1eastonlionel
Would like to pick up one of these sets. I'm considering the current EP set or the new Folio Society books, now that they have published the sixth one. List price on the EP set is $444, FS set would be $341.70 + $21 shipping. I've seen the EP set, so know what I would be getting. Any thoughts on the FS or one vs. the other?
2HugoDumas
>1 eastonlionel: no contest. The EP set is gorgeous with the charming FAMOUS full color illustrations of Brock. I have 4 of them. You might hold out on eBay and try to get a more favorable price per volume if you are patient. I purchased a couple sealed at only $39 each. The Folio set is not leather and illustrations are not as nice as Brock.
3eastonlionel
>2 HugoDumas: Thanks for the recommendation. The EP set is still available directly from EP, so that is an option. Maybe it will be included in their Black Friday sale?
FS also runs sales for sets or multiple book purchases in a series. It's usually 10 or 20%.
FS also runs sales for sets or multiple book purchases in a series. It's usually 10 or 20%.
4sdawson
I have both sets. I just took some photos.
Easton Press:
Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility
https://postimg.cc/gallery/ll1oej9s/
Northanger Abbey
https://postimg.cc/gallery/23laj0f0w/
Folio Society:
Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility
https://postimg.cc/gallery/w6swciz4/
Northanger Abbey
https://postimg.cc/gallery/14w78m3v4/
Easton Press:
Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility
https://postimg.cc/gallery/ll1oej9s/
Northanger Abbey
https://postimg.cc/gallery/23laj0f0w/
Folio Society:
Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility
https://postimg.cc/gallery/w6swciz4/
Northanger Abbey
https://postimg.cc/gallery/14w78m3v4/
5Love2Read.
Haven't seen FS set but the EP set is beautiful and I would highly recommend it. It includes color illustrations by the Brock brothers and I believe there are 60 illustrations in total. The Dent edition is a very famous one since it was the very first time a Jane Austen set was illustrated in color.
I have the original Dent set from 1898 and also the very first American reproduction of the Dent set from 1906. The main difference is in color, the British set has richer colors and each illustration also has a handwritten title below. So I can tell that the EP reproduction is from the original British set and not from the American reproduction....EP already tells that on their site but it's fun to compare;)
A really beautiful set!
I have the original Dent set from 1898 and also the very first American reproduction of the Dent set from 1906. The main difference is in color, the British set has richer colors and each illustration also has a handwritten title below. So I can tell that the EP reproduction is from the original British set and not from the American reproduction....EP already tells that on their site but it's fun to compare;)
A really beautiful set!
6eastonlionel
>4 sdawson: Thanks for all those pictures, Shawn. It does clear up one thing. The FS website lists Masfield Park as bound in buckram, but all of the other books are listed as being bound in "metallic cloth." I could never figure out what that was, but it appears from your pictures that all of the books are buckram. I have not been happy with the cloth covered FS books I have owned. Some of them are not colorfast and the dye will rub off with handling or if you try even a light cleaning.
I would value your impressions of the two sets.
I would value your impressions of the two sets.
7treereader
>3 eastonlionel:
I bought the Austen set recently. I chose the EP set over the FS set because it just looks better.
I inquired with EP if the Austen set ever goes on sale and they said it was a staple set and would likely never go on sale. I suspect the same of their Tolkien-5, Sherlock-3, and the Rembrandt family bible - also staple products.
I bought the Austen set recently. I chose the EP set over the FS set because it just looks better.
I inquired with EP if the Austen set ever goes on sale and they said it was a staple set and would likely never go on sale. I suspect the same of their Tolkien-5, Sherlock-3, and the Rembrandt family bible - also staple products.
8eastonlionel
>7 treereader: Interesting about the set and sales. In some of the other discussion threads some members commented that they thought it had been included in the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales, but I did not see any confirmed purchase of this set on sale.
9treereader
>8 eastonlionel:
I thought it had but it was Folio Society that had theirs on sale around New Years. I don't recall ever seeing Austen on sale at EP before.
I thought it had but it was Folio Society that had theirs on sale around New Years. I don't recall ever seeing Austen on sale at EP before.
