The Winner of Folio 75 is The Neverending Story

So, I haven´t seen any discussion here but the winner of Folio 75 is The Neverending Story.

I had not read the news anywhere, so it's a great way to start my Monday. This is the book that I've wanted to have a fine press edition for ages.

The book is described as having exactly the same production values mentioned in the novel:









These couple weeks will be very long for me...

We had quite a dust-up about it here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/344158. Read at your own risk... :)

>1 dyhtstriyk:

Thank you for sharing this. I didn't get the magazine since I ordered Neverwhere right away, but nothing else in September, so this is quite interesting.

>1 dyhtstriyk: thanks for sharing! Looks beautiful!

I am warming up to the Neverending Story LE, I am almost getting excited about it! I still would have preferred Shogun, but the Blackstone version has “scratched that itch” for the time being.
Edit. My apologies, I forgot to thank you for sharing. Thank you.

>5 Hamwick: was it confirmed that this would be an LE?

The description of the book does sound very well done. I’m actually excited to see how this turns out.

>6 RRCBS: good point, I should not assume. I was thinking that they would be looking to do something particularly special, that could be a fine edition though.

>1 dyhtstriyk:

Excellent choice, and the artwork looks both magical and appropriate. Note that the 1st edition of the English translation by Ralph Manheim (Doubleday & Co., 1983) was a beautifully designed book, with text printed in green and pink, striking illustrated dust wrapper and superb illustrations in green and pink by Roswitha Quadflieg, an artist who is the founder and proprietor of the highly regarded Raamin-Presse private press in Germany. Whether this is an FS Limited Edition or a deluxe FS edition similar to Beowulf, the Malay Archipelago, etc., I have little doubt it will be special.

>8 Hamwick: Predictions are always dangerous but it seems to me that it would be wrong to select a title by popular vote and then foreclose much of the voting public from buying the book by issuing it as a limited edition.

>10 Redshirt: I agree, you make a good point.

It looks like it will be a standard edition, though probably one at the more expensive end.

I heard from FS that there will be both an LE and a standard edition.

https://www.foliosociety.com/neverending

SE and a signed (artist) version

Aparently, just a signed edition with a signature of the illustrator. Plus an exactly same regular edition. No real LE.

Would have preferred Jonathan Strange, but this looks really beautiful and will def be part of my holiday order!

I opted for the signed version. 75 copies is a low limitation for the FS

>2 AnnieMod: an argument on the internet? I can’t believe that.

I tried to buy the signed edition but the payment page refused to process my payment - tried Amex, Visa debit and PayPal and just got error messages. Now it's sold out. Poor form, FS. Very poor form. Consider me one very disillusioned customer.

>19 PeterFitzGerald: it was likely already sold out when you were trying to purchase it. The system just needed a moment to catch up

>20 Geo135: There were still 27 left, according to the website.

75 clearly was too little for the signed edition.

This looks like a really nice edition and is in about the price range I expected. As I've written elsewhere, it's not for me since I'm German and don't want to read it in translation, but it makes for a really nice anniversary edition.

Honestly what I don’t understand is how I paid $140 for Neverwhere but I am only paying $115 for this when it seems like this has more to offer. Maybe an increase due to the Gaiman name?

Wasn't there talk of this being made in a really ornate edition that reproduces the book from the story? Or maybe I misread those posts and they were talking about another edition. Apart from the decorated page edges and the two-tone inks, this doesn't seem especially special. It's not letterpress, for example. It is bound in silk though, which is kind of nice.

>21 PeterFitzGerald: "There were still 27 left, according to the website."
I rushed through at 26 left in stock and by the time I'd finished paying there were none left so >20 Geo135: could well be right, they may have just gone out of stock while you were going through.

It looks really beautiful! The painted edges also look very enticing!
Still I don’t know, I am also a native German speaker and would probably still prefer to read it in German, hard though, the FS edition looks really good

>27 tkidcharlemagne:
An interesting take, to be sure, but perhaps one that needs only to be put forward once on a forum dedicated to books produced above minimum specifications…

>27 tkidcharlemagne: this seems more appropriate for a forum involving the stocking of canned goods and ammunition in preparation for societal collapse. Not sure if you will find that on LibraryThing.

