wall of my library. There is now a piece of bubble wrap (not the most elegant solution, but hopefully a practical one for now) between the book and the wall! So I am glad I caught this before doing permanent damage (I am, perhaps naively, hoping that the line indent pops back out in time). It isn't major but it was certainly noticeable as I was carefully looking for flaws and I did not see it on previous examinations of the quality of this Ovid set.

So in conclusion I think my issues really are with Gulliver (though I concur that at these DLE prices I rather expect perfection) and although I fear Wootle is correct in that I may never get a perfect copy, I am hoping the third time is a charm. Shit, with all these returns they may have just left the limitation at 600 rather than decreasing it down to 500. Wonder how many have been returned vs. how many have sold. I realize the numbers are somewhat arbitrarily assigned but my first copy was number 147 and this latest one was 188. I mailed back 147 today.

I might finally add that if the first copy I received hadn't had a prominent corner bend/ding, I probably would not have examined it methodically looking for any other potential sign of imperfection. Now that my senses are heightened to it with this particular DLE, I am unlikely to let pass a rather minor imperfection that in another volume I may have missed. The only reason I am willing to give EP a third chance on a DLE I am only somewhat insistent on owning (instead of reading this as a sign I am not supposed to keep it!) is that the issues with copy two are far worse than anything comparable in copy one. So with copy one, I have very little issue with the leather corner discoloration but a real problem with a dinged corner, whereas with copy two, I have an issue with silver overspray and the leather color blemishes in the corners. Who knows what new issue the third copy may bring! While some of this could be attributable to using a highly and less familiar grade of leather for the DLEs I would have imagined a much more stringent quality control on these titles.

Ah! It isn't just me! AgaEP wrote in > 16 on the DLE Gulliver's Travels thread that he also saw the silver overspray issue and had to return it. I just hope that if there are a higher number of returns than expected, they will address the quality issues for future releases. I think we are merely fortunate that this particular title is not selling out quickly and has 500 available copies. If they pull this with anything by Dore, they will have a mob of angry bibliophiles wielding pitchforks outside the CT offices!

I uploaded some pics over at this thread, check it out for yourself:

DLE Gulliver's Travels

see post 20

UK History, your issues are quite distressing. After reading your concerns I pulled my copy out again and examine it. I'm happy to report that I had far fewer issues than you, and none sever enough for me to return my copy. The most obvious issue was a slight ding on the gilt page corner up top that affected about 5 pages, but I readily straightened that out and now it is hardly noticeable. I did not have any of the leather discoloration that you note, and I could not find any silver over-spray on my copy. The interior gold stamped design around the end papers also looks far better than the example in your photos. I have copy #228 so maybe that helps account for some of the improvements, but I should hope there wouldn't be any issues with earlier copies either.

Looking at my copy with a really discerning eye, I did discover a very small leather pin prick that does appear to pierce the leather. I also noted two very slight scuffs on the cover edges, but these are very minor, and anything but my very close examination probably would not have brought up any of these three issues, and this is only because I was in very strong lighting.

I did go back and re-examine my Ovid as well, and didn't find any issues, but was quickly caught up and reading the book. Beautiful book, beautiful translation. This is one of my favorites and I'm really glad Wootle convinced me to take the plunge on this one.

One suggestion, dim the lighting in your library so you miss these short comings! Short of that, I hope you do have better luck with your third copy. I do like this volume overall.

I do like the Gullivers also, but considering the size of the occupants of the book, shouldn't it have been very large, or very small, instead of the average size it is?

Maybe they're saving that for the DLE of Alice in Wonderland -- only after paying $500 do you learn whether you will be receiving the 36-inch "EAT ME" edition, or the 3-inch "DRINK ME" edition.

>72 SilentInAWay:: I would want to have both, of course ... so I hope they just do the Cheshire Cat edition and save me $1000.

...or charge you $1000 for something you can never find once you've got it.