10eastonlionel
And then there is this from FS customer service. I asked them for clarification on the binding of the Jane Austen books:
"Thank you for your email and your interest in the Folio Society.
I can confirm all of our Jane Austen collection are all bound in Blocked metallic cloth. Thank you for highlighting our error, I will pass this on to our wed team."
Huh? The images Shawn posted clearly state on the credits page that the books are bound in Buckram. Maybe in the UK metallic cloth = Buckram? Otherwise, what is metallic cloth??? Does it conduct electricity? :)
"Thank you for your email and your interest in the Folio Society.
I can confirm all of our Jane Austen collection are all bound in Blocked metallic cloth. Thank you for highlighting our error, I will pass this on to our wed team."
Huh? The images Shawn posted clearly state on the credits page that the books are bound in Buckram. Maybe in the UK metallic cloth = Buckram? Otherwise, what is metallic cloth??? Does it conduct electricity? :)
11EPsonNY
>10 eastonlionel: From Folio Society's website: "This Folio edition is bound in gold cloth with a blocked slipcase to match the Folio editions of Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion."
Sometimes Customer Service Representatives, be it from UK, US, India or China, may be better off simply copying and pasting their own marketing material instead of trying to reinvent the wheel :).
Sometimes Customer Service Representatives, be it from UK, US, India or China, may be better off simply copying and pasting their own marketing material instead of trying to reinvent the wheel :).
13sdawson
Well, this metallic cloth compared to buckram topic is interesting.
Googling 'metallic buckram', it seems to me that the covers used on the FS Austen are a particular type of buckram. As noted in the colophon by the binders, (Lachenmaier, Reutlingen, Germany) they identify it as buckram -- so it must be.
However, buckram itself is a cotton (sometimes linen) cloth, soaked in a chemical which creates a great bookbinding material.
One discription of 'Metallic Buckram' is here:
http://www.hewitonline.com/Aura_Metallic_Buckram_p/cl-051-000.htm
It seems to be a variation of traditional buckram, with the addition or replacement of a metal as part of the chemicals applied to the cotton cloth.
So FS is also correct in calling 'metallic cloth'. Still, it seems to me that 'Metallic Buckram' is the better description.
On that note, I personally am a big fan of buckram for book covers -- based primarily on durability and the acceptability for cover designs. In my ideal library, I would have nothing but leather and buckram bound books.
Googling 'metallic buckram', it seems to me that the covers used on the FS Austen are a particular type of buckram. As noted in the colophon by the binders, (Lachenmaier, Reutlingen, Germany) they identify it as buckram -- so it must be.
However, buckram itself is a cotton (sometimes linen) cloth, soaked in a chemical which creates a great bookbinding material.
One discription of 'Metallic Buckram' is here:
http://www.hewitonline.com/Aura_Metallic_Buckram_p/cl-051-000.htm
It seems to be a variation of traditional buckram, with the addition or replacement of a metal as part of the chemicals applied to the cotton cloth.
So FS is also correct in calling 'metallic cloth'. Still, it seems to me that 'Metallic Buckram' is the better description.
On that note, I personally am a big fan of buckram for book covers -- based primarily on durability and the acceptability for cover designs. In my ideal library, I would have nothing but leather and buckram bound books.
14hamletscamaro
Seems to me that "metallic cloth" also used to be known by the name "chain mail". :)
15HugoDumas
>12 EPsonNY: the famous editions do not have the illustrations of Brock. I have Persuasion which has adolescent art.
16sdawson
>6 eastonlionel:
If I had to choose which of these six book sets to buy, I would have a hard decision. I think comparing these two sets may be the ideal comparison for the different approaches Easton Press and Folio Society took in producing their books.
As noted by EPsonNY, there have been other partial sets done in the EP Famous Editions series, as well as from the Limited Editions Club. But as one really wants to have a uniform set of the six novels, I would not go with that option for the complete set. They would be fine for individual titles though. (Indeed, I am adding an individual Thornwillow production next spring)
I wound up with both sets. I purchased the EP set 20 years ago. The price was less back then. The leather is thick, the pages are thick, the illustrations charming as noted. I devoured these novels and as this was my first reading of Jane Austen, fell in love with her writing and these books in particular.
