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1nicklong
As some of you may know, I have a blog. I've finally posted my first review of a Folio Society edition and thought I'd update this thread every time I post a Folio-related post.
I chose to review Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee, which is a fantastic edition in my view. There are photographs as well - and as promised on my LibraryThing profile about blogging my rebuilding process, it's the first volume in my library rebuilding project:
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/2012/06/fs-disgrace-by-j-m-coetzee/
There may be other posts that may interest some of you (since the group as a whole has a diverse range of interests).
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/
I chose to review Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee, which is a fantastic edition in my view. There are photographs as well - and as promised on my LibraryThing profile about blogging my rebuilding process, it's the first volume in my library rebuilding project:
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/2012/06/fs-disgrace-by-j-m-coetzee/
There may be other posts that may interest some of you (since the group as a whole has a diverse range of interests).
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/
2Macumbeira
Nice work Nick !
4groeng
Thanks, Nick, I enjoyed reading your impressions of "Disgrace" and the FS treatment thereof. You are an Enabler, as they say here, since - while I am a great lover of Coetzee's work and own all his books - I was not keen on getting myself the FS edition. But after having seen the pictures you've posted of it I am in two minds. Can I ask you something about the FS edition? Did the introduction by Christopher Hope add anything to your reading experience? I must admit I am not a huge fan of Hope's and might have been more keen on the FS edition had it been somebody whose insights on Coetzee I appreciate (e.g. Derek Attridge).
I would also be intrigued (bemused?) to see the illustrations, primarily because unlike most readers I am very familiar with the physical world of his novels - in fact, I grew up in Cape Town only a few blocks from where he lived (good friends of ours live in the same block of flats/apartments as he did), and I actually studied at the University of Cape Town during the time he wrote and published "Disgrace" (I was not a student of his, but did attend some of his public seminars etc) - some of his experiences of these times in Cape Town and at UCT are reflected in "Disgrace".
By the way, do you know that the biography of Coetzee by the late JC Kannemeyer (a renowned SA literary biographer) is imminent? I think it is due in July. You can read about it here: http://www.cossee.com/foreignrights/pdf/kannemeijer.pdf
I am very curious to see if FS will publish other Coetzee titles and what they would be. I wonder what the next one in line would be? Probably "Waiting for the Barbarians"?
I would also be intrigued (bemused?) to see the illustrations, primarily because unlike most readers I am very familiar with the physical world of his novels - in fact, I grew up in Cape Town only a few blocks from where he lived (good friends of ours live in the same block of flats/apartments as he did), and I actually studied at the University of Cape Town during the time he wrote and published "Disgrace" (I was not a student of his, but did attend some of his public seminars etc) - some of his experiences of these times in Cape Town and at UCT are reflected in "Disgrace".
By the way, do you know that the biography of Coetzee by the late JC Kannemeyer (a renowned SA literary biographer) is imminent? I think it is due in July. You can read about it here: http://www.cossee.com/foreignrights/pdf/kannemeijer.pdf
I am very curious to see if FS will publish other Coetzee titles and what they would be. I wonder what the next one in line would be? Probably "Waiting for the Barbarians"?
5nicklong
>4 groeng:
For a native South African, the Hope introduction wouldn't add very much. The only thing he mentions that may be of use to you would be that Lurie can be compared to Josef in Kafka's The Trial. Everything else is basically a brief summary of the book itself along with why things are important due to the history of South Africa at the time. In short, you've lived it, you don't need it. It's for the vast majority of readers who probably still consider South Africa to be a white majority country (not the case), and whom may be unaware of the specific cultural milieu of the country. It's basically a very topical introduction meant to help the normal reader understand the book and its context. It is definitely not a in-depth look at the novel itself.
It's my personal preference not to share all of the illustrations of a book. There are only 7 of them in the book and Folio allows you to see three of them. You can see two additional images from my page. So there are only two missing illustrations. They are all in the same style but the ones with the most detail about the countryside/specific situations are the market:
And the other one is:
Everything else is rather abstract in the same style. If you were hoping for landmarks, I don't think there is anything apart from the frontispiece illustration (since I'm not a native, I can't tell you if that's anything special from Cape Town, perhaps you can tell us?). They illustrate the scenes perfectly in my mind, but being true to life, I can't say.
I have read most of Coetzee as well (and own most of it, but I want nice editions, so I've held off on purchasing many of the volumes - the only one I can't see Folio publishing would be Inner Workings. I share your sentiment that I hope Folio publishes more of his work, but they have to make the arrangements with the other publishers to get the rights to publish. I agree, Waiting for the Barbarians should probably be the easiest book to be published since it was written in 1982, and as far as I know, there isn't really a nice edition of it. The best copy I have is my Penguin Great Classics paperback with the fake deckled edge and French flaps.