> 70 Hamlet, I love your dim lighting suggestion. I'll have to keep that one in mind ;-)

> 71 I assume the point you are making is related to the story itself, but in truth, I would have liked to have seen a larger volume (slightly oversized, like an old CLFE) so the many illustrations would appear sharper on the page. I find them to be rather dull and muddy with irregular ink color (darker in some spots and lighter in others...beyond the artistic effect)

> 72 - 74 I never fail to laugh when reading many of these posts. As I described to my friends who think I am crazy with my OCD regarding my books, "I have found my lost tribe" on Library Thing! They are astounded that there are others similar to me :-)

69: hmmm... I don't know. A little bit of wear on the corners is not something that bothers me personally, but the first 2 pics do make it seem like it's a bit over the top. Of course when we pay a good deal for a book we're entitled to a fine production.

Pauper now has a page. Interesting they say it comes with clamshell instead of slipcover. It isn't an overly large book, so I wonder why a case instead of the usual slipcover. Hopefully they will title the spine like Midsummer.

http://www.eastonpressbooks.com/leather/product.asp?code=2784

77: a clamshell at that price? good deal! Maybe they'll print other first edition Twain books? I have to say, the only Twain book I did not like, was A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.

78> the only Twain book I did not like, was A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.

To read? Or are you referring to the layout of the first edition? (or the EP edition?)

79: to read. Of course, it was numerous years ago when I read it, and tastes do change over time... at least somewhat. Still, Twain's purpose in that book was to poke fun at Romaticism and chivalry (he definitely hated Sir Walter Scott) and I personally enjoy such books, even if they are silly at times. So, I doubt I would enjoy this book, however if EP came out with a DLE I would give it another shot.

Wail, how about some pics of Canterbury, Legacy isn't showing us much on his auction.

I too would love to see some pics. I would also ask whomever posts, to please include a pic of the first page (the actual start of the Tales)... thanks!

>81 Wootle:: Wootle, you still haven't gotten your copy yet? You know I was joking when I kidded you about posting pictures of your DLEs. ; )

>81 Wootle:: Looks like a rare (?!!) slip-up for Legacy: s/he lists the limitation as 500 copies instead of the revised 300. Also, if his/her pictures are correctly color-registered, it's bound/slipcased in red rather than the reddish-brown depicted in the flyer. (Perhaps the flyer pictures were preproduction "mockups"?)

I haven't received a set yet, and I may not. I didn't reconfirm once i got the letter. I also didn't reconfirm the last two DLEs, that I received anyway, so I didn't believe I really needed to. I suppose I'll have to call and get it on its way.

84- Legacy has it listed incorrectly because they haven't opened a set, I would think. The color does look much different than the flyer.

My set arrived today. The leather is burgundy-colored--a much lighter shade than the Ovid and Aesop volumes.

86: pics, my friend, where are the pics...?
:)

And please, share a pic of the first page of the start of the Tales?

87>

It's late and I work in the morning...so I only have time for one....

If noone beats me to it, I'll post some more pics over the weekend.

Cassells sold out.

http://www.eastonpressbooks.com/leather/product.asp?code=2564&c=4

I would love to see some pics of Canterbury as well. It seems a couple of weekends have passed since Silent first offered ;-)

I am almost certain to pass on this set, but I do want to see what I may be missing out on.

Guilty as charged -- will do it when I get a chance...

Got one of the big DLE envelopes in the mail yesterday. So I'm thinking, good, a new DLE. Get it open and it is the flyer for Canterbury, which I already received a flyer for months ago. Bummer.

Let's still it has been over a month since the release and STILL no pictures of the DLE Canterbury!

Shit! Wootle was right, the DLE Aesop does have corner issues similar to Gulliver. I had not noticed it before. Only one of my volumes is out of the shrink-wrap, but I can clearly see that the wrapped Vol II also has the pink leather showing through in the corners. I may request a replacement while this is still in stock. But seriously, Easton, this is getting ridiculous. You are going to ruin whatever reputation you may have once had for "heirloom" quality books!

I have the same problem with my copy. On Vol I there is the light pink color, visible at the corners. Still I chose not to
return it, try to mend/color it somehow.
I preordered two more DLEs from Easton and if I get more quality problems it will be the last time I buy anything from them.

Same problems with the pink colored corners, along with some scratches in the gilding.
I returned it, without replacement, I did not like it.

Quality issues have definitely put a hold on EP DLEs for me. They need to return to the quality level of The Crusades and The Romance of the King Arthur.

