Easton Press DLE 3213 The Left Hand of Darkness

Easton has added a new DLE,

https://www.eastonpress.com/prod/FD3/3213/THE-LEFT-HAND-OF-DARKNESS

Looks pretty good! But no word on how many illustrations? Or am I missing something with my nearly blind eyes. lol

I am definitely interested in this one! And I also do not see the number of illustrations, but I assume that it would be similar to other specially commissioned illustrated DLEs.

Not my taste but looks well done 👍

It is billed as a”Deluxe Illustrated Edition,” or what we in this forum have been calling an “illustrator-signed DLE.” But there are two differences. None of the others in the series were signed by the author, and all but Dracula were 11 inches tall. This one is 9 3/4 inches. It has been an impressive series, probably the finest EP has published.

>5 jroger1: ... what are all the titles in the "series"

>6 thisGuy33:
Wootle has been kind enough o compile this list and keep it current:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/281244

Looks great.....have it down on my list together with other 6 DLs I wish to have , makes it 7 now.....hoping for discounts on DLs for Black Friday ;D

I don't usually buy DLEs, however I will have to make an exception in this case. I've been in the market for one of EP's signed editions of "The Left Hand of Darkness" but have been put off on the prices, which are usually $175+. At that point I would rather spend the extra money on this DLE instead.

This is a nice price for the dual signature. Easy pick up at some time in the future.

>7 jroger1: thanks ... I thought he was referring to a "series" from the specific author.

>9 Eastoner:

You would rather have a book signed by the illustrator than by the author?

>12 treereader: This is signed by both LeGuin and the illustrator.

>13 Eastoner:

Ah, that makes more sense then.

I just received a snail mail announcing that the book will not be ready to ship until January 5. EP has not yet changed its Web listing, though. It still advertises Christmas delivery.

>15 jroger1:
After seeing your post, I went to check my mail, and I did receive the same notice in the mail.

I went through some of my old books... turns out I have a MoSF signed Left Hand of Darkness :O
Anyone interested in it? Probably not at this point, but thought I would ask :)
(send pm if interested)

Just an F.Y.I., my account was updated to show that my book is expected to ship on 12/18 now.

>18 Eastoner:
Mine too.

>18 Eastoner:
Just received a shipping notice from Fedex. To be delivered Friday even though I did not pay for expedited shipping.

>20 jroger1: They did advertise Christmas delivery.

>20 jroger1: Yep, same here, really looking forward to it!

Mine arrived today in good shape. The Web description doesn’t specify the number of illustrations; there are 8, but they are not covered by the usual translucent protective sheets.

>24 supercell:
Perhaps mine is defective or from a bad batch. I’ll be interested in what others find. The lack of overlays doesn’t really detract from the beauty of the book, but it doesn’t match the other books in the series.

There are several differences between regular illustrator-signed DLE books (though I do not have many of these) in the series and this one: two signature pages (to be expected, since it is obvious that LeGuin signed the books before they were produced), smaller size (the same reason I think), etc. One of major differences is the reproduction of illustrations - yes, no translucent protective overlays, but also the illustrations are not attached to the pages but reproduced directly on a glossier paper than that used for the text. This does not bother me; but it does have slightly less luxurious feel.

Overall, I am happy with the purchase, and the quality seems good.

>26 booksforreading:
I suspect the book was originally planned as an ordinary signed edition. Later, after her death perhaps, the decision was made to illustrate it and market it a as a DLE. As you said, the book had to be the same size as the sheets she had already signed (although “Dracula” is close to the same height).

I have emailed customer service about the overlays. They should at least remove that promise from their description page, but I’m not disappointed either way. It is the only book in the illustrator-signed DLE series that is also signed by the author. “Gilgamesh” was signed by the translator as well as the artist.

If you don’t want to pay a DLE price for signatures and a limitation, take a look at the Folio Society edition. I actually like its illustrations better and there are more of them.
https://www.foliosociety.com/usa/the-left-hand-of-darkness.html

>28 supercell:
After inquiring about the overlays, I received this reply from customer service:

“Thank you for your e-mail. I'm sorry for that oversight. If you return that one to us, we will send out a replacement.
Because of the price of the book, please send back with a tracking number and inform us of this number so we can enter it in the system. We will reimburse you for any postage for sending it back.”

I don’t believe it, though. After reading this thread, it looks like all the books were prepared in this manner.

>30 jroger1:, I'm interested to hear the result on the overlay topic. Due to the cross over interest in this book, I imagine that the demand will be higher than most, so I plan to order this sooner than later. I'm just wondering if this was a small batch "defect" or if they all came without overlays.

>31 hamletscamaro:
It looks planned. It isn’t just the missing overlays, but as >28 supercell: said, the illustrations are printed on the page rather than being tipped in. It isn’t enough to make me return the book, but I’ve canceled my pre-order for “Jason and the Argonauts” just in case the whole series is being cheapened. I’ll reorder it later if the reviews here are good.

I believe that all of the books are produced without overlays. Since the illustrations are printed directly on a different paper stock, as I mentioned earlier, I believe that this is how it is planned.
However, if anybody finds out that this is not the case, please let us know.

>33 booksforreading:
You are correct. Here is a followup email that I received from customer service this morning:

“Just for your information, we will not be reshipping this book as I was informed by the publisher that this book was not designed to have the translucent overlays on the illustrations.”

I replied suggesting that they ask their Web experts to correct the online description.