Thank you for the information about the Coetzee biography. I did hear about it a long time ago, but I've been waiting for publication information for a while now. I can't wait to read the book once it comes out. The only other comparable biography or autobiography I can think of that I waited with want to read was Hitchen's Hitch-22.
I would be interested in hearing what your take is on the few illustrations you're able to see via Folio's site and my blog post, since you have firsthand local knowledge.
For a native South African, the Hope introduction wouldn't add very much. The only thing he mentions that may be of use to you would be that Lurie can be compared to Josef in Kafka's The Trial. Everything else is basically a brief summary of the book itself along with why things are important due to the history of South Africa at the time. In short, you've lived it, you don't need it. It's for the vast majority of readers who probably still consider South Africa to be a white majority country (not the case), and whom may be unaware of the specific cultural milieu of the country. It's basically a very topical introduction meant to help the normal reader understand the book and its context. It is definitely not a in-depth look at the novel itself.
It's my personal preference not to share all of the illustrations of a book. There are only 7 of them in the book and Folio allows you to see three of them. You can see two additional images from my page. So there are only two missing illustrations. They are all in the same style but the ones with the most detail about the countryside/specific situations are the market:
And the other one is:
Everything else is rather abstract in the same style. If you were hoping for landmarks, I don't think there is anything apart from the frontispiece illustration (since I'm not a native, I can't tell you if that's anything special from Cape Town, perhaps you can tell us?). They illustrate the scenes perfectly in my mind, but being true to life, I can't say.
I have read most of Coetzee as well (and own most of it, but I want nice editions, so I've held off on purchasing many of the volumes - the only one I can't see Folio publishing would be Inner Workings. I share your sentiment that I hope Folio publishes more of his work, but they have to make the arrangements with the other publishers to get the rights to publish. I agree, Waiting for the Barbarians should probably be the easiest book to be published since it was written in 1982, and as far as I know, there isn't really a nice edition of it. The best copy I have is my Penguin Great Classics paperback with the fake deckled edge and French flaps.
Thank you for the information about the Coetzee biography. I did hear about it a long time ago, but I've been waiting for publication information for a while now. I can't wait to read the book once it comes out. The only other comparable biography or autobiography I can think of that I waited with want to read was Hitchen's Hitch-22.
I would be interested in hearing what your take is on the few illustrations you're able to see via Folio's site and my blog post, since you have firsthand local knowledge.
6groeng
>5 nicklong:
Thanks, Nick, for sharing the pictures. The illustrations are rather generic, although the landscape behind the workers in the last one you posted is reminiscent of the Eastern Cape (low shrubs, semi-arid). The building portrayed on the frontispiece is unlike anything I've ever seen in Cape Town, but could be the artist's interpretation of Lurie's 'technical university' (no such place IRL). There is of course no compunction on illustrators to portray anything 'real' or 'true to nature' and these illustrations do strike me as reflecting the tone of the book rather than anything specific to the parts in which it is set.
You are an Evil Enabler since I am now convinced that I must have a copy of this book as part of my next order! I sincerely hope FS will publish more Coetzee. My favourites are Age of Iron and, perhaps, Master of Petersburg. I know how hard it is to get good copies of his books - since the Nobel second-hand hardcover copies of his novels have become incredibly expensive, especially of those from the 1970 and 1980s.
The biography is due out in September, not July as I said. I guess it will depend on which country you live in when exactly it will appear. (In SA I think it is to be published by Jonathan Ball). I'd be curious to hear what you make of it. Many people, including myself, were rather surprised to learn last year that Kannemeyer was doing it - he is an old-fashioned biographer, trained in the Germanic tradition - so expect a very detailed, full treatment in a straightforward no-frills style. But Coetzee is on record that he would prefer this sort of empirical treatment to more 'interpretative' ones (he gave his full cooperation to the biographer, although the book is not an 'authorised biography'). Curiously, Kannemeyer died suddenly on Christmas day 2011 just after he had finished the revised version of the manuscript.
I wonder what made FS decide to publish Coetzee? The Nobel? He is hardly going to be a popular choice unlike the O'Brian novels or the established classics. Do you see FS publishing other recent Nobel laureates, e.g. Doris Lessing? But perhaps this is part of a Booker Prize-winners series? Cf. Possessions, The Sea, The Sea, Oscar and Lucinda, Midnight's Children, Lucky Jim (I think - too lazy to check now if it had won the Booker). So, perhaps we can expect The Life and Times of Michael K ere long!