97- I'll second that, more quality productions like Kelmscott and Crusades.

>92 Wootle:: I think EP must send duplicate flyers for DLEs that have their announced print runs reduced, for whatever reason. I got a duplicate flyer for Gullivers a couple months ago and was puzzled until I realized that it was reduced to 300 copies. But they still have to get on ball and update to the correct #s of copies as listed on their blasted website.

>94 UK_History_Fan:-96: This is disheartening. I ordered Aesop and now I'll have to examine it even more closely when it arrives. Usually doing so is a pleasure with each new DLE but in this case... :-/

It sounds to me that all these corner issues are simply due to the binders, as has been discussed. Let's hope EP stops using them and returns to the other binders (probably more expensive, but worth it).

I also noticed this corner issue on my copy of Aesop. I was not very happy about it but it was not quite bad enough to warrant a return. But no question, it should not happen on an expensive LE. These books should be damn perfect for the amount of money they cost. EP need to dump BindTech and use a company that's up to the job.

I am still waiting for my replacement copies of Aesop and Gulliver's Travels and I am not overly hopeful that there will not be more quality issues when they arrive. These quality issues are also putting a hold on me ordering more EP LE's.

>101 Quicksilver66:: I am with not a little trepidation awaiting delivery of my Aesop, which the kind UPS man should be handing over any minute now (according to my imperfect estimate of timing his route through my neighborhood). I will report on condition once I've opened it.

Does anyone remember when it used to be joyous and one of life's true pleasures to open a box of new books from Easton Press or Folio Society? Now it is anxiety usually followed by despair and then anger and frustration at the decline in quality (EP) and the shipping damage (FS). How sad.

>103 UK_History_Fan:: I alleviate the problem by simply not opening the boxes.

>103 UK_History_Fan:

Yes, it is sad. The fact that you typically meet with nothing but great customer service doesn't alleviate the frustration. I've had pages fall out of three different books, mispressed corners, endpapers not securely glued, pages sewn in unevenly (so that a handful of pages jut out and up from the surrounding pages), bumps and nicks from shipping, cracked leather, cracked and bumped slipcases, scratches to gilding, slipcases that tear at the book when you pull it out, random creases in pages, and on and on....

....and yet I keep coming back.

>105 menteith: It's like a having a ex wife that calls you dick and quarrels with you every time you meet her.

>106 ironjaw:: You keep coming back to your ex-wife?

>103 UK_History_Fan:, you have that right. As a glass collector, I've never gotten used to the anxiety of seeing what condition I would find inside the box. There is a bittersweet feeling getting boxes of books. I'm particularly leery of Folio Society, which last year had a terrible track record of terrible packing of my orders. Knock wood!

Sorry to have to add some joy to this morbid conversation (103-108), but I just received my copy of The Prince and the Pauper and it has exceeded my expectations! I did check the binding and corners since people here have had bad luck, but I saw no problems anywhere. The clamshell = fantastic! A FULLY decorated clamshell it is! A real beauty, and the book itself is of course exceptional. Bovine leather, all the usual trimmings on a DLE, and yes the binding is by BindTech, but as I said it looked perfect to me. This limited to 400 not 600 as originally stated. Folks, get a copy before the resellers purchase all of them! This will sell out fast... you have been warned!

>102 iluvbeckett:: Opened the Aesop today (copy #227 of 300); no problems w/ clamshell, binding etc. that I can see. Reading this one will be easy from a size/weight standpoint as it is a lot smaller and lighter than many of the other DLEs.

> 109, 110
Excellent news and congratulations on having one of the more rare experiences of a perfect DLE purchase! I am anxiously awaiting my Prince. Astropi, did you expedite shipping?

>111 UK_History_Fan:
I would like to buy the Prince, once I can balance my budget next month will keep it in mind.

>112 EastonQuality:: I'm going to buy the Pauper. Much more affordable. = )

111: no, just normal shipping! I'm not sure that receiving a "perfect" DLE is all that rare. I actually think receiving a defective DLE is the exception.

112: hopefully it will still be around next month. I don't know how quickly these sell out, but at this price point (under $200) and only 400 printed, it will go very fast.

