1astropi
There's been a lot of discussion on the value of Suntup books. I think most of us agree that you purchase a book because you want it, not because it will appreciate in value -- although of course many do including many Suntup editions. That said, since I'm also procrastinating, I thought it might be interesting to have a separate discussion from the regular Suntup thread (this might get heated, who knows) about which editions are most desirable and/or monetarily valuable! This first go is just my opinion, but based on statistics etc. I think these are the most desirable editions and please note that again I'm not judging literary merit, just the desirability/ monetary value: I'm basing this on the "numbered edition" NOT AE nor lettered etc. nor editions not yet released.
1)Misery -- it's an exclusive signed edition by Stephen King and it's printed letterpress. I think this is the only letterpress King book published (?)
2)The Haunting of Hill House -- it's letterpress and it's Shirley Jackson. A few years ago there were still a few on the market, but like Misery it's all dried up and anyone that has a copy only wants big bucks for it.
3)The Road -- last copy I saw sold for $2k, which is actually a decrease in value since I know copies sold for more than that a few years ago! Still, it's very scarce (I see only one on the market right now) and highly desirable especially considering it's not signed by Cormac McCarthy although he was alive when this edition was published, he refused to sign it (to be fair, he rarely signed).
3)Red Dragon -- While not letterpress, this is the first in the "Hannibal" series and it is signed by Thomas Harris. I consider it a tie with The Road in terms of desirability and scarcity.
5)Blood Meridian -- Again, it's Cormac McCarthy and since he recently passed away, there's a bunch of people interested in his books. I will say that I have seen a few copies on the market and the asking price is very high, and none of the ones I followed have yet sold.
6)Neuromancer -- Very creative cover, and now quite difficult to find, I have not seen any copies for sale recently. Price-point, they are around The Handmaid's Tale.
7)The Handmaid's Tale -- Currently, the numbered edition is very sought-after. Last copy I saw sold for about $1300 and there are few numbered editions on the market as of this moment. I feel this is close enough to the desirability of Blood Meridian that I consider it a tie.
7)The Lottery -- Letterpress Shirley Jackson! but, it's a short story. But but, it's a very famous short story. At any rate, this was about a $400 book a few years ago, but I have not seen any copies on the second-hand market in some time. It's hard to say the actual value, but I think it's probably around The Handmaid's Tale.
9)The Silence of the Lambs -- Although not as difficult to find as Red Dragon, this book made famous forever because of the movie, still commands top price. That said, there are a number of these on the market right now, but undoubtedly prices will climb once those copies are sold.
10)Rosemary's Baby -- An early letterpress edition, if only the great Ira Levin had lived to sign this edition, it would be extremely sought after... as it stands, it's still a gorgeous book and difficult to find.
Of course, people can argue about Charlie, Jaws, etc. and they're all unique and special, but the above 10 are my top-10 list.
As for editions that are easiest to find and least desirable --
1)Johnny Got His Gun -- a very important anti-war novel, and beautifully illustrated! But, has not sold well at all. In fact, I think this is Suntup's most underappreciated work.
Others in the list include: Auctioneer, Brother, Guests, Zombie etc.
Again, I'm not saying the above are not great books, they're just not as desirable for whatever reasons.
Personally, one of my favorite Suntup Press books is one of the lesser desirable ones, and that is The Island of Doctor Moreau -- a beautiful letterpress edition that for whatever reasons, can actually be purchased below publication price! Perhaps once a new movie adaptation is released prices will climb, but for now, this is an amazing book at an amazing price.
Your thoughts?
1)Misery -- it's an exclusive signed edition by Stephen King and it's printed letterpress. I think this is the only letterpress King book published (?)
2)The Haunting of Hill House -- it's letterpress and it's Shirley Jackson. A few years ago there were still a few on the market, but like Misery it's all dried up and anyone that has a copy only wants big bucks for it.
3)The Road -- last copy I saw sold for $2k, which is actually a decrease in value since I know copies sold for more than that a few years ago! Still, it's very scarce (I see only one on the market right now) and highly desirable especially considering it's not signed by Cormac McCarthy although he was alive when this edition was published, he refused to sign it (to be fair, he rarely signed).
3)Red Dragon -- While not letterpress, this is the first in the "Hannibal" series and it is signed by Thomas Harris. I consider it a tie with The Road in terms of desirability and scarcity.
5)Blood Meridian -- Again, it's Cormac McCarthy and since he recently passed away, there's a bunch of people interested in his books. I will say that I have seen a few copies on the market and the asking price is very high, and none of the ones I followed have yet sold.
6)Neuromancer -- Very creative cover, and now quite difficult to find, I have not seen any copies for sale recently. Price-point, they are around The Handmaid's Tale.
7)The Handmaid's Tale -- Currently, the numbered edition is very sought-after. Last copy I saw sold for about $1300 and there are few numbered editions on the market as of this moment. I feel this is close enough to the desirability of Blood Meridian that I consider it a tie.