>26 woodstock8786:

In another thread, someone mentioned the German 'Schmuckausgabe', ISBN 9783522202503. And of course there's the original edition illustrated by Roswitha Quadflieg. That being said: I really like the sprayed edges for the FS edition, and the illustrations are nice, too. But after comparing the German original and the translation I really don't want the latter.

>22 SF-72: I've read in the other thread that they published anniversary deluxe editions in German. I had been waiting for ages for a decent edition in either English or Spanish (my native language), but the quality of the trade editions in both languages kept getting worse and worse. And no anniversary editions. Fortunately this long awaited wish of mine is being granted.

>29 Geo135:

And this seems an appropriate time to remind everyone of Warwick's excellent and highly relevant post about dealing with internet trolls. In three words: Just ignore them.

I'm sure someone will be able to put their hands on the full post if you don't remember it.

On a side note, is there a way to block someone on this forum so that one doesn't have to see their comments anymore? Just like a personal block?

>35 sekhmet0108: Click on the username and then press Block

>36 DMulvee: just did it. I’m tired of seeing his comments.

>37 Geo135: I’m tired of seeing his comments.

As are most of us. There is a very small part of me that feels sorry for the life he must lead; plainly not much joy in it. But mostly I just wish he'd go away. Blocking him on FSD is one way of not having to read his tedious posts but he's still there and, sooner or later, he'll be back, when we'll have a few more new members who haven't yet learned to ignore him.

>36 DMulvee:

That is very helpful, thank you.

>36 DMulvee: Oh thank the gods, I was hoping there was something like that here. Bless you!

>36 DMulvee: Thank you so much.

I don't end up remembering people's names everytime and then end up accidentally reading this particular troll's highly aggravating comments. Ruins some of the joy these threads provide me.

>31 tkidcharlemagne: I disagree. Sometimes it is nice to have the “best” version of a work. Envy can strike otherwise and so £70 for a signature of the artist and a number doesn’t seem like especially good value but one that I was comfortable doing as at least then I wouldn’t have a voice in my head suggesting I buy the more expensive version if I read the standard and loved it (I have seen the film but not read the book).

This is a gentle reminder to all members here to please respect LT's Terms of Service (https://www.librarything.com/privacy), which most notably prohibits personal attacks and the misuse of flags. Thanks, all.

This looks lovely and I'm pleasantly surprised by the price. I'll be adding it to my next order, although that may not be until the January sale. We'll see how long I can hold out on this and other new releases.

I have never read this book but saw the movie several times as a kid. I've heard the movie and book are not similar and that fans of the book (and the author) were disappointed in the movie.

>32 dyhtstriyk:

I'm really happy for those who want to read it in English and think they'll do very well with the FS edition. It looks lovely. It's just that I avoid reading translations if possible. With authors who don't use language in a very simple, utilitarian way, too much is lost. Realising that when I read Terry Pratchett was actually one of the reasons why I switched from German translations to English originals. (The other being that so much wasn't available at all or only years after the original release.)

>44 wdripp:

It's been several decades for me, but I remember the film as rather different and much preferred the book, though I had fun with the film as a kid. But I really disliked it when they added the pop song to the end credits - it didn't have that when it was originally shown in German cinemas.

>46 SF-72: the book is much darker. Pretty much the entire second half of the book is not in the film.

>47 Geo135:

Unfortunately, films often don't dare to go where the books they're based on do.

>23 Geo135: Gaiman is also alive so probably better at contract negotiation than this author who has been dead for over 25 years & maybe hasn’t as zealous an estate.

I haven't read the book or seen the movies but it looks like a lovely edition and the discussions here combined with the magazine article have enabled me sufficiently to add it to my next order :-)

>45 SF-72: I agree, I also prefer not to read translations if possible, that is why I started reading in English when I was a kid. I don’t own the Neverending story, thank you for the ISBN! I will have a look at it.

>49 antinous_in_london:

And Gaiman is certainly a bigger name in English-speaking countries (and probably anywhere but German-speaking countries) than Michael Ende.