>114 astropi: Astropi, your quite an advocate of EP books :-) I'm sure you have enticed many here to finally go ahead and press click to buy when they have waited for such a long time debating whether to go ahead or not. I am referring to your excellent statement (114 to answer to 112) that almost got me nervous and panting thinking about this volume which I have ignored for such a long time.

I imagine you have many EP books. Any chance on showing your bookshelves?

115: hey iron, I never had a particularly big collection and since I started downsizing my collection a few years ago it's gotten even smaller! Of course, I do have some favorites that I don't plan on selling :) Still, I think compared to many people here my collection will seem small, but I'm happy with it.

As for enticing you guys to purchase said books, I'm glad to hear it! I would far rather these DLEs end up in your hands than in resellers. By the way, I'm loving Prince and Pauper! Great job EP, and wonderful price!

>114 astropi: You mean at under $300 ($285).

117: sorry yes, under $300 :)
I know under $200 would have been nice, but just wait and see where that extra money went to (clamshell) and you'll see it was well worth it!

Let's see photos of "The Prince and the Pauper"!

astropi, can you send me some photos and colophon info, would love to post pic's on books and vines?

>101 Quicksilver66:: Quick (or anyone else), do you have an idea of when EP switched to BindTech from Kingsport for production of the DLEs?

> 121

I am not sure, but 3 of my LE’s have been bound by them - Fahrenheit 451, Aesop and Gullivers Travels. Not impressed with their work at all and as long as EP use them I am going to be reluctant to buy EP LE’s. Kingsport produced first class work on the Romance of King Arthur.

>122 Quicksilver66:
The bindings of King Arthur and Mallory, etc., were made by Quebecor in Kingsport, until the factory shut down in 2010. The company was then taken over by Quad graphics and I believe the new owner is not interested in limited numbers of handmade bindings.

I received The Prince and the Pauper today. My first impression is, good thing there is a nice clamshell, because the book is a disappointment. The cover gilt and black ink are all just laying on the leather, no indentation at all. The green is so dark, the black is hard to see. The clamshell has some indentation to it, but the book is smooth as a babies but. I'll have to take a better look at it tomorrow in better light, hopefully the second impression is better than the first.

> 124
Honestly, Wootle my impressions are as ambivalent as yours. I am actually thinking seriously of returning this at some point during the 30 day inspection period. I am still trying to figure out why my first 50 pages or so appear to be so wrinkled within the binding (not creased or explictly damaged, just not lying flat like the back 2/3 of the book).

When you do give your copy a closer inspection, can you please look out for any wrinkling or crinkling of your pages near the binding? I am curious if mine was just sewed too tightly (is this even possible with machine production?) or if there is some other issue.

I am seriously boycotting any future EP DLEs due to repeated disppointments. I'll say this for the Folio Society: their prices are much higher for limited editions (generally, obviously there are exceptions to this) but the quality improvement and production value vis-a-vis Easton Press is commensurate.

I didn't see any flaws at all, but it is just a rather boring reproduction. The only nice thing I see is the marbled endpapers.

UK, I have hand sewn quite a few books, and can't imagine pulling them so tight that it could do what you describe, and I can't believe the machine would either without tearing a lot of paper. The only thing I can think is perhaps those sections of paper were folded in the wrong direction. Paper is folded so the grain is going north and south, so when they are folded at the crease, they won't break and wrinkle. That is the only thing I can think of that could cause the wrinkling that you describe, but I can't imagine that is what happened.

I am having second thoughts for the Prince & the Pauper, will go with the more exquisite and limited editions including signed editions. Only a few of the deluxe DLE I was deeply interested in since 2009.

Noticed the Geoffrey Chaucer DLE ended today for $950, very close to what I would expect. The book still stands as new between $1k and $1,200, any more it would be too high for offers.

I have the impression that EP are now churning out these LE’s at such a rate, because they are a money-spinner, with little care about quality or production values. I have just placed an order for the LE David Copperfield but reading this I now feel like cancelling it.

