Atlas Shrugged DLE

A new limited edition showed up on the EP web site this morning -- Atlas Shrugged limited to 800 copies with full color illustrations and fabric-covered slipcase. Considering the two-volume Atlas Shrugged from the old Ayn Rand four-volume collection is going for hundreds of dollars on Ebay, the $117 cost of this limited edition seems like a bargain.

Just ordered my first DLE. I've been keeping an eye out for a copy of Atlas Shrugged for awhile and as pointed out above, this price is actually cheaper than most sales on eBay for the two-volume set.

I know that some of you have made posts in the past about DLEs not shipping until weeks or months after they are first posted on the site. Is this generally the way these are done?

This one should ship now since it doesn't have a message at the bottom about a delay.

Makes me wonder what is 'special' about it, other than just saying they will only make 800...looks like a standard EP edition with a slipcase. Not trying to pour cold water on it, I love Atlas Shrugged, but I just do not get how this is really a DLE.

I agree, it is just a normal EP with a slipcase. But, the price isn't bad compared to what they sell for at auction.

I agree to a point, the photo displayed does not give the full idea of the quality & appeal. The picture lacks the slipcase, there is a thin line between a limited edition and a normal printing of Easton Press.

True, there isn't much information on the web site to denote why this edition is better than any other, normal Easton Press publication. I've seen the two-volume Atlas Shrugged and I believe there was only one color picture in the book, which was the frontispiece. The one pictured with the DLE appears to be the same. The web site hints that there is more than one color picture in the DLE. I ordered it because it's much less expensive than what I've seen them go for on Ebay auctions. I added express delivery, so I'll post photos and other information when it arrives.

>7 wrenegade: thanks! Look forward to seeing it, then I may order!

Thanks for the note wrenegade, I just placed an order with customer service, and get my order confirmation back already.
Actually I've been looking for a copy for a while.. but the Ebay prices are just too high.

I received a note from EP customer service today stating that Atlas Shrugged is currently being bound and will not be shipped until the end of October. I guess the photos will have to wait.

10- I just stopped by to say the same thing. I wonder why there isn't a notice on the page saying that, they seem to get one up there for most of the other limiteds.

>11 Wootle:: Indeed. EP's very slow in coming clean with the accurate info we need for making DLE decisions. I've wondered, for example, why they can't manage to add new DLE titles right to the "Deluxe Limited Edition" pages when they are announced, instead of making you find the page via title search. As of today "Atlas Shrugged" isn't listed among the other DLEs.

Who knows. At this low a price level, EP might consider the book to be a not-quite-as-deluxe limited edition. Other than the hand-numbering, isn't the slipcase the only feature that smacks of DLE? Notably missing from the web page is the bullet list of deluxe features. Moreover, all previous DLEs have been either pricy numbered reprints of historic editions or (slightly less pricy) new editions of classics that are not only hand-numbered, but signed by the author as well. This book doesn't seem to fall into either category. On the other hand, it is less expensive ... and people have whined about the cost of the DLEs...

Clearly, EP is continuing to experiment with their business model.

12- Hmmm. It was showing up on the DLE page 2 for me earlier, now it is missing. Someone must be playing with the site, maybe they are adding some other new titles.

If it won't start shipping until the end of October, it's entirely possible they're still working out some of the finishing details. Given that the current description doesn't state "DLE" anywhere, I'm betting it's simply not a DLE.

>15 treereader:

The description does still say it is limited to 800 copies. I also received the email that it would ship in late October.

> 16, so it would be a LE, not a DLE. I think we need to insist that the 'D' remain used for when they do something more special than just limited the edition and throwing in a slipcase. :-) Really, no offense to anyone, I am always happy to see editions of this as I love the book, but I do wish someone really would do a special edition of this with fantastic treatment.

>17 busywine: Maybe that's why Easton Press took it off the DLE portion of their web site. When I went there earlier this week, it was on page 2 of the DLE section. Now, you have to specifically search for Atlas Shrugged to find the listing.
It's certainly not priced like a DLE, so I'm not sensing any deception on EP's part. The listing might have gone up on the web site prematurely by mistake. It's hard to tell.
Regardless, I'll gladly pay $117 for a nice, not-deluxe-but-limited edition of this title with slipcase. Being an impatient book hoarder, I'm more disappointed in the late-October shipping date more than anything else.