Are there only 750 copies of the normal edition of this? I see people on Facebook talking about how it’s a limited release

>53 Geo135:

If so, it doesn't say so on the website. I can't imagine that they'd do a rather elaborate edition of only 750 copies at this price. Maybe it's just the first printing with that number?

>53 Geo135: There appear to be about 484 available currently. Which isn't to say there couldn't be more made available later.

>53 Geo135: Are there only 750 copies of the normal edition of this? I see people on Facebook talking about how it’s a limited release

Fb is not the most accurate source of information on Folio Society matters. There's a lot of wishful thinking, for a start. On an issue like this by far the best source is the Folio Society. Try emailing. They don't bite.

On this occasion I've done the hard work for you and am currently awaiting their response. Personally, I'm with >54 SF-72:. £80 for a limited edition of 750 seems highly unlikely.

>55 AMindForeverVoyaging: how can you tell? I typically only see stock counts when something is low in stock or a LE?

>57 Geo135: I was able to add 484 to my basket but not 485 or above

>53 Geo135:
>56 folio_books:

Response from Folio:

"There were 75 copies of the 'limited version' which had numbers on them, but there are more than 750 of the regular edition"

I obviously wasn't paying attention, but I just noticed the author of The Neverending Story was written by Michael Ende, which seems quite ironic.

I don't think it's denigrating when it is true. There genuinely is a lot of misinformation on the FB groups, aside from all the other issues like constantly egging each other to buy the books. And when one single thread is out of place, then to ask for a "replacement". There are a host of other issues too. And also, usually the prices aren't any better than eBay.

>61 What_What: folio_books never misses the opportunity to denigrate fellow fans of the FS who gather on FB.

Not the way I see it. I know, for example, that many folk here on FSD spend some of their time on Fb. It is also true there are members of the Fb groups are quite knowlegable regarding FS. As a group, however, my opinion is that FSD provides a more pleasurable environment as well as a more knowledgable one.

Just my opinion, of course.

Edited to add:
>62 sekhmet0108:

There is that, too ...

>61 What_What: I see. I am not sure how many they produced but it would not surprise me if this was just one print run for the 75th anniversary and then that’s it.

>64 Geo135:

See >59 folio_books:

From Folio: "but there are more than 750 of the regular edition"

I initially did a market basket test when I first saw it and was able to put more than 859 (forgot exactly how many). I started w 1000 and couldn’t add but at 850 I could add more - I am guessing there were 1000 to start.

>66 coffeewithastraw:

Judging by Dune, a fast seller, that might be the first edition / print run, with more to follow. It has happened at other times, too, though I can't remember those titles. Dune's first printing of 1000 was sold out in weeks, but reprinted quickly. It's always been in print since then. Which is why I found it rather ironic when Ardis tried to sell their used copy above retail price. I'd always thought they were above that kind of thing. Anyway, I'm sure it will go the same way with Neverending Story. I'm happy for them that it's created such a buzz.

>67 SF-72: yes, I’m assuming that’s just the initial run. At any rate for sure it was not *limited* to 750 as per rumor. It looks like a beautiful book. I’m on the fence since I have never read it and am not sure if I want a fine copy of it- likely I will get it at some point to keep or give as a gift to my nephew.

>62 sekhmet0108: Yes, because no one on here eggs people on to buy books, lol.

>67 SF-72: It has happened numerous times - over a year ago Ubik was on the ‘last chance to buy’ page with a counter, then was topped up, vanished from the ‘last chance’ section & has been in stock ever since. Cynical people may suggest that the counter is occasionally used to push people over the edge into a purchase in case of FOMO.

>70 antinous_in_london: the only reason I don’t think this book will go for multiple print runs is because it is not a routine release. It was released as a readers choice on the 75th anniversary. My hunch is that they produced many copies but once they’re out they’re out.

>69 What_What: It seems like a lot of your posts are either full of malice or contempt on both this site and fine press books. You should take a deep breath and if you prefer Facebook why not just stay on there? I'm grumpy and complain a lot here but folio_books is invaluable to this site and I always respect his insight. Is the passive aggressive slight really necessary?