It seems like we have a few of you really bad-mouthing the DLEs. I realize you may have received defective copies, and I realize this is reason for concern, but it just seems to me that it's non-stop complaining. I have yet to have any problems with any of the DLEs. Why is that? What about other people? Perhaps those 3 or 4 people who keep complaining are just ultra-picky and/or unlucky? I really like my DLE Pauper! I'm not sure what people were expecting? It is after all a reproduction of the original edition. I think the clamshell is beautiful, and frankly the book is exactly what I was expecting, and to be honest it actually exceeded my expectation! After all, the whole deal was less than $300 which is relatively inexpensive for a DLE. For those of you who are really upset about these DLEs, I would honestly recommend you stop purchasing them. I also have a thread for complaining about DLEs.

125: could you please post pics in this thread of the damage.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/126564

>127 EastonQuality:: I'm not sure what you mean in the second paragraph (re Chaucer). I assume you're referring to Ebay and/or other listings?

130: I'm not sure what he means either. Also, as I said previously, I know of a brand new copy of Kelmscott that sold for over $2000. No, it was not a proxy bid or anything of that nature, but a legitimate sale. So clearly, prices will vary. The lowest price I can find a copy for now, is on abe for $1250 (for a used copy). A new copy starts at $2200 (lowest price I could find).

A used copy sold on ebay for approx $950 over the weekend. That is what he is referring to.

Of course I am talking about the Geoffrey Chaucer of Easton Press Astropi, can't be any clearer by mentioning the name Geoffrey Chaucer in the DLE Easton Press thread. I was not aware of any other copy published for DLEs of Chaucer. You must be picking my brain or not reading well today. HOW was this confusing??

There is no evidence whatsoever of a new volume selling for $2,000 unless you were the one who sold it, and it was not on eBay.

Don't trust the prices on Abe or Amazon, they have not sold for a good reason with the high prices double or triple the rates many times. Astopi must be selling his books on AbeBooks.

>129 astropi: It's more than just 3 or 4 people. Just because you don't hear from all of the unsatisfied customers with damaged DLE books on this forum doesn't mean there's not more out there.

>129 astropi: Astropi, I had damage with my Fahrenheit 451, I also posted pictures of it here on LT and the replacement copy I was offered which was of another quality entirely, the leather was very different to my copy so I felt waranted to clarify this with EP's director Mr Peter Sydney, sent the replacement copy back, and highlighted the issue here as a response to the growing concerns about quality. I don't think therefore I am "bad-mouthing" them and don't think that either me, David or Sean are ultra picky. I believe when your buying an expensive LE (and for some of us, these aren't cheap $300 or less edition when import fees are 45% on top) we have the right to expect quality and perfection to some degree. Remember that I've kept Fahrenheit 451 with the hole and not asked for a refund because I believe it's a beautiful production. How many will do that?

I don't know about production but would expect an error per cent around 5. So mishaps do happen and unfortunately maybe because we are so enthusiastic here there is a higher chance that the members here were affected. The good thing is that EP know about our issues, if the don't know, they assume everything is right. That's the reason why I believe if anyone has a quality concern with EP, voice it here (or in the respected thread allocated) and if everything is fine, then also voice it here to get an idea that it's not everyone that has a problem.

I do feel your intense, but from my point of view, you shouldn't be and should not see these disagreements or calls of concern about quality as negative; they are to improve EP and to give them feedback so they keep an eye on things

136: I agree with you. However, I feel that repeating the *same* complaints over and over, is just grating. I feel that's what some people have done. At this point, we all know there have been quality issues with the DLEs, but more and more posts along the line of

"I would order this book but I've been so dissapointed about the quality of the DLEs and I don't know if I can trust them...yadda yadda..."

is asinine in my opinion. Now, if you get a NEW DLE and it also has quality issues, then you should post pics and let us know. Otherwise, I think we've gotten the message to EP, and hopefully they will make sure the rest of the DLEs are quality as they should be.

133: I wasn't the only one who was confused by what you said. However, Wootle cleared it up.

134: I had a friend who sold his copy of Kelmscott. I think he offered it here for $1400? Anyway, he ended up selling it for over $2000, I know that much. I don't know how much exactly, but he thanked me for helping him try and sell it on here with a copy of the DLE Da Vinci :)

Damn... that was an awesome present...