Thanks, Nick, for sharing the pictures. The illustrations are rather generic, although the landscape behind the workers in the last one you posted is reminiscent of the Eastern Cape (low shrubs, semi-arid). The building portrayed on the frontispiece is unlike anything I've ever seen in Cape Town, but could be the artist's interpretation of Lurie's 'technical university' (no such place IRL). There is of course no compunction on illustrators to portray anything 'real' or 'true to nature' and these illustrations do strike me as reflecting the tone of the book rather than anything specific to the parts in which it is set.
You are an Evil Enabler since I am now convinced that I must have a copy of this book as part of my next order! I sincerely hope FS will publish more Coetzee. My favourites are Age of Iron and, perhaps, Master of Petersburg. I know how hard it is to get good copies of his books - since the Nobel second-hand hardcover copies of his novels have become incredibly expensive, especially of those from the 1970 and 1980s.
The biography is due out in September, not July as I said. I guess it will depend on which country you live in when exactly it will appear. (In SA I think it is to be published by Jonathan Ball). I'd be curious to hear what you make of it. Many people, including myself, were rather surprised to learn last year that Kannemeyer was doing it - he is an old-fashioned biographer, trained in the Germanic tradition - so expect a very detailed, full treatment in a straightforward no-frills style. But Coetzee is on record that he would prefer this sort of empirical treatment to more 'interpretative' ones (he gave his full cooperation to the biographer, although the book is not an 'authorised biography'). Curiously, Kannemeyer died suddenly on Christmas day 2011 just after he had finished the revised version of the manuscript.
I wonder what made FS decide to publish Coetzee? The Nobel? He is hardly going to be a popular choice unlike the O'Brian novels or the established classics. Do you see FS publishing other recent Nobel laureates, e.g. Doris Lessing? But perhaps this is part of a Booker Prize-winners series? Cf. Possessions, The Sea, The Sea, Oscar and Lucinda, Midnight's Children, Lucky Jim (I think - too lazy to check now if it had won the Booker). So, perhaps we can expect The Life and Times of Michael K ere long!
7nicklong
>6 groeng:
I'm glad to be an enabler in this case! Please note that trade hardcovers are not of the same quality as Folio volumes are (obviously), so I would rather not purchase hardcovers of anything apart from the essays / volumes he edited. Disgrace is probably part of the Booker series as you mentioned, and I would also be thrilled to see Michael K receive the Folio treatment.
Folio has published a wide variety of books. As with everything else, if they think it'll sell (and make a healthy profit), they'll do it. Given their relationship with other publishers and how they don't compete for the same market, Folio can go after books other publishers wouldn't be able to (such as the Library of America and Hemingway). Folio published some Hemingway stories, but I am sure that the only way Folio could afford to publish a Hemingway novel in its own right would be if it was in one of those "deluxe fine" editions or as a LE. That is, the published price would have to be greater than USD $150 for it to be worthwhile (mainly to appease the publishers & the estate).
Coetzee is not in the same category yet. It would be wise for Folio to go and print at least the "greatest" hits of Coetzee, which in my opinion would be Waiting for the Barbarians, The Life and Times of Michael K, Slow Man, Elizabeth Costello, and Master of Petersburg. I could probably see Slightly Foxed Editions doing Boyhood and Youth as a special two-part set.
I was trying to make the point that the illustrations for this edition were excellent, as they truly bring the story to life. They're kind of nebulous and yet, precise. Just as the story is as well. Honestly, I don't think Folio could have found better illustrations for this book itself. Thank you for the commentary on the illustrations - I'll have to agree that the frontispiece is probably the fictional university that Lurie works at.
I'm glad to be an enabler in this case! Please note that trade hardcovers are not of the same quality as Folio volumes are (obviously), so I would rather not purchase hardcovers of anything apart from the essays / volumes he edited. Disgrace is probably part of the Booker series as you mentioned, and I would also be thrilled to see Michael K receive the Folio treatment.
Folio has published a wide variety of books. As with everything else, if they think it'll sell (and make a healthy profit), they'll do it. Given their relationship with other publishers and how they don't compete for the same market, Folio can go after books other publishers wouldn't be able to (such as the Library of America and Hemingway). Folio published some Hemingway stories, but I am sure that the only way Folio could afford to publish a Hemingway novel in its own right would be if it was in one of those "deluxe fine" editions or as a LE. That is, the published price would have to be greater than USD $150 for it to be worthwhile (mainly to appease the publishers & the estate).