Since then, I have collected some other editions of various Austen titles for comparison -- including some of the LEC publications. In this instance, I found the EP product much more attractive than the LEC publicastions. I need to bring my LEC books down to my local used book store and let someone else have them.
Then, I decided to try out the first book published by the FS, and I have to say I was impressed with the design and illustrations. The metallic buckram covers are special and the larger more colorful and bolder illustrations are to my liking as well. As there was never a guarantee that FS would produce all six books, it was a bit of gamble that I may end up with another incomplete set, but I kept ordering them as they were produced, and to their credit they completed the series.
Which one to purchase? If one prefers leather binding and traditional illustrations, then Easton Press is the choice. The EP set is definitely more traditional in their binding and illustration preferences, if that is the library one is creating, then go with EP. If one is prefers modern, larger illustrations, with striking covers, then FS is a good choice.
For printing quality, I find both readable. Yes EP has the occasional broken lettered printing. FS is cleaner. I find both very readable, but if this is something that really matters to you, then go with FS.
Lastly, I want to comment on the size of the books. The FS books are larger than the EP books. For me EP has the advantage here. For ease of reading, for having a book that fits nicely in your hands, for taking it with you from chair to porch or out of the house, I prefer the smaller size of the EP books.
-Shawn
If I had to choose which of these six book sets to buy, I would have a hard decision. I think comparing these two sets may be the ideal comparison for the different approaches Easton Press and Folio Society took in producing their books.
As noted by EPsonNY, there have been other partial sets done in the EP Famous Editions series, as well as from the Limited Editions Club. But as one really wants to have a uniform set of the six novels, I would not go with that option for the complete set. They would be fine for individual titles though. (Indeed, I am adding an individual Thornwillow production next spring)
I wound up with both sets. I purchased the EP set 20 years ago. The price was less back then. The leather is thick, the pages are thick, the illustrations charming as noted. I devoured these novels and as this was my first reading of Jane Austen, fell in love with her writing and these books in particular.
Since then, I have collected some other editions of various Austen titles for comparison -- including some of the LEC publications. In this instance, I found the EP product much more attractive than the LEC publicastions. I need to bring my LEC books down to my local used book store and let someone else have them.
Then, I decided to try out the first book published by the FS, and I have to say I was impressed with the design and illustrations. The metallic buckram covers are special and the larger more colorful and bolder illustrations are to my liking as well. As there was never a guarantee that FS would produce all six books, it was a bit of gamble that I may end up with another incomplete set, but I kept ordering them as they were produced, and to their credit they completed the series.
Which one to purchase? If one prefers leather binding and traditional illustrations, then Easton Press is the choice. The EP set is definitely more traditional in their binding and illustration preferences, if that is the library one is creating, then go with EP. If one is prefers modern, larger illustrations, with striking covers, then FS is a good choice.
For printing quality, I find both readable. Yes EP has the occasional broken lettered printing. FS is cleaner. I find both very readable, but if this is something that really matters to you, then go with FS.
Lastly, I want to comment on the size of the books. The FS books are larger than the EP books. For me EP has the advantage here. For ease of reading, for having a book that fits nicely in your hands, for taking it with you from chair to porch or out of the house, I prefer the smaller size of the EP books.
-Shawn
17eastonlionel
>13 sdawson: Interesting about metallic cloth. As you say, would be clearer if they just called it metallic buckram. Also agree I prefer leather or buckram for book bindings.
>16 sdawson: Thanks for the detailed comparison and opinions. I am not a big fan of the way FS is now doing illustrations (full page), and I often do not care for their "modern" illustrations in classic novels. So, that would be a negative for me regarding the FS editions. The main advantage of the FS editions for me would be the printing. It does seem like it would be clearer and more consistent than the EP facsimiles. However, those EP bindings are very appealing. Their choice of colors and decoration was very good. I also have the LEC editions of Sense & Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, Emma, and Persuasion. Have P&P from the EP 100 Greatest as well as an HP edition. What's missing is Mansfield Park, which is my personal favorite of the novels. I do have a FS set from 1991, which is a reprint of the 1975 editions. It's ok, but fairly plain. B&W woodcuts for illustrations, that are a bit too dark (not enough gray scale). So, I'm really looking to replace that set with something else. I waited to see if FS would do all of the novels before coming to this point. Now that they have it is a choice between EP and FS. From what everyone has said here, I think the EP editions will be what I select.