I received the latest catalog today and they are advertising Atlas Shrugged as a limited edition. The blurb states it has "exclusive full-color artwork" and the title page clearly states "Frontispiece by Frank Mayo, Additional artwork by Dennis Lyall". The number of illustrations is not mentioned but they show an interior one as well as the frontispiece.

On the official site, the Atlas Shrugged is a limited edition but not a Deluxe Limited Edition.

>12 iluvbeckett:: I find that if I click on that "More New Items" link on their home page, sort by Popularity, and then go to the last page and work my way back, I tend to find all of the new releases within a page or three - no title search required. I agree, though, the one should be able to go to the right section and easily see everything belonging to that section.

Tarzan of the Apes as DLE appeared some days ago among the new items.

Is it just me, or was this book orginally 3 payments of $39.00? The website now states 4 payments of $39.00:

http://www.eastonpressbooks.com/leather/product.asp?code=2447

I hope they don't try to charge me four times. I ordered when it said 3 payments. Guess I better call Monday.

I pulled out the Autumn 2012 catalog and it says 3 @ $39 in it. I hope their customer service will handle this properly.

>25 Wootle:

I'm glad that it was in the catalog because I also ordered when it was only 3 payments and, unfortunately, their verification emails do not show the payments or amounts; just the title of the book.

The fourth payment will be shared collectively...

Has anyone gotten an answer about this? I e-mailed customer service today but haven't heard anything.

>28 wrenegade:

I also sent an email yesterday but haven't heard back yet. Being located in New England, they may be in the area affected by the huge storm.

I tried calling several times but they werent answering.

Sounds very disturbing. I'm crossing my fingres.

They are back in the office today. My account was going to be charged the 4 times, but since I had proof of the 3 times, she changed it in my account to 3 charges instead. So, I think everyone better call them if you want the lower price otherwise you will be charged the current price.

And they began shipping them a few days ago.

I wonder what accounted for the price increase? More expensive production costs or the recognition that this book could bring in more money than EP's original price point?

When I originally ordered this DLE, I did it over the phone. The rep asked me what the code was above my name in the address label and I explained that I was at work, didn't have the catalogue in front of me, and asked why this should matter. She then explained that there was a printing error in the price, with some catalogues being distributed with the 3 payments of $39 instead of the correct price of 4 payments of $39. She assured me I would get the price advertised (3 @ $39) but the computer was not letting her override the higher price. She explained that she would contact her supervisor to ensure my order was completed correctly. I have not received the book yet, but I did get the first credit card charge so presumably it is "in the mail."

I will definitely call if I see a fourth payment or if the invoice included with the book, which includes the dates of the future charges lists four payments. And I am of course keeping the catalogue with the incorrect price printed in case I need proof.

I offer this up only as an explanation for the price "increase" mentioned in some of the posts above.

There was a 3 payment of 39$ info on their website in the beginning, not only in some catalogues. I know because I wrote down all info on a paper and then sent an order through e-mail. Later on I got their catalogue indicating 4 payments. I found out this only after reading this thread. The right thing would be, for them to inform us and give the opportunity to cancel the order, but the book is already shipped. I have no proof that I ordered when it was 3 payments, so maybe I will just send it back.

If the book is at or above expectations, I see no reason why one should complain or return Atlas Shrugged. I would however expect Easton Press to double check their catalogs and site before posting the spelling and monthly payment plan.

I received back a reply to my email today. EP is going to honor the 3 payment price for my order since I have the catalog showing that price on page 3; however, I also pointed out that the 3 payment price was also shown on their website on the day which I purchased it (September 6). They did indicate that the original price was an error. In the future, I will be taking screenshots of the book price since they don't display on the Order Confirmation emails.

>37 EastonQuality:
How can you see no reason why someone would complain? I'm sure the book's quality will be great...that doesn't change the fact that someone may have made a budgetary decision based on a price they saw on the website or in the catalog and may not realize until months from now that they will be paying more than they planned. Any company that makes a mistake like that should either notify people and ask them if they want to cancel the order, or, just honor the price they sold it at; even if they made a mistake listing it. I am glad that EP is honoring the price that I purchased it at...the problem is that they would not have if I had not notified them.

I ordered online when it was showing 3 payments. I called this morning and was told my order was in the system for 3 payments, $117 total. I'll check the invoice when the book arrives to see if it matches.