Coetzee is not in the same category yet. It would be wise for Folio to go and print at least the "greatest" hits of Coetzee, which in my opinion would be Waiting for the Barbarians, The Life and Times of Michael K, Slow Man, Elizabeth Costello, and Master of Petersburg. I could probably see Slightly Foxed Editions doing Boyhood and Youth as a special two-part set.
I was trying to make the point that the illustrations for this edition were excellent, as they truly bring the story to life. They're kind of nebulous and yet, precise. Just as the story is as well. Honestly, I don't think Folio could have found better illustrations for this book itself. Thank you for the commentary on the illustrations - I'll have to agree that the frontispiece is probably the fictional university that Lurie works at.
8brother_salvatore
>1 nicklong: Great review Nick. This has been on my "should read" list for quite a while. You have convinced me to read it sooner rather than later.
9nicklong
>8 brother_salvatore: Glad to hear it! If you liked some of Roth's works (I'm thinking of stuff such as Portnoy's Complaint), you would probably like Coetzee's work as well. I also plan to feature some graphic novels over time as well (you and drasvola would be interested). If you want a quick recommendation on a graphic novel, try Feynman by Ottaviani. It's an excellent graphic novel biography of Feynman.
10drasvola
> 1
Nicely done, Nick! It's evident that you have given a lot of attention to details and have considered a well-thought design and format.
Disgrace is one of the books that I have read recently (the FS edition), and I was both disturbed and delighted with the handling of the theme. Coetzee's writing is superb. I believe there are searing comments made on the political and social transition that South Africa has experienced, most clearly reflected in the reactions of younger and older people. Let me add that I visited Johannesburg at the time that apartheid was still in effect.
I have seen the movie version and highly recommend it. There is the inevitable compression of the story (especially in the first part , where Lurie's sexual arrangements, his involvement with Melanie --very passively portrayed by her on the screen--, Lurie's academic relations with colleagues and his docile defense, his marital interaction, are curtailed excessively). Once Lurie moves to the countryside, the movie version is quite intense. One of the themes, violence, is characterized above all by how dogs are incorporated into the story. The clash between values is so stark that the reading (and seeing) becomes painful. But Lucy's feeling of hope against her astonished initial discovery of hate points the way to progress.
Keep up the good work! I'll be following closely what you have to say about graphic novels.
Nicely done, Nick! It's evident that you have given a lot of attention to details and have considered a well-thought design and format.
Disgrace is one of the books that I have read recently (the FS edition), and I was both disturbed and delighted with the handling of the theme. Coetzee's writing is superb. I believe there are searing comments made on the political and social transition that South Africa has experienced, most clearly reflected in the reactions of younger and older people. Let me add that I visited Johannesburg at the time that apartheid was still in effect.
I have seen the movie version and highly recommend it. There is the inevitable compression of the story (especially in the first part , where Lurie's sexual arrangements, his involvement with Melanie --very passively portrayed by her on the screen--, Lurie's academic relations with colleagues and his docile defense, his marital interaction, are curtailed excessively). Once Lurie moves to the countryside, the movie version is quite intense. One of the themes, violence, is characterized above all by how dogs are incorporated into the story. The clash between values is so stark that the reading (and seeing) becomes painful. But Lucy's feeling of hope against her astonished initial discovery of hate points the way to progress.
Keep up the good work! I'll be following closely what you have to say about graphic novels.
11kafkachen
Nice reviews , can't wait to read the next one from fs. perhaps pick one that has disappointed you.
12featherwate
> 6 I wonder what made FS decide to publish Coetzee?
He fits pretty well into the Charles Ede's original aim for the Society in 1947: 'to produce editions of the world's great literature in a format worthy of the contents, at a price within the reach of everyman'. Although I'm not sure the latter goal was ever entirely realistic: everyman's average earnings sixty years ago were under £10 a week and everwoman's under £5 - assuming, of course, she was allowed to go out and earn her own living and keep a bit of it for herself. Perhaps it should have been 'within the reach of anyone so possessed by their love for well-made books that they are no longer conscious of the need to set aside money for food, drink, transport, sex, holidays and the inland revenue'.
He fits pretty well into the Charles Ede's original aim for the Society in 1947: 'to produce editions of the world's great literature in a format worthy of the contents, at a price within the reach of everyman'. Although I'm not sure the latter goal was ever entirely realistic: everyman's average earnings sixty years ago were under £10 a week and everwoman's under £5 - assuming, of course, she was allowed to go out and earn her own living and keep a bit of it for herself. Perhaps it should have been 'within the reach of anyone so possessed by their love for well-made books that they are no longer conscious of the need to set aside money for food, drink, transport, sex, holidays and the inland revenue'.
13nicklong
Thanks all for the kind words!