7)The Lottery -- Letterpress Shirley Jackson! but, it's a short story. But but, it's a very famous short story. At any rate, this was about a $400 book a few years ago, but I have not seen any copies on the second-hand market in some time. It's hard to say the actual value, but I think it's probably around The Handmaid's Tale.
9)The Silence of the Lambs -- Although not as difficult to find as Red Dragon, this book made famous forever because of the movie, still commands top price. That said, there are a number of these on the market right now, but undoubtedly prices will climb once those copies are sold.
10)Rosemary's Baby -- An early letterpress edition, if only the great Ira Levin had lived to sign this edition, it would be extremely sought after... as it stands, it's still a gorgeous book and difficult to find.
Of course, people can argue about Charlie, Jaws, etc. and they're all unique and special, but the above 10 are my top-10 list.
As for editions that are easiest to find and least desirable --
1)Johnny Got His Gun -- a very important anti-war novel, and beautifully illustrated! But, has not sold well at all. In fact, I think this is Suntup's most underappreciated work.
Others in the list include: Auctioneer, Brother, Guests, Zombie etc.
Again, I'm not saying the above are not great books, they're just not as desirable for whatever reasons.
Personally, one of my favorite Suntup Press books is one of the lesser desirable ones, and that is The Island of Doctor Moreau -- a beautiful letterpress edition that for whatever reasons, can actually be purchased below publication price! Perhaps once a new movie adaptation is released prices will climb, but for now, this is an amazing book at an amazing price.
Your thoughts?
3Shadekeep
>1 astropi: I only have AEs from Suntup so can't weigh in on the merits of various premium editions. But I will say it would be nice to pick up their Neuromancer in any edition. After I finally got Imajica that's the one which moved into the top desirability slot.
4LeBacon
I would love to have Rosemary's Baby but wasn't hip to Suntup until it (and a few others I would have definitely jumped on at the original price) had sold out. Now the prices are beyond what I would be willing to pay for an AE.
I guess that helps explain the earlier Suntup bubble. He was doing some big classic titles early on that would be a smash success if he released them now and too many people missed out. Some later releases didn't have as strong of an appeal after he had the fanbase established.
I guess that helps explain the earlier Suntup bubble. He was doing some big classic titles early on that would be a smash success if he released them now and too many people missed out. Some later releases didn't have as strong of an appeal after he had the fanbase established.
5dlphcoracl
>1 astropi:
The Numbered Editions of Rosemary's Baby and The Handmaid's Tale should be No. 3 and 4 (in no particular order) with regard to The Arts of the Book. The Road is not an impressive edition at all. Desirability and book quality are often not correlated with Suntup Editions publications.
The Numbered Editions of Rosemary's Baby and The Handmaid's Tale should be No. 3 and 4 (in no particular order) with regard to The Arts of the Book. The Road is not an impressive edition at all. Desirability and book quality are often not correlated with Suntup Editions publications.
6What_What
>5 dlphcoracl: The book had a beautiful linen and quarter leather binding, with a complimentary rounded slipcase of the same materials. Plus mango leaf (or some such) endpapers with great texture. There was an illustration by Richard Wagener, as well as several other quite appropriate illustrations by someone else. I dunno, for me, and others, it was a wonderful edition.
What do you think are some examples where desirability and book quality aren’t correlated? Assuming by book quality you mean production?
What do you think are some examples where desirability and book quality aren’t correlated? Assuming by book quality you mean production?
9dlphcoracl
>6 What_What:
I can't answer that definitively because I have been very selective with regard to purchasing the Numbered Editions of Suntup books. The only Numbered Editions I have are The Haunting of Hill House, Rosemary's Baby, The Lottery and The Road. I was disappointed in the production qualities of The Road and thought its high point was the Richard Wagener wood engraving. Otherwise, it looks more like an attractive Folio Society book.
I can't answer that definitively because I have been very selective with regard to purchasing the Numbered Editions of Suntup books. The only Numbered Editions I have are The Haunting of Hill House, Rosemary's Baby, The Lottery and The Road. I was disappointed in the production qualities of The Road and thought its high point was the Richard Wagener wood engraving. Otherwise, it looks more like an attractive Folio Society book.
10What_What
>9 dlphcoracl: Thanks for the reply. It was about $395, I think, so hopefully at least it was worth that.
11frik51
My vote goes to the lettered Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: stunning case, equally stunning book.
12Ragnaroek
>11 frik51:
If you like that lettered Charly you should see the lettered Sherlock Holmes from Amaranthine Books. That's an absolutely stunning piece of handcraft.
If you like that lettered Charly you should see the lettered Sherlock Holmes from Amaranthine Books. That's an absolutely stunning piece of handcraft.