EastonQuality, it is not a matter of whether or not the book is below, at or above expectations. Several of us ordered it expecting to pay $117, not $156. Furthermore, some may feel the book is worth $117, but not $156, which is how I feel.

>38 Arknight:
I specifically pointed out when Easton makes an error it does stir questions about how accurate the site is. Regarding the first comment, if someone returns the book because they don't want to pay the full price it will bring up questions wether they were serious about the title or not. Easton will respond to any calls with an explanation of the matter, I received a letter requesting a confirmation of the purchase.

$156 seems reasonable for a limited edition

>40 EastonQuality:
It has nothing to do with the price or how much I want the book, but their behaviour.

If I get the book, pay one or two installments and then decide it's not worth more, block my credit card without explanation to them, that would be to do the same thing. I don't think they would feel happy.

I'm not sure it's worth so much just because it's limited and has a slipcase.

EQ, what you think is a reasonable price has no bearing on:
1) what I think is a reasonable price
2) what I'm willing to pay

$117 would be a record for the lowest price limited title on the site if correct, no others are cheaper. $156 is still one of the lowest amounts for offers, limited and deluxe limited editions. If the price bothers you so much then simply cancel and buy a different title.

I received my copy today. It is a standard Easton Press book except for the limitation to 850 copies and the slipcase. Without the limitation and slipcase, the book itself is comparable to what you'd get with the 20th Century or 100 Greatest sets. There are two illustrations -- the frontispiece and another one about halfway through the book.
It is a nice book and I'm happy to pay the $117 price for it. Personally, I don't think it's worth $156, but that's a subjective call.
Customer service was very nice and stated that they will honor the original price.
By the way, that original price was on their web site for several weeks. It wasn't like the wrong price went up there for a day or so and then was corrected.
Just my 2-cents worth.

It does puzzle me why there would be an extended amount of time to pass for a monthly payment plan to be incorrect in the catalog and website.

Regards to comparing prices; The Story of the Titanic had far more copies produced, two inches away from the same length, and priced at $129.

The fact for the reason of the price difference with Atlas Shrugged is perhaps due to:

1. 1,184 pages
2. Limited to 800 copies

44--$117 would be a record for the lowest price limited title on the site if correct, no others are cheaper.

That is a silly statement. There have been hundreds if not a thousand limiteds available from EP for much less. Many of them signed.

>47 Wootle:

Show me at least three titles with less than 800 printed, not from a series, with a slipcase, more than 3 lbs, greater than 600 pages, and less than $160.

48-- Now you are making a completely different statement. I was responding to the original one.

>49 Wootle:

There are thousands of books in limited numbers, many are personally numbered when signed, few unsigned are numbered which places them in a different category, you left out the part most are never mentioned as limited editions on the official EP site. A quick search of 'limited' will confirm this. Atlas Shrugged is registered as a limited edition, it was printed as a special version unlike most others, added with a slipcase. You may not be aware of this, slipcases are costly when produced.

Just because you say it was printed as a "special version", does not make the book more valuable to most people. The only thing special about this book is the slipcase. There are many numbered limited books by EP, there are many signed editions by EP, even some slipcased editions. Is it the cheapest slipcased book on the site, probably. You may place more value on a slipcased book, but not everyone does. Slipcases do cost money to produce, but probably not as much as you think when ordered in mass quantity. A simple cloth covered slipcase can be made in a just a few minutes and a few dollars. Certainly much less than the extra $39 payment. Without doing any research, I would bet EP pays around $5 per slipcase, with most of that being labor.

There is a slipcase offered on eBay for $275 to protect a Nelson Mandela edition with the same quality as the Atlas Shrugged case, talking to the seller in person it cost a pretty penny during production. Regarding opinions you are right, it is a matter of opinion if the price matches the desire for a customer. Considering the added features and explanation or follow up of such, the price for many will meet their expectations.

You know having read law ages ago (and not ending up following that line for various unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances) I should know more about contracts/law of obligations. And if I remember correctly, EP does not need to honor the price at which there was an error. If a seller mistakenly sells a television worth $2000 for $1 on their website they are not obliged to honor it. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

The slipcase you are referring is probably covered in leather, with gilt titles, and has interior covering as well. Having one of anything made is certainly going to cost much more per unit than having 800 units made, of course. I would imagine that we will be receiving the simple cloth covered cases that EP has used for their smaller DLEs, or perhaps even the cheaper paper covered ones on some of the oversized DLEs. I do like slipcases in general, but am not willing to pay a ridiculous price for one. Especially since I could build one myself for $10 of material and an hour of my life.