In reply to >11 kafkachen:, I've reviewed a Folio Society publication that disappointed me (mainly because they've set such high expectations for their editions that I felt let down by this edition. I've also explained why it let me down, and what I did to find a replacement edition for the work in question (I'm keeping both, but I much prefer the trade publication replacement that I found).
The book in question? Orwell's Animal Farm, first printed by Folio in 1984 (any guesses why?), and with at least 15 reprints entering 2002. Now out of print from Folio - this was the first Folio volume I hunted down and bought without seeing any images of the interior pages apart from the cover itself. It's illustrated by Quentin Blake.
I graded it as a "B" - because let's be honest, even if I disliked it, it still has a great binding, was bound in full cloth, uses Abbey Wove paper, and my only disappointment with it was the illustrations. If you're just looking for a copy of a book WITHOUT illustrations, this edition far surpasses any normal non-illustrated edition you may find.
In reply to > 12, I'd say that the average everyman would also not possess very many books. I know plenty of people that own less than 10 books if at all. It depresses me.
Back to the Folio book review - you can reach it by:
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/2012/06/fs-animal-farm-by-george-orwell/
or
http://www.ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/
In reply to >11 kafkachen:, I've reviewed a Folio Society publication that disappointed me (mainly because they've set such high expectations for their editions that I felt let down by this edition. I've also explained why it let me down, and what I did to find a replacement edition for the work in question (I'm keeping both, but I much prefer the trade publication replacement that I found).
The book in question? Orwell's Animal Farm, first printed by Folio in 1984 (any guesses why?), and with at least 15 reprints entering 2002. Now out of print from Folio - this was the first Folio volume I hunted down and bought without seeing any images of the interior pages apart from the cover itself. It's illustrated by Quentin Blake.
I graded it as a "B" - because let's be honest, even if I disliked it, it still has a great binding, was bound in full cloth, uses Abbey Wove paper, and my only disappointment with it was the illustrations. If you're just looking for a copy of a book WITHOUT illustrations, this edition far surpasses any normal non-illustrated edition you may find.
In reply to > 12, I'd say that the average everyman would also not possess very many books. I know plenty of people that own less than 10 books if at all. It depresses me.
Back to the Folio book review - you can reach it by:
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/2012/06/fs-animal-farm-by-george-orwell/
or
http://www.ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/
15Macumbeira
If these 10 books are the right books, then nothing is wrong
16johni92
"I know plenty of people that own less than 10 books if at all"
How is that even possible? I can't say I know anyone like that, unless I include friends of mine in their late teens/early 20s who still live at home - some of them wouldn't own more than 10 books personally, but their parents would at least.
How is that even possible? I can't say I know anyone like that, unless I include friends of mine in their late teens/early 20s who still live at home - some of them wouldn't own more than 10 books personally, but their parents would at least.
17nicklong
>16 johni92:
I see you are Aussie. I admit this may be highly biased, but what about the people that live in the deep Outback? Do they have a lot of books?
A lot of the people without a lot of books in the places I've been in the Americas have usually had only the Bible in certain parts. Others are in very rural areas and don't even have any books at all.
Some people may have newspapers or magazines but these are thrown away. They don't have books apart from the Bible, or if you're lucky, something like a Webster's or a World Book set (an inferior encyclopedia).
So, I can definitely see how an aspirational person only owns very few nice books rather than buying lots of paperbacks.
Plus don't forget that the upcoming generation of young people are more inclined towards technology. I will laugh the day their devices break or electricity no longer becomes as cheap and widespread as it is now.
And some people just don't read. They have a television and/or radio. That's it. It's more widespread than I like to acknowledge around here. On the flip side, I also live in the city that owns America's BEST library system. It's finished in the top 4 every year since 1999 (winning in 1999, 2005, 2008, and 2010 according to Hennen's). I'm constantly surprised by the amount of people that frequent the bookstores and libraries in the city. Not too far outside the city though, it becomes a desolated barren literary landscape with oases here and there. Lots of satellite dishes though.
I see you are Aussie. I admit this may be highly biased, but what about the people that live in the deep Outback? Do they have a lot of books?
A lot of the people without a lot of books in the places I've been in the Americas have usually had only the Bible in certain parts. Others are in very rural areas and don't even have any books at all.
Some people may have newspapers or magazines but these are thrown away. They don't have books apart from the Bible, or if you're lucky, something like a Webster's or a World Book set (an inferior encyclopedia).
So, I can definitely see how an aspirational person only owns very few nice books rather than buying lots of paperbacks.
Plus don't forget that the upcoming generation of young people are more inclined towards technology. I will laugh the day their devices break or electricity no longer becomes as cheap and widespread as it is now.