It seems to me that there has been a definite breach of trust between EP and the customers who purchase DLEs. And I think these people need to complain as much about this as they possibly can. This is the only way to spread the message, kill the EP sales and force them to improve on quality.
Besides, prior to the quality issues these same people have done nothing but praise the beautiful volumes. So what does that mean, if they books are good it's ok to praise them, but if they are bad, then you should just what, shut up….
That is not right. I'm sure EP would love to keep a lid on their quality issues, but as an individual who purchases their products, you have the right to say anything you want.
Of course, ratting without a reason is also a bad thing while letting your emotions do the talking. I personally think that posting pictures of defects is the best way. This way no one can be accused of exaggerating the problem.

>137 astropi: I loved the quality of the early DLE's but after receiving my slightly flawed Gulliver and seeing numerous complaints on many newer DLE's, I have stopped buying EP's DLE's. This is a simple fact. At the DLE price point, new editions should be perfect. Originally they were, now they are not. I've been interested in a number of the newer EP DLE's but have not purchased because I don't trust the quality. A quality reputation is hard to earn and easy to destroy. I applaud all of the discussions on EP's quality issues because I hope this will cause them to take stock and improve. When they return to their previous quality levels, I will return to purchasing volumes that are of interest.

I wonder if it is possible that people are expecting too much out of the DLE Prince & Pauper, though. I'm not addressing actual flaws here, but the disappointment some of you had with the P&P as far as quality. It is leather bound, has a beautiful cover design, beautiful marble end pages, illustrated throughout with the original illustrations. It is less than $300 and the limitation number is, what 400? Okay, compare that to the Folio Society's Wind in the Willows LE. Limitation number of 1000 copies, price tag $1200, and bound in vellum, not leather. That makes the P&P look like a real bargain, as I see it. I'm certainly no expert on DLEs, but I'm puzzled by the disappointment. If the P&P measured up to the EP Kelmscott Chaucer, for example, then wouldn't it cost a lot more?

> 140

A Limited Edition does not have to be bound in leather to be beautiful. Vellum is a very attractive material and the FS LE Wind in the Willows has hand painted gold lettering on the vellum spine and vellum tips. Of course I don’t have a copy of the Prince and the Pauper but judging by the comments I have read here the FS Wind in the Willows (indeed all FS Limited Editions generally) are far superior to some of the more recent EP Limited Editions. In a Limited Edition I think people are right to expect something exceptional in terms of production values. If EP are not doing this it would be fairer for them to describe their books as “Fine Editions” rather than Limited Editions (although even this description is debatable). The FS use this nomenclature for books that are above average but not as exclusive as a Limited Edition.

>141 Quicksilver66:

There are more great books to collect than you can imagine, you must be careful of the limited editions if you plan to have a budget. For your answer the Pauper looks fantastic, is it worth spending $300 on one book is up to anyone who admires the publisher or author.

What puzzles me is astropi's reply he sold one for $2k while one open near mint is worth $1k. Does this mean the plastic wrapper is worth that much in perfect condition, and importantly the clam shell box not to be removed from the cardboard container? Wonder If one should fear to open the limited editions and keep them as never touched after if arrives in the mail.

You may lose half value breaking the plastic seal of a recent publication at any value, be warned..

> 142

Judging by some of the sales I have seen it does seem to be the case that EP’s plastic wrapping is extraordinarily valuable !!!!

>142 EastonQuality: "Wonder If one should fear to open the limited editions and keep them as never touched after if arrives in the mail."

Funny! Fear is what keeps you back. I don't buy LE books thinking that I should refrain from touching them and that someday they will be worth thousands and I can then sell them. I buy them so that I can appreciate the hardwork and the book and enjoy while I can. Selling never really crossed my heart, but that doesn't mean that I don't care about them, I always take care of my books and read them with pleasure.

> 144

My sentiments exactly.