>53 ironjaw:: My recollection of business law is that if one party makes an offer and another party accepts that offer prior to any retraction of said offer, there is a legally binding contract.

Yes that is true but on the internet it's a bit different, I believe. It's got to do with whether it was an honest mistake, error or not. I'm just too tired to look it up as it's nearing 12 midnight and I should be in bed, calls second girlfriend (after first being, LT)

Two lousy pictures? Seriously? I may be sending this back. I specifically asked if it was illustrated or just had a frontpiece and was told it had SEVERAL full page color illustrations. Seems to be just another EP ripoff. They have so soured me lately on their selections and practices.

Two illustrations, that's it??

54> It's a nice slipcase. It is cloth, felt-lined with a reproduction of the book's cover in gilt on one side. I have no idea how much something like that costs, but it's well-done.

57, 58> I've gone through the book half a dozen times and only found the two illustrations -- the frontispiece and one other. I keep going through the book looking for more because I find it hard to believe there's only two myself. That's it, though.

All in all, this is a very nice book with a very nice slipcase. It's value is subjective and, regardless of how the mistaken price occurred, it appears EP is honoring all orders that were placed at the lower price, as they should.

I jumped on this one as soon as I saw it at $117. Who knows -- I might have jumped on it at the higher price, too. It's a tough call. But at the price I paid, I'm very happy.

My two cents: I briefly thought about getting this when I learned about it through this thread, but as I've read it in mass-market paperback form and not being greatly enamored of either her writing or (most) of her world-view, I passed. It seems like a good choice of "limited" for what it is, and I personally wouldn't get my knickers in a knot over whether or how many pictures it has - its impact is in the story, the message, the ideas, whatever people want to find in it. For Randians (Randites?) it's probably a "must-have" and good fortune having this edition available to them.

I agree. Some DLE just may not be for everyone. Buy what you love. I love Twain....just ordered Connecticut Yankee.

Well, even at four payments of $39 apiece, EP's price sure beats this Ebay seller's attempt to gouge buyers with a $500 copy

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Atlas-Shrugged-by-Ayn-Rand-Easton-Press-Limited-Edition-...

I got my statement (and copy) and it showed 3 payments of 39$

Me too, 3 payments of $39.

My statement shows 4 payments although EP customer service said my account will be credited for the fourth payment

It looks like this is already sold out? I don't ever remember an 800 volume set selling out this quickly. Is this another example of we are out, wait . . . we found some more?

No longer on, highly desirable for the listing price.

Wow, two months. Popular book.

I confirm they are sold out, the original price was an error and sold out very quickly for the 800 LEs of Atlas Shrugged.

Yes, our friend "gilded-legacy-books" has already moved in for the kill :-)

Selling for $999

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Easton-Press-ATLAS-SHRUGGED-Ayn-Rand-SEALED-Limited-Edit...

$1k is outrageous, it must be an ad promoting the store with no intention of selling the book, see listings like this all the time.

It appears this will be another case of Fahrenheit 451, where the anticipated demand has prompted many to purchase copies for the express purpose of flipping them for a profit. Currently there are no less than six copies available on eBay ... some familiar names as well as a few new players.

gabrielac $298.00 plus shipping

sayoung73 $399.95 plus shipping

criscior $298.00 plus shipping

rulesto010 $280.00 plus shipping

djon6797 $500.00 plus shipping

gilded-legacy-books $999.00 plus shipping

I won't be surprised to see many more in the coming weeks, nor to discover that some of these sellers have multiple copies to list in days to come. Sixty-five of seven hundred copies of the DLE Fahrenheit 451 have re-surfaced on eBay to date, slightly more than 9%.

> 73
Perhaps it is time to revive the eBay Resellers Hall of Shame?

Shocking it is especially gilded's price

I know I was one of the first to order this book. In fact, I placed my order the same day it appeared on EP's web site (mistakenly) as a Deluxe Limited Edition. So I was surprised to get a limitation number somewhere in the 400s -- I can't remember the exact number, and don't have access to the book since I'm at work. With the quick sell-out of this title, I guess I was lucky to get a limitation number that low.