And some people just don't read. They have a television and/or radio. That's it. It's more widespread than I like to acknowledge around here. On the flip side, I also live in the city that owns America's BEST library system. It's finished in the top 4 every year since 1999 (winning in 1999, 2005, 2008, and 2010 according to Hennen's). I'm constantly surprised by the amount of people that frequent the bookstores and libraries in the city. Not too far outside the city though, it becomes a desolated barren literary landscape with oases here and there. Lots of satellite dishes though.
18johni92
>17 nicklong:
To be honest, I don't really know anybody who lives in the deep Outback (I have lived in the greater-western suburbs of Sydney my whole life), but I'd still picture them as having at least a couple of dozen books lying around the house. I've never been into a house that didn't have at least one bookcase.
I don't know about the truth of it, but I actually read somewhere recently that Aussies tend to buy more books per capita than any other country around the world, despite having considerably higher prices than most other countries (although that seems to be with everything, not just books).
Do I count as being part of the upcoming generation of young people? I've just turned 20, and I know plenty of people my age who still own and read (physical) books.
To be honest, I don't really know anybody who lives in the deep Outback (I have lived in the greater-western suburbs of Sydney my whole life), but I'd still picture them as having at least a couple of dozen books lying around the house. I've never been into a house that didn't have at least one bookcase.
I don't know about the truth of it, but I actually read somewhere recently that Aussies tend to buy more books per capita than any other country around the world, despite having considerably higher prices than most other countries (although that seems to be with everything, not just books).
Do I count as being part of the upcoming generation of young people? I've just turned 20, and I know plenty of people my age who still own and read (physical) books.
19nicklong
>18 johni92: Chalk it up to cultural differences!
20nicklong
And yes, I've just updated Ephemeral Pursuits yet again with another Folio Society related post. This one is something you might not have expected.
Paging Macumbeira. One of his quotes, "I would have bought candide at any price, if it would have been in french, it was not. But again, all this is very personal". From http://www.librarything.com/topic/137326#3401384
Well, consider your wish granted. Kind of.
Yes, Candide with the Quentin Blake illustrations lives! I've reviewed it quickly - I love the edition I found:
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/2012/06/fs-candide-by-voltaire/
There's also a link in the article above to busywine (Books & Vines' overview on the LE Candide itself - to refresh your memory: http://booksandvines.com/2011/07/09/candide-limited-edition-folio-society/
or
http://www.ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/
Paging Macumbeira. One of his quotes, "I would have bought candide at any price, if it would have been in french, it was not. But again, all this is very personal". From http://www.librarything.com/topic/137326#3401384
Well, consider your wish granted. Kind of.
Yes, Candide with the Quentin Blake illustrations lives! I've reviewed it quickly - I love the edition I found:
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/2012/06/fs-candide-by-voltaire/
There's also a link in the article above to busywine (Books & Vines' overview on the LE Candide itself - to refresh your memory: http://booksandvines.com/2011/07/09/candide-limited-edition-folio-society/
or
http://www.ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/
22Macumbeira
Thanks Nick ! Ordered !
Great blog too !
Great blog too !
23drasvola
> 20
Thanks, Nick. I've ordered the book from amazon.fr. Very fruitful research. I wonder why the collaboration between FS and Gallimard for this edition has not been made widely known. I should be receiving the book in just a couple of days. Service is quite fast (by messenger) to Spain
Thanks, Nick. I've ordered the book from amazon.fr. Very fruitful research. I wonder why the collaboration between FS and Gallimard for this edition has not been made widely known. I should be receiving the book in just a couple of days. Service is quite fast (by messenger) to Spain
24nicklong
>23 drasvola:
I suspect that it's a part of a friendly collaboration, since it's known that Quentin Blake's next project for the Folio Society is an edition of Fontaine's Fables. They probably want to use something of Gallimard's in that edition? In any case, it's not an apples to apples comparison.
I suspect that it's a part of a friendly collaboration, since it's known that Quentin Blake's next project for the Folio Society is an edition of Fontaine's Fables. They probably want to use something of Gallimard's in that edition? In any case, it's not an apples to apples comparison.
25nicklong
Thanks for the kind comments all - I have some other tidbits coming up, and already have the photographs taken and grouped for the next several posts. I just need to write them all up.
Coming next will probably be a look at the recent Cicero: Orations by the Folio Society, which has an interesting comparison that you wouldn't know any other way unless you were also a picture book aficionado like I am. Having a young son, I've been collecting picture books for the past few years and have amassed a large collection. However, I don't own a copy of the book I'll be using, but have photographs of the pertinent illustrations.