140: I agree, the P&P DLE is wonderful! The only thing that could have been done better in my opinion is having more indentations on the front board, as is the case with the original (this was noted in message #124). Nevertheless, apart from that, I think it's absolutely stunning! By the way, yesterday I went to the rare books library at my University and checked out an original P&P to compare. I will post pics of the original later :)

142: You misread my post. I NEVER said I "sold one for $2k". What I said was I had a friend who sold his copy of the Kelmscott (unopened) for over $2k. This was the same friend to whom I listed his Kelmscott here months (or over a year?) ago. At any rate, he finally did end up selling it for over $2k (I don't know the actual final value). I don't know to whom he sold it, and I don't know nor care why someone would pay so much for it. As a thank you for helping him try to sell it, he purchased me a copy of the DLE Da Vinci Notebooks. I don't purchase books for resale value and neither does my friend, he simply decided after receiving the Kelmscott that it really was not his cup of tea, so for many months he tried to trade it, and in the end he sold it for a hefty profit.

Anyway, back to the P&P, I will post pics soon...
As for the difference between the LE Wind and the Willows and the DLE P&P, I think it's clear the LE W&W is more "unique". Here's the thing, the W&W is signed by the artist, uses thick, rich, paper, all top of the line material, and the cost is also top of the line ($1200)! By the way, I do not have the LE W&W, but it is a beauty. As for the DLE P&P (which I do have), it is also top quality material, but not as unique. It's a facsimile for the most part, so it's much "easier" to produce. The book is still fabulous, it still has bovine leather from Italy, Mohawk ultrafine paper, a gorgeous clamshell, etc. but it's just not as "special" as the W&W. Of course, it's also less than 1/4th the cost! Personally, I think both are wonderful, and I'm not sure it's fair to compare the two.

I don't know why Prince is being compared to Wind and the Willows, they are apples and oranges. I don't have any complaint against Prince, it is just to plain, very much like a normal EP volume, but with nicer endpapers, but less indentation on the cover. Like they stuck a 100 greatest volume in a clamshell and jacked the price way up. I think they achieved what they set out to do, replicate the first edition. It is just an unexiciting volume. Now, the actual content is great, Twain did his job.

147: speaking of the first edition...

http://www.librarything.com/topic/78933#3041198

>146 astropi:
The reason why it was interpreted as your sale, a while back a message was posted you were consigning the book on AbeBooks. It may not have been yours but, may have been listed under your name in your account.

149: please provide a link, since I have never sold nor posted anything on abebooks!

Perhaps EP didn't have a first to work with, their reproduction doesn't look much like the first at all. Spine and front cover is much different.

So, I couldn't help but look at the Kelmscott which sold for $931, and the seller noted this:

"There is a 1 millimeter thin on the edge where you can see the white backer board, and another on the edge that is 2 millimeters, they are small and round and you really cannot see them at all but I mention for clarity, otherwise there are no defects to the case. "

I don't know if these minor defects or the seller's strange statement "...where you can see...you really cannot see..."(??) made a difference in the sale or not? Also, check this out! When I saw it, I just thought "wow...wow...wow"!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/N-C-WYETH-EASTON-PRESS-COLLECTORS-SCOTTISH-CHIEFS-JANE-P...

Astropi, is it okay for me to borrow your photo of the Pauper 1st you have posted in the Folio Forum? I want to include it in the new thread for Pauper.

>152 astropi:: I noted some time last year that The Scottish Chiefs was among the more collectible titles, suggesting then that a copy could easily sell for $380.00 or more. I grant you, though, that $574.00 is a new record. That's only $101.50 less than that for which the entire fourteen volume set originally sold new. Very impressive!

Did you happen to note that a copy of Drums, A Boy's King Arthur and The Mysterious Island from the same set recently sold for $292.77, $266.00, and $162.50, respectively.

153: sure thing!

154: I wonder, what's the record for a non-LE, not signed, EP book?

> 154 I noticed these, also. About ten days earlier a copy of Drums sold on ebay for $110. So what is it really worth?

156: you never know, condition may have played a big part. Books that are not in fine condition often receive a small fraction of what a similar fine condition book go for. Also, other times, it just depends on whether you get lucky or unlucky depending on if you're selling or purchasing :)

147: Wootle, I have never seen the Wind and Willows, I was just attempting to put things in perspective. I guess a poor choice of comparison.

Anyway, I still don't think people should expect all the extras unless they are paying more for it. If the P&P was as nice as the W&W, then the cost would be much greater.

158- I understand. I just think they could have done a better job with the boards. The book is fine, but it just doesn't replicate the first as much as I would like. It couldn't have cost that much more to do the indentations properly instead of squirting black ink where they were supposed to be. Since all other EP books have some indentations as far as I know, this is somewhat odd that this does not, especially considering it is supposed to have.