By the way, Shawn, do you have the LEC edition of P&P?
Thanks for all the insights from everyone!
Keith
>16 sdawson: Thanks for the detailed comparison and opinions. I am not a big fan of the way FS is now doing illustrations (full page), and I often do not care for their "modern" illustrations in classic novels. So, that would be a negative for me regarding the FS editions. The main advantage of the FS editions for me would be the printing. It does seem like it would be clearer and more consistent than the EP facsimiles. However, those EP bindings are very appealing. Their choice of colors and decoration was very good. I also have the LEC editions of Sense & Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, Emma, and Persuasion. Have P&P from the EP 100 Greatest as well as an HP edition. What's missing is Mansfield Park, which is my personal favorite of the novels. I do have a FS set from 1991, which is a reprint of the 1975 editions. It's ok, but fairly plain. B&W woodcuts for illustrations, that are a bit too dark (not enough gray scale). So, I'm really looking to replace that set with something else. I waited to see if FS would do all of the novels before coming to this point. Now that they have it is a choice between EP and FS. From what everyone has said here, I think the EP editions will be what I select.
By the way, Shawn, do you have the LEC edition of P&P?
Thanks for all the insights from everyone!
Keith
18sdawson
>17 eastonlionel:
Looking for LEC P&P, I do not have it.
What I do have is the Heritage Press edition with the Sandglass and slip cover. The Sandglass is Number 38, and the only date I see in the book is 1940 copyright. Published by the Cardavon Press, Avon Connecticut.
Quarter bound in cloth, attractive swirl patterned boards (matching the slip cover). Illlustrations are by Helen Sewell, not to my particular taste. Still the book is attractive, and is a smaller 8 1/2 by 5/12 size. The printing is clean and clear.
-Shawn
Looking for LEC P&P, I do not have it.
What I do have is the Heritage Press edition with the Sandglass and slip cover. The Sandglass is Number 38, and the only date I see in the book is 1940 copyright. Published by the Cardavon Press, Avon Connecticut.
Quarter bound in cloth, attractive swirl patterned boards (matching the slip cover). Illlustrations are by Helen Sewell, not to my particular taste. Still the book is attractive, and is a smaller 8 1/2 by 5/12 size. The printing is clean and clear.
-Shawn
19alvaret
>17 eastonlionel: If you prefer both the binding and the illustrations in the EP edition I would assume EP to be the better choice. I doubt that the print quality is bad enough to make a difference. Personally I prefer FS's more modern look and love that they dare to experiment with the illustrations so I choose the FS editions.
I'm sure that you already know but there is also the option of choosing an older FS set. The binding is a lot less fancy (quarter bound in buckram with paper-sides in the version I've got a copy of), but you would have traditional wood-engravings by Joan Hassall instead of the modern full page illustrations, and they are a lot cheaper if you don't mind buying used. It is definitely the least fancy option but arguably a good value for the money if you like the look of it..
I'm sure that you already know but there is also the option of choosing an older FS set. The binding is a lot less fancy (quarter bound in buckram with paper-sides in the version I've got a copy of), but you would have traditional wood-engravings by Joan Hassall instead of the modern full page illustrations, and they are a lot cheaper if you don't mind buying used. It is definitely the least fancy option but arguably a good value for the money if you like the look of it..
20NotDownInAnyMap
>1 eastonlionel: You probably know already, but just in case, Folio Society Jane Austen collection is on sale for $290 plus $11 shipping (since it counts as one item). Or did you end up getting the EP collection after all?
21eastonlionel
>20 NotDownInAnyMap: Did not see that as I do not pay attention to the FS website. Just took a look. Seems like a decent deal - $50 per volume. However, I did decide to get the EP set. Should arrive Tuesday FedEx.
22HugoDumas
>21 eastonlionel: congratulations. You will be pleased.
23whytewolf1
The beautiful red leather/black label editions are back! (Shipping in Feb 2022)
https://www.eastonpress.com/all-categories/literature/jane-austen-the-novels-067...
https://www.eastonpress.com/all-categories/literature/jane-austen-the-novels-067...