Since this is an international forum and I am an American, please feel free to slap me around for my American-ness, and any presumptions that I may be making in regards to anything I post. I plan on featuring more non-English books as my own limitations permit.
Coming next will probably be a look at the recent Cicero: Orations by the Folio Society, which has an interesting comparison that you wouldn't know any other way unless you were also a picture book aficionado like I am. Having a young son, I've been collecting picture books for the past few years and have amassed a large collection. However, I don't own a copy of the book I'll be using, but have photographs of the pertinent illustrations.
Since this is an international forum and I am an American, please feel free to slap me around for my American-ness, and any presumptions that I may be making in regards to anything I post. I plan on featuring more non-English books as my own limitations permit.
26boldface
Great blog, Nick. Thanks for just enabling me to order the French version! It will be interesting to assess Smollett's translation and to see QB's illustrations in a refreshingly rubberized context. I can't help thinking some of Taschen's offerings would look good in full rubber. (Now for a cold shower.)
27featherwate
A pocket-sized, carry-about, top-of-the-bus, towel-on-the-beach, county-cricket-ground, death-by-chloresterol-caff, hospital-bedside, back-of-the-crematorium version of my favourite LE - fabulous! Beats a Kindle any day. Wonderful link, Nick, thank you!
Don't suppose the treatment would work as well for Night Thoughts though, or the David Roberts set... :(
Don't suppose the treatment would work as well for Night Thoughts though, or the David Roberts set... :(
28nicklong
>27 featherwate:
I don't know about that. If Audubon's Birds of America could be shrunk to a 4x4" volume...
In any case, yes, once again, another update to Ephemeral Pursuits related to the Folio Society. This time, an actual volume from FS.
It's the recent Cicero's Orations. I'm not familiar with the artist, but would love to hear more about him from our British members or anybody else familiar with his work.
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/2012/06/fs-cicero-orations/
or
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/
I don't know about that. If Audubon's Birds of America could be shrunk to a 4x4" volume...
In any case, yes, once again, another update to Ephemeral Pursuits related to the Folio Society. This time, an actual volume from FS.
It's the recent Cicero's Orations. I'm not familiar with the artist, but would love to hear more about him from our British members or anybody else familiar with his work.
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/2012/06/fs-cicero-orations/
or
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/
30Quicksilver66
> 29
I love the Folio edition of Orations. Yes, its bold, its brash, its superbly quirky and it divides opinion like no other FS book. But I think it’s great. The FS could have been boring with this edition and just gone for another neo-classical book design with pillars and laurel wreaths and antique busts and all the usual paraphernalia that goes with presentations of classical authors. But I think the design and illustrations of Orations help us look at Cicero in a new and more modern light.
I love the Folio edition of Orations. Yes, its bold, its brash, its superbly quirky and it divides opinion like no other FS book. But I think it’s great. The FS could have been boring with this edition and just gone for another neo-classical book design with pillars and laurel wreaths and antique busts and all the usual paraphernalia that goes with presentations of classical authors. But I think the design and illustrations of Orations help us look at Cicero in a new and more modern light.
31drasvola
Received today the Gallimard edition of 'Candide' with the Quentin Blake illustrations (albeit reduced in size; the book is a small paperback). Beautiful! Thanks, Nick, for finding this.
32boldface
> 31
Mine's on its way! The postman should be here any moment now - if he hasn't drowned!!*
* It's been raining for days/weeks.
Mine's on its way! The postman should be here any moment now - if he hasn't drowned!!*
* It's been raining for days/weeks.
33drasvola
So I have read, Jonathan. But it won't dampen the fierce spirit of the Isles! The book is a small gem... and it includes a Voltaire chronology. The illustrations are Quentin Blake's copyright so perhaps there was no direct negotiation with FS.
35Macumbeira
Received Candide today
Fantastic
Fantastic
36boldface
> 32, 34
When I looked out this morning I could see that there was no possibility of a walk today.
And no, my rubberized Candide did not arrive today, after all. I don't think I missed it - the postman always rings twice.
When I looked out this morning I could see that there was no possibility of a walk today.
And no, my rubberized Candide did not arrive today, after all. I don't think I missed it - the postman always rings twice.
37Ephemeralda
(Enters SL; looks around; confused)
(Sighs; exits, humming "You're So Vain")
I keep thinking this thread is about me.
(Sighs; exits, humming "You're So Vain")
39drasvola
> 36
Did the postman call twice? Is the "rubberized" binding of 'Candide' in your hands, Jonathan? Adding to my collection of Candide editions, I received today the Easton Press publication (1977: a very handsome book and binding; another translator, Aldington; illustrated by Sylvaine Sauvage). No, it is not my intention to add another fine publisher to my shelves.