I think it looks lovely. It's been forever since I read it, possibly the year it came out. I have a hardcover in German printed in both red and green text, and a paperback in English. I'm tempted by this new edition but I feel like I need to re-read it before ordering to see how well it holds up for me.

I never saw the movie, which is odd because I adored Noah Hathaway back then on the original Battlestar Galactica!

>71 Geo135: As a counter, the production does seem quite lavish, and it since it was so widely requested, they’d be remiss to limit it to such a relatively small number of copies. Unfortunately I missed the signed version, so no longer have a sense of urgency in picking it up - I’ll get to it eventually.

>59 folio_books: Just to reinforce the response you received from FS confirming that there was more stock than what is showing on the website here is mine.

'We do have more copies of Neverending Story on the way I'm pleased to say. We only received partial delivery of the books this week, and are hoping that the balance of the print run will reach us in time for the new collection launch next week.'

>75 assemblyman:

Thanks for following up, it’s nice to have an official confirmation.

I purchased my signed edition when there were 26 or so left. And yesterday i somehow received my refund for the book without any excuse/explanation regarding it's absence from my shipped packet of books.

I am so frustrated and annoyed at this. Even when i purchase some LE really quickly i always get very high numbers. Fine, i have accepted that. It's the price of not living in UK.

But now, they won't even send the books, even though it was the only reason why i even placed an order with them! I only added the other books to make it upto to £200.

I am beyond aggravated.

Absolutely done with Folio Society. Haven't purchased standard editions in over a year. And now, with the insane prices, the typical popular lit selections, this weird not shipping all purchased books; i am done.

If they have the right limited editions, i will still go for them, but i am done with purchasing standard editions from them. This was the last straw.

Apologies for the rant.

>77 sekhmet0108: I was sorry to read your above post. A right Horlicks.

I do not understand why The Society processed your payment until they had received confirmation that you had managed to purchase one of the required Limited Edition copies.

You would have thought good customer service would have suggested - after they refused to sell you a copy of the Limited Edition - that they should have checked with you whether you still wanted these other books.

I suppose - assuming Folio Society systems can be tweaked - that overseas buyers could be allowed to make provisional purchases of additional books if they do indeed get the Limited Editions they are really after.

A poor show from The Society but I hope if you do give their Customer Service staff another opportunity, they will do the right thing by you.

Not only that, they have offered no explanation whatsoever even now. Only an apology. That's it. They said that i could initiate return for the other books once i receive them, if i want, which is going to be rather cumbersome, so i am just going to accept it for what it is.

I would have liked to know what happened. Did the counter get stuck on 26? Are all the remaining copies damaged? Was my order being processed last and the book didn't pass quality check? But nope, no reason given.

It's okay, saving money from FS last year allowed me to get into fountain pens and inks. Plus, i am going to try out some other special edition publishers now.

Disappointed in FS, but with how well they are doing, i don't think one person's disappointment is of much consequence to them.

>79 sekhmet0108: that is really disappointing! I am sorry to hear that happened. I guess they will have a reason for not telling, maybe the counter on the site was faulty. I would have at least expected them to reach out to you before they sent the other books on their way!

(Very short off topic)
Hey welcome to the fountain pen addicts! Another wonderful rabbit hole! Check out the Goulet Pencast (but I guess you know that already)

>77 sekhmet0108: It’s really unfortunate that happened, and I’m glad I missed it completely, because it would be worse to think I got it with a generous 20 copies left, only to get my order cancelled later on.

But is there some other explanation that will make you feel better, other than the obvious - you and more than 26 other people were all vying at the same time for the last few copies? And the website wasn’t reflecting that appropriately?

They’ve apologized you said, not sure what else they can do.

>81 woodstock8786: Thanks! Goulet Pencast is quite lovely! Very informative indeed.

If i were in the US, i would definitely try them out and purchase something from them. I usually buy stuff from Penoblo or fountainfeder. The latter had the Diamine Inkvent calender for sale earlier this year, which i am glad to have purchased. The Diamine German exclusive inks are just incredible!

I have basically been focusing more on inks because there are just so many that i want to try. But i love my Platinum Century 3776 and my Pelikan m205. Which is your favourite fountain pen?