Jason and the Argonaut has the translucent overlays over the tipped in illustrations. I feel that the Left Hand of Darkness is simply a Deluxe Edition...not part of the other Fantasy Illustrated edition

>35 cu29640:
I hope you are right, but do you have a copy of “Jason”? The Web description of “Left Hand” carries (still) the same statement about the illustrations as “Jason” does and refers to it as a Deluxe Illustrated Edition, the same moniker assigned to the other illustrator-signed editions. I don’t want to order another book until I know for sure EP is not cheapening the whole series.

>37 supercell: EP's 2019 first print catalog describes Left Hand as a "stunning illustrated Collector's Edition," rather than the customary Deluxe Illustrated Edition. Jason's "fabulous creatures and dramatic moments come to life in 8 exclusive full-color illustrations" with no mention of the illustrations being tipped in...

Considering rising costs, falling readership and a decrease in most people's willingness to pay (big bucks) for books, it would not be surprising if printed illustrations without overlays were the new norm to keep the prices down, in the $250-400 range.

Jason's art is digital anyway. If printed properly on the right kind of paper, it may not make much of a difference in showcasing the illustrations. It is interesting to see; however, if any future runs of existing DLE titles will see any similar "cheapening." 2nd run of Dracula anybody?

I have always been pleased with EP but sometimes their web descriptions are off...I think they use templates. I bet the illustrations in Jason are litho and not digital. Why do we assume sales are falling outside of being in a slump recession?? With the lack of book stores and everyone being told books are going digital....traditional craft publishers are flourishing. EP offers many more products than it did in 1995. The collectibles industry declined but MBI is very careful (unlike Franklin Mint was) and smart with their research. Franklin Mint was always design and art driven but marketing chased after the wrong crowd. Most of Easton Press' divisions sell programs that have existed continuously since the 1970's. Its impressive considering how many Fortune 500 companies have come and gone within the timeframe that one can still subscribe to EP Worlds Greatest Books. Just wish we could get Peterson's Field Guides Still :(

>39 cu29640: EP's marketing and web departments (perhaps same people) do seem to be using templates. Jason's illustrations are made using digital software, hence my referring to them as digital.

Regarding lithographs or litho's, EP in their signed-by-illustrator DLE marketing materials refers to "full-color, hand-tipped plates protected by translucent overlays," with no reference to the actual lithography process being used:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithography

Whereas craft publishers may be flourishing, MBI and EP are in the business of manufactured collectables made specifically for people to collect. MBI's target customer often thinks of their merchandise as investment likely to increase in value, because of its limited run... Also, once he/she subscribes with one company, they will start receiving offers from the sister companies including PCS with their colored state quarters etc. and others including engraved cheap bracelets for your kids etc. Remember these limited edition DVD sets (500 copies only so don't wait!) selling for $100+ under the premise of being limited hence likely to increase in value. Well, 99% have not.

Subscription model may also be running its course. Fact the 100 Greatest are still around may be simply a business decision to have an entry point to get new customers hooked on leather-bound books that don't cost much to manufacture due to expired copy rights and high print runs. Switching them over to pricier titles and cross-selling are the ultimate goal.

In the end, unless EP offers captivating selection of titles (another Dracula anybody?), the above-mentioned craft publishers may end up the winners...

I consider EP a craft publisher as they typically use high quality vendors to produce their work. While some in the general public think the word collectibles = some type of investment. Most are like us who know what we are buying and like to collect for the enjoyment. We also know that if we do our homework and sell to the right audience some of these books may bring a profit but its only because of supply and demand. And the product must be good in order to create the demand. I also like the PCS items...I truly enjoy collecting some colorized coins etc for the novelty of it. I could care less what its worth to someone in the future. I also collect serious coins as well. So I personally hold no negative feelings towards any aspect of the collectibles industry...I can find something I like with any company. One day the products will be long gone and I will consider the items I have to be representative of the times. Franklin Mint is technically gone as a real company but back in the day it produced truly outstanding product including books. Truly outstanding doesn't mean future generations love it enough to drive values as younger generations don't want things of quality. But many nice old FM programs do fetch good amounts if complete and in new condition. They actually employed hundreds of designers, etc...many best in the industry.

My reference to litho was that some EP books are digitally printed...not a real litho plate process. I expect the DLE's to be printed litho. I am certain the book layout and design is by digital means. I was only referring to the mechanics of printing. Digital printing of course makes sense for custom pieces, and low volume where one won't have to invest in plate making.

My collecting interested started with the PCS First Day Postal Cover series in 1989. These were one of the first items made by MBI starting in 1970. They still ship them yet they don't advertise or let new subscribers join. Top quality american made catches printed letter press all for a price cheaper than a Made in China Greeting Card purchased at the grocery store. There aren't many retail products with a product life cycle of almost 50 years.

The Left Hand of Darkness is back on the EP site and due out mid-February 2020:

https://www.eastonpress.com/prod/FD3/3213/THE-LEFT-HAND-OF-DARKNESS

Hello, sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but does anyone know if the art in this book is still printed directly on the page? I emailed Easton about it directly and was referred back to the description on the site which still lists the illustrations as tipped-in with an overlay. Not sure if this was something that was addressed between print-runs or if the website description is still inaccurate.

>43 SolerSystem:
They are printed on a special slick paper but with no overlays. It is possible that they added overlays for the second print run, but I’ve never known EP to make any changes between print runs.