Did the postman call twice? Is the "rubberized" binding of 'Candide' in your hands, Jonathan? Adding to my collection of Candide editions, I received today the Easton Press publication (1977: a very handsome book and binding; another translator, Aldington; illustrated by Sylvaine Sauvage). No, it is not my intention to add another fine publisher to my shelves.
40boldface
> 39
The postman called the next day and I have to say I'm pleased with the pocket Candide. QB's illustrations look remarkably good even at a comparatively tiny size. I was also pleased to see that the original French is quite straightforward. I hope you like the Easton Press edition. But I think I'll call it a day on Candide editions for the time being.
The postman called the next day and I have to say I'm pleased with the pocket Candide. QB's illustrations look remarkably good even at a comparatively tiny size. I was also pleased to see that the original French is quite straightforward. I hope you like the Easton Press edition. But I think I'll call it a day on Candide editions for the time being.
41nicklong
Just a long overdue update. I've moved my Ephemeral Pursuits blog over to the /blog/ folder on my URL to allow me more flexibility with my domain name, as I plan on adding more 'static' pages. If you have bookmarked specific posts, these links will no longer work. I have repaired all the links above with the correct address (it's just the addition of blog/ into the correct position in the URL).
I will also be removing some of the items from my blog's "pages" - such as the Captions page to a different static page elsewhere on the site. I really should have set this up in the 'blog' folder in the first place.
I've put up a temporary homepage with a direct link to the blog itself if you go to the direct site name alone. This will be replaced over time.
My apologies for the delay in both updating and posting!
Direct link to the blog: http://www.ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/
More Folio-related information will be coming soon.
-Nick
I will also be removing some of the items from my blog's "pages" - such as the Captions page to a different static page elsewhere on the site. I really should have set this up in the 'blog' folder in the first place.
I've put up a temporary homepage with a direct link to the blog itself if you go to the direct site name alone. This will be replaced over time.
My apologies for the delay in both updating and posting!
Direct link to the blog: http://www.ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/
More Folio-related information will be coming soon.
-Nick
42nicklong
Took me a while, but I finally finished an article about The Little Prince and on translations in general. I'm hoping that Folio will publish The Little Prince next year. One can only hope.
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/2012/10/on-translation-and-the-little-prince/
-Nick
http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/2012/10/on-translation-and-the-little-prince/
-Nick
43nicklong
>42 nicklong:
The Folio Society has gotten back to me regarding my proposal of publishing The Little Prince for 2013. Unfortunately, they won't be doing so in 2013, but it has been a title they long have considered publishing. Hopefully they'll publish it sooner rather than later. The 70th anniversary is in 2013, but if they wanted to celebrate an anniversary, they might wait until 2018 for the 75th anniversary. Hopefully not!
The Folio Society has gotten back to me regarding my proposal of publishing The Little Prince for 2013. Unfortunately, they won't be doing so in 2013, but it has been a title they long have considered publishing. Hopefully they'll publish it sooner rather than later. The 70th anniversary is in 2013, but if they wanted to celebrate an anniversary, they might wait until 2018 for the 75th anniversary. Hopefully not!
44nicklong
I've finally updated the static pages over at http://ephemeralpursuits.com/
More content is coming in the new year. Especially now that I've finally gotten this out of the way. Not all the links are active yet, but feedback will be taken into account. It'll give me the flexibility to post standalone things or mini-sites. An example of one of those would be my guest article from Books & Vines (Moby-Dick), now available to read again on my own site while busywine is on his sabbatical.
I've got a couple of ideas I've been working on related to the Folio Society, and they'll eventually go up on the site when I've fleshed out some of the pages for them.
More content is coming in the new year. Especially now that I've finally gotten this out of the way. Not all the links are active yet, but feedback will be taken into account. It'll give me the flexibility to post standalone things or mini-sites. An example of one of those would be my guest article from Books & Vines (Moby-Dick), now available to read again on my own site while busywine is on his sabbatical.
I've got a couple of ideas I've been working on related to the Folio Society, and they'll eventually go up on the site when I've fleshed out some of the pages for them.
45nicklong
Still working on the redesign & new features...
But I got around to posting Descartes' Meditations & Other Writings: http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/2013/07/fs-descartes-meditations-other-writing...
Have another project related to FS nearing completion, but as usual - time is the deterrent.
But I got around to posting Descartes' Meditations & Other Writings: http://ephemeralpursuits.com/blog/2013/07/fs-descartes-meditations-other-writing...
Have another project related to FS nearing completion, but as usual - time is the deterrent.