159: You're probably right. I don't know enough about bookbinding, but indentations are probably done by machine, so I agree, it does seem like they could have done them.

The indentations would have been nice, I agree. I still am otherwise more than pleased with the edition. The clamshell... just so cute :)
You want to pick it up and pet it...

I generally only pet my leather books, cloth not so much. However, I do enjoy smelling all of them.

>142 EastonQuality:-145: I can't see any point in keeping high-end EP books, whether DLEs or not, in shrinkwrap if one really wants to appreciate the workmanship that goes into making any given book (aside from any production issues which have been discussed in these threads to a fair-thee-well). After all, "you can't judge a book by its cover" but only in its totality. Never mind the (ostensible) reason for owning the book in the first place: for the pleasure and appreciation of its contents. Also, I recall reading that there is as much hazard in keeping the shrinkwrap on in terms of long-term physical effect (i.e., reaction between the plastic and the leather) as there is in having a (unwrapped) book on the shelf exposed to dust, sunlight, etc. for many years.

Interesting news. Perhaps Easton Press really is getting serious about addressing the quality issues in their DLE books. I just received the following letter in the mail (sorry no scanner, so you will have to make do with my retyping it!):

"Dear Easton Press Customer:

We had previously informed you that there would be a delay in sending your exclusive leather-bound Deluxe Edition of DORE: LONDON A PILGRIMAGE. I'm sorry to have to inform you that we will not be able to ship by the date we specified in our previous letter, or in time for Christmas delivery. Unfortunately, the leather for this title is not up to our quality standards and must be replaced {Bold font mine}. We now expect to ship on January 27, 2012.

Federal regulations require us to provide you with a prepaid means of canceling your order. Should you wish to cancel, due to the delay, we will either refund your prepayment or delete your credit card information from this order. you may advise us of your decision by contacting our customer service department toll-free at 1-800-243-5160 (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, Eastern time) or by completing the lower portion of this letter and returning it in the envelope provided.

Please note that if we co not hear form you by December 16, 2011 federal regulations require us to cancel the order and refund any payment made.

We apologize for this regrettable inconvenience, but we are confident that the wait for your Deluxe Edition of DORE: LONDON A PILGRIMAGEwill be worthwhile."

Now this brings to mind a number of interesting thoughts:

1) Could it be that all the member complaints have finally reached the proper authorities who have taken a more active interest in quality control?

2) Have the level of returns on DLE books finally reached critical enough mass to actually impact profits and therefore get the attention of the faceless bureaucrats who run MBI?

3) Is this yet another marketing ploy to continue assessing interest level in this book prior to incurring the expense of production?

4) Based on the brochure posted here and the catalogue picture, it appears that the intent was to bind Dore's London in a leather quite similar to the much-maligned Aesop's Fables with the pink corners. Perhaps they now realize it simply does not hold up to the demands of the production process.

I find it puzzling that I am the first to report getting this letter as I am usually one of the last to know about DLE news.

Anyone else?

BTW, I fully intend to contact them and confirm my pre-order. I am a major Dore fan and will be willing to risk the inconvenience and hassle of another potentially disappointing book. Then again, I must confess I am encouraged that the production issues have been caught PRIOR to shipment this time! Perhaps there is hope yet to salvage the DLE program and Easton Press' reputation. After the need to return several copies of Gulliver's Travels, plus Aesop's Fables and Prince and Pauper, I am a little skeptical of their ability to get it right.

For the price they are charging for London, it better be perfect. I'm waiting to see how it turns out before ordering. Hopefully they return to the quality of Kelmscott and Crusdaes.

> 164

A good sign. Hopefully EP are now looking at these issues closely to ensure any future problems. This gives me confidence - way to go EP.

This is very encouraging news. I really think the voices here and beyond have made an impact. This is very welcomed news! I'm sure those who ordered this book would be ok with waiting...considering they are probably going to bet a better product.

I can only guess what they are doing, but I bet that they will re-inspect each copy before they go out and reject any bad copies for destruction and re-manufacture until they get the 400 copies. At least, that is the right thing to do.