13frik51
>12 Ragnaroek: Agreed! Had been drooling over the one copy still for sale, for days, maybe weeks, and when I finally had decided to buy, it was sold. But I did order the other two editions.
14Ragnaroek
>13 frik51:
Haha, me too. I was one click away from buying it after the presentation video from Marco. I think many more saw how gorgeous it was at an live presentation.
But iam really happy with my numbered copy.
Haha, me too. I was one click away from buying it after the presentation video from Marco. I think many more saw how gorgeous it was at an live presentation.
But iam really happy with my numbered copy.
15astropi
>11 frik51: I purposely left out lettered and other very limited editions because I feel they are far removed from what 99% of people can afford.
16frik51
>15 astropi: Understood; and the lettered Charlie will be the only Suntup lettered I'll ever own. Unless Paul decides to do another Dahl. Then maybe....
17Pellias
I'm lying here in my cabin in the woods, probably surrounded by witches and what are they now called .. magical forest beeings, without my knowledge. Anyway ..
The Road: later was complimented by that broadside letterpress print which likely count as something. Completist collectors would want that.
The lottery: small, tiny, yet a gem of a book. To compliment Arion Press 'the sundial' and grandson Milos excellent rich colour scheme. Two is a pair. The lottery is a family project, and by that it would also be special in some regard.
I am Legend: has a deep kiss letterpress too it if I remember correctly, cover partly done in vellum and nice art to my taste at least, and quality texture paper. I read this earlier this year and found it tightly bound at first, but it got good and now easy to read.
Red Dragon: is as I see it, the single most sought after Thomas Harris book, beeing the first in the series and pre investment focus.
Rosemarys baby: quality book. Best smelling book I have ever bought, though the smell has faded. A classic horror that is designed as that. It doesnt scream 'I am modern see me' It says 'I like it simple, yet affective' no nonsense design. Artist edition asking price almost on par with numbered edition is madness. RB has not (to my knowledge) not had so much love secondhand or a honorable mention. Maube because the story is so known, and maybe somewhat dated to the gore nowadays. That will change, a classic is a classic for a reason, as said.
Blood Meridian: designed like the lettered 'the road'. Sought after, but likely out of reach for sober and / or collectors not having flashing income or dad's money, as it was already expensive beforehand from the publisher.
Some of the classic editions would deserve a mention. Animal farm for instance.. and curious by psycho, etcetc.
Aargh. Someone outside saying hut of brown now sit down. Laughing. I will have to ask this person to cool down a little, it's getting dark but that nose looks green, i will have to pinch it ..
The Road: later was complimented by that broadside letterpress print which likely count as something. Completist collectors would want that.
The lottery: small, tiny, yet a gem of a book. To compliment Arion Press 'the sundial' and grandson Milos excellent rich colour scheme. Two is a pair. The lottery is a family project, and by that it would also be special in some regard.
I am Legend: has a deep kiss letterpress too it if I remember correctly, cover partly done in vellum and nice art to my taste at least, and quality texture paper. I read this earlier this year and found it tightly bound at first, but it got good and now easy to read.
Red Dragon: is as I see it, the single most sought after Thomas Harris book, beeing the first in the series and pre investment focus.
Rosemarys baby: quality book. Best smelling book I have ever bought, though the smell has faded. A classic horror that is designed as that. It doesnt scream 'I am modern see me' It says 'I like it simple, yet affective' no nonsense design. Artist edition asking price almost on par with numbered edition is madness. RB has not (to my knowledge) not had so much love secondhand or a honorable mention. Maube because the story is so known, and maybe somewhat dated to the gore nowadays. That will change, a classic is a classic for a reason, as said.
Blood Meridian: designed like the lettered 'the road'. Sought after, but likely out of reach for sober and / or collectors not having flashing income or dad's money, as it was already expensive beforehand from the publisher.
Some of the classic editions would deserve a mention. Animal farm for instance.. and curious by psycho, etcetc.
Aargh. Someone outside saying hut of brown now sit down. Laughing. I will have to ask this person to cool down a little, it's getting dark but that nose looks green, i will have to pinch it ..
18Praveenna_Nagaratnam
I would add the numbered Horns to the list. It is a beauty and maybe my favourite Suntup.
Though Handmaid's Tale and Horns were printed by the same press and uses ?similar paper - Mohawk Superfine (Horns) vs Mohawk Superfine Softwhite Eggshell (HT), I prefer the feel of the printing of Horns. That being said, I do also love the binding of Handmaid's Tale and Atwood's signature (plus a more popular story) definitely makes it worth more.
Though Handmaid's Tale and Horns were printed by the same press and uses ?similar paper - Mohawk Superfine (Horns) vs Mohawk Superfine Softwhite Eggshell (HT), I prefer the feel of the printing of Horns. That being said, I do also love the binding of Handmaid's Tale and Atwood's signature (plus a more popular story) definitely makes it worth more.
