1cu29640
As most know the Franklin Mint's Franklin Library came before Easton Press (MBI - Danbury Mint). in the 1970's FM didn't cute any corners on quality and purchased Sloves Bindery to make their leather bound books. They were very fine. There have been 3 types of FM books made. Full leather, quarter bound, and cloth with glued in print block. The cloth books I believe appeared in the 1984ish timeframe but hoping someone can confirm. Also, at some point FM books started being made by RR Donnelley in Des Moines Iowa. Does anyone know when RR Donnelley was first identified as producing FM books? Finally, the Signed First Edition Society of Franklin Library carried some big name releases such as from Kurt Vonnegut and Tom Wolfe Bonfires of the Vanities. This First Edition Series also appeared in the 1980s and was different than the 1970s series of a similar name by FM. The Signed First Editions lasted until 2001 ish. Right before FM started faltering. If anyone can confirm some of these dates and changes please do so.
2jroger1
>1 cu29640:
I subscribed to the Signed First Edition series for a while in the early 1990s and am surprised it lasted until 2001. The quality of FM’s leather varied according to the series, the best perhaps being the anniversary set of the Great Books of the Western World and the Oxford Classics.
Franklin engaged in some unethical (i.e., desperation?) marketing practices. At first they sent me one a month as expected, but then they started sending 2 a month. When I told them I couldn’t afford that many and asked if I could return one of them, they said it would cancel my membership. Then they started sending one a week, and I canceled.
They also charged different prices according to the state of residence. The charge included that state’s sales tax. When confronted, they admitted that they didn’t remit any of this money to the state taxing authorities but justified the practice by saying that residents were accustomed to paying that amount.
As you noted, a few of the authors remain well known, but most are forgotten today and those books are now almost worthless. Take note Easton Press signed books collectors.
I subscribed to the Signed First Edition series for a while in the early 1990s and am surprised it lasted until 2001. The quality of FM’s leather varied according to the series, the best perhaps being the anniversary set of the Great Books of the Western World and the Oxford Classics.
Franklin engaged in some unethical (i.e., desperation?) marketing practices. At first they sent me one a month as expected, but then they started sending 2 a month. When I told them I couldn’t afford that many and asked if I could return one of them, they said it would cancel my membership. Then they started sending one a week, and I canceled.
They also charged different prices according to the state of residence. The charge included that state’s sales tax. When confronted, they admitted that they didn’t remit any of this money to the state taxing authorities but justified the practice by saying that residents were accustomed to paying that amount.
As you noted, a few of the authors remain well known, but most are forgotten today and those books are now almost worthless. Take note Easton Press signed books collectors.
3cu29640
Interesting. I collected from Franklin Mint for years and never had any issues with billing or shipping. Free returns and easy to reach customer service took care of everything. I never saw where they offered varied shipping schedules but Easton Press does on their first editions. I did get some FM items accelerated if in stock so I wouldn't have to wait. I regret not keeping the last few signed first editions. All were made in USA but later bound by RR Donnelly. The early FM books were hand made by Sloves in NYC. FM actually bought them.