25whytewolf1
>24 GOBOGIE: I actually don't recall what they were priced at previously, but $99/volume seems about standard now and not too bad considering some series have been $120/volume! And to be fair, every fine publisher I buy from has been raising prices over the past year or so due to increased costs.
But they are beautiful. I really love this aesthetic. Now if only they would bring back the black label design for the Dickens books!
But they are beautiful. I really love this aesthetic. Now if only they would bring back the black label design for the Dickens books!
27whytewolf1
>26 Wootle: Thanks, Wootle!
29whytewolf1
>28 sdawson: That's awesome. I have the recent FS editions, as well, and I have been hoping that EP would bring this set back into print, so I will definitely be ordering it.
30EPsonNY
>29 whytewolf1: Before you commit to this reprint, check various editions of Pride and Prejudice to see the difference between the old textured grain leather and the new smooth and shiny leather. With the reprint coming, secondhand prices may start coming down after Feb-Mar 2022 (after Valentine's Day), which may give you an opportunity to pick up the old leather variety set for less... I admit, I am biased as I own it :D.
>28 sdawson: Which FS do you have (perhaps one of the old ones in slipcase and in red)? What are your thoughts on the current set?
>28 sdawson: Which FS do you have (perhaps one of the old ones in slipcase and in red)? What are your thoughts on the current set?
31Bob_the_Reader
Hi, I'm new to this group but have been collecting Easton Press books for several years. Ithas to be Easton Press all the way with Jane Austen.The leather binding, the classic illustrations.. Folio seems to choose "hip" young artists that don't suit the books they illustrate.
32sdawson
i definitely have the older red leather. I am a huge Austen fan and i think i purchased them the first time they were made available.
Regarding the current leather, i have a lot of those in from the readers choice. i can get some of those and compare to the older set and do a comparison this weekend
oh and whenever the question comes up "do folks really read books more than once", well Austen is a prime example of nocels I reread every few years.
Regarding the current leather, i have a lot of those in from the readers choice. i can get some of those and compare to the older set and do a comparison this weekend
oh and whenever the question comes up "do folks really read books more than once", well Austen is a prime example of nocels I reread every few years.
33whytewolf1
>30 EPsonNY: That's an interesting thought about comparing old and new "leathers." I may well do that.
>32 sdawson: "Regarding the current leather, i have a lot of those in from the readers choice. i can get some of those and compare to the older set and do a comparison this weekend"
That would awesome. Thank you.
>32 sdawson: "Regarding the current leather, i have a lot of those in from the readers choice. i can get some of those and compare to the older set and do a comparison this weekend"
That would awesome. Thank you.
34mortalalliance
>30 EPsonNY: If I recall correctly, the smooth grain is supposed to be a "better" leather... possibly cow instead of pig.... but I'll always prefer the older textured leather personally.
35EPsonNY
>34 mortalalliance: I believe it is still pig for standard editions, but not machine textured. There were a few conversations on this forum starting several years ago when EP first switched:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/194156#5235505
I also prefer the older textured leather and not just for its texture.
Older leather was more durable and perhaps treated differently. It was less sticky and sturdier. New EP books tend to stick to their neighbors more often and get nicked even from fingernails bumping into covers.
To prevent text blocks from sagging on my oversized or thicker volumes, I usually try to store them horizontally. New leather type, unfortunately inclusive of DLE cowhide, makes storing multiple volume editions or stacks of individual titles very difficult. Volumes need to be separated by tissue paper or other medium to keep them from sticking...
https://www.librarything.com/topic/194156#5235505
I also prefer the older textured leather and not just for its texture.
Older leather was more durable and perhaps treated differently. It was less sticky and sturdier. New EP books tend to stick to their neighbors more often and get nicked even from fingernails bumping into covers.
To prevent text blocks from sagging on my oversized or thicker volumes, I usually try to store them horizontally. New leather type, unfortunately inclusive of DLE cowhide, makes storing multiple volume editions or stacks of individual titles very difficult. Volumes need to be separated by tissue paper or other medium to keep them from sticking...
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