I don't think the book # you receive and the time you place your order have any correlation whatsoever. In my mind, the books are warehoused in stacks on large pallets. Orders are accumulated, often in advance of the production of the actual book. When books are ready to ship, they are taken off the pallets randomly to fulfill orders, likely in no particular order, especially if more than one person assists in fulfilling the orders.

> 77
I can confirm this since my DLE Metamorphoses is #2 and I can assure you I was not the second person to order it. That is the lowest number I own of any limited edition by any publisher.

The number assigning is definetely random. However, the email Easton sent out today is kinda funny. It mentions something along the lines of the lower numbers are more coveted so get your order in early. What a joke.

>79 Wootle:: (Chuckle).

I laughed to myself too browsing the latest catalogue, in which I read under the 'Signed First Editions,' "many sold out Easton Press Signed First Editions are now offered on line at prices higher than their original cost."

As if what someone asks for a book is a real measure of it's value, as opposed to for how much they typically sell; actual data suggesting that the vast majority of 'Signed First Editions' sell at auction for less than their original cost of $79.95. Granted, there are a few that have escalated well above this figure, but I wouldn't count them as 'many' relative to the number published.

Besides, greatsharkhunt051977 offers editions of the '100 Greatest' for $275.00, and actually sells one every now and then. Perhaps Easton Press should include a blurb under their advertisement for the '100 Greatest', "often offered on line for seven times their original cost!"

I'm just saying ....

I received my copy and I also show 3 payments of $39.

As for the book and slipcase, overall I'm impressed. As already mentioned it's a very nice cloth covered, felt-lined slipcase with a reproduction of the main book cover design in gilt on one side. As someone who buys many slipcased books I must say it is one of the best slipcases, if not the best, I own and it may well be the reason the price was increased.

The book itself appears to be one of E/P's better efforts. There are two illustrations (I wish there were more) on heavy stock paper. The text is printed on thinner paper then most of the other E/P books I own, but that is understandable due to the number of pages. I would prefer for E/P to completely re-typeset every book they publish, which is something the Folio Society does, but I am happy with the lithography. The limitation page states it was done by Falcon Press and in my opinion it is better than many of the E/P books I own.

>78 UK_History_Fan:
My Metamorphoses DLE is #1 and I bought it second-hand several months after it selling out...didn't even know the limitation number when I bought it.

If you bought this and think you got it at three payments instead of four, check your CC statements. They charged me a fourth time yesterday. I had to call AGAIN to get it straightened out. I was assured by cust serv before this shipped that I was being charged three times and it was noted in my account, guess not.

> 83
Thank you for the warning. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I did just check and I was only charged 3 times @ $39 each, once at the end of Oct, Nov, and Dec. So if there was to be a 4th charge, it would likely be on my credit card by now.

I'm looking to trade for a copy of this if anyone has one available. I have a number of EP books for trade, including some signed editions and various science fiction volumes, as well as some from the 100 greatest collection and famous editions. Drop me a PM if interested. Thanks.

Still looking for a copy, if anyone has one to trade...

The Fountainhead

1943 copies. I guess the 800 of Atlas Shrugged sold out so quick EP saw an opportunity.

I think you are correct.

Ordered my 50 copies today!

1943 could be a typo, too, albeit a clever one. EP doesn't exactly maintain its website to the same quality level as its books.

>91 treereader:: I'm guessing that it is not a typo. It is in keeping with the 1,865 number of copies of The Assassination Of President Lincoln And Trial Of The Conspirators for the facsimile edition of the original 1865 Edition. Plus, it is good justification for printing more than twice as many copies of The Fountainhead as they did Atlas Shrugged, which I'm guessing they were wishing they had printed more. I will be curious to see how the market value of this edition holds up, given that it is the same original price as Atlas Shrugged but with more than twice as many copies available.

I believe it is also a reference to the fact that the book was originally published in 1943 and EP has published it for the 70th. anniversary.

>93 Arknight:: Certainly, which was my implication that it probably is not a typo.

(Sidenote): As I recall seeing, the original print run of the first edition from 1943 (there were at least a couple that year) amounted to around 7,500 copies - of which any one, even lacking a dustjacket, is several orders of magnitude pricier than either of these DLE's will ever be. I know, apples and oranges, but it's fun to compare nonetheless.