Club Dumas by Centipede press

Hey guys “Club Dumas” is for sale now. How many of you are going to pull the trigger and buy it. It sounds like a thriller/horror. Gonna be interesting read. I guess

This is one of the two Centipede releases I've been waiting for.

Apart from the title itself, the feature I'm most excited about is that it is printed on laid paper. It doesn't specify more information, but that seems likely to be a substantial upgrade from the base "acid free" standard Centipede commonly uses.

Here are the other details, for those curious, copy/paste from the site:

EDITION INFORMATION

Limited to 500 copies, signed by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, Ricardo Martinez, and Greg Bell.
Book size is 6; × 9¼ inches.
Two- and four-color printing throughout on laid paper.
Full color wraparound dustjacket by Ricardo Martinez.
Reverse wraparound dustjacket by Greg Bell.
Numerous interior illustrations.
Full Japanese black cloth with two-color stamping on front and onlay label on spine.
Illustrated endpapers.
Top-edge stain.
Ribbon marker, head and tail bands.
Two-color cloth slipcase, with label on spine and two-color stamping on front board.
Mylar dustjacket protector, 2.0mil, already applied!
Published September 2023.
Original book price: $325.
ISBN 978-1-61347-299-6.

PRICING

The Club Dumas by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, signed $325. Shipping mid to late September.

I passed on it. Saving my $$$ and shelf space for other books.

>2 abysswalker: I purchased it too. Did not know what laid paper is so thanks for providing this info. I think this book will be selling for over 1k on a secondary market.

“ Laid paper is a type of paper having a ribbed texture imparted by the manufacturing process. In the pre-mechanical period of European papermaking, laid paper was the predominant kind of paper produced. Its use, however, diminished in the 19th century, when it was largely supplanted by wove paper.” Wikipedia

>2 abysswalker: How do you order? Do you have to be on a list? Was not able to add to cart on the website.

Interesting book (originally published 1993). Terrible movie (called The Ninth Gate, directed by Roman Polanski and starring Johnny Depp).

FYI, Arturo Perez-Reverte's book The Fencing Master was done in a fine-ish press signed limited edition of 110 copies in 1999 by The Scorpion Press in the UK, quarter bound in leather with marble boards.

https://historical.ha.com/itm/books/signed-editions/arturo-perez-reverte-the-fen...

>5 dpbbooks: indeed, you have to be on a list of e-mail subscribers from centipede press. Email centipede press to get on the list. You will find email info on their site under contacts. Hope it helps and you’ll be able to order this book shortly

>5 dpbbooks: For those who subscribe to Centipede Press's mailing list (one that has grown considerably over the past year or two), a link to the product page was included in today's newsletter, which was sent at 9:30am Mountain Time. However, as you rightly pointed out, the book appears to be sold out. This was a popular title, and even with 500 copies, it's not surprising to see that they're all gone.

>7 skubrick2899: it is still available at $325 for a signed copy

Sold out...
I was at work sadly. No way I could have made it.

Is this an famous title or is Centipede like "Suntup". Everything sells out extremely fast....

>8 curiousbooks: It shows as available on the product page, but you can no longer add it to the cart, which is what dpbbooks was referring to.

>10 skubrick2899: Ohh ok sorry. Thank you

>9 Ragnaroek: CP titles have often, but not always, sold out quickly. Jerad has developed a reputation for delivering consistent value across a wide range of price points.

>12 SDB2012: really sad. I think it will have 5-7 times the value on the second hand market, if it will show up there..

Maybe Suntup or some other will do an version one day.
Subterranean already did 😄

>13 Ragnaroek: Only a few CP titles get that kind of value on the secondary market. Some that did years ago are now only a little more than published price. Others, such as Ender's Game still command ridiculous secondary prices. I'd love to have a copy, but not for $1,500+. The crazy thing is that one took a while to sell out if I remember right. The Elric set is so highly priced that I've thought of selling mine, but I love that set.

If you wait for the book, it will come to you in time.

My advice is get on the CP email list and you won't miss out.

I really wanted the book, but felt it was expensive (for me). Then saw the shipping to Canada alone was $80 USD! In the end, ordered it because I have really been wanting it. With the resolution to slow down purchases in general. Nice that it’s shipping so soon after the preorder!

I also bought the book. I like the story enough for owning a fine edition and it seems like quite a good production from Centipede, going by the production details.

>3 ultrarightist: Having bought Arete's Frozen Hell, I had to pass on it too.

>14 SDB2012:

Titles from the last few years can still be bought at decent prices. The real markup is for titles from the early CP days (2009-2017 or so) when print runs of 100 or 150 were still common. I still regret selling off my Edgar Allan Poe Masters of the Weird Tale. I'm talking the Big illustrated version, not the later standard edition. I've never seen another copy since then. I also sold my Forever War, but don't regret that :p.

There's also inexplicable markup sometimes, like 'Grindshow.' I remember this book wasn't very popular and was worth nothing on the secondary market. Then suddenly it was $400+. I used to have a copy and the writing was pretty mediocre compared to Nightmare Alley.

>5 dpbbooks: I loved that movie :) I had no idea it was based on a book.

>18 MobyRichard: I’ve got quite a few CP titles but I don’t own anything with a limitation less than 175. A number of my books had a print run of 200. My earliest CP book (Millipede Press back then) was The Deadly Percheron published in 2006 with 300 copies.

>13 Ragnaroek: As others have said, Centipede doesn't always have the immediate markup effect, but some of their titles do command a premium after selling out. Powers of Darkness is a good recent example, and one I suspected would do so when it was announced. Likewise some earlier gems such as The Sheep Look Up and The Monk have noticeably appreciated. There are still titles you can get at a decent price however. Definitely get on the mailing list,which is also useful for knowing when a title is about to run out. It prompted me to finally commit to Burn, Witch, Burn and Cold Moon Over Babylon.

>20 kdweber:

Yes, you gotta go pretty far back in time to see the 150 copies or less, probably back to 2011 or 2012. Conjure Wife, Tangled Muse, Forever War are three of the more sought after. Nosferatu, I'm surprised to find, was only 100 copies. And of course the Holy Grail, Book of the New Sun was only 100 copies.

I should have said 200 or less would be more typical of that full date range (2009-2017). Interestingly enough, the really really early days (2008 or earlier) seem to have consistently middling print runs of 300. Although I know a few like Frankenstein have a largish number of defective copies. Pre-2009 was before my time, although I got a couple from that era much later. I think I was still collecting Folio Society exclusively at that point.

>22 MobyRichard: I forgot about Forever War but that was limited to 150 because Jerad picked up the signature sheets from an older edition that was never made/published.

What about the Dune it sold for over $3500 on the secondary market. Most expensive Centipede Press edition on the secondary market

>24 curiousbooks: did one actually sell for that much? There are a handful listed now. The cheapest is $1750. Salems Lot is another that goes for high prices- I only see one for $6500- way too high for me.

>18 MobyRichard: I'd love to have a copy of the Poe. I forget what year that was published, but I think it was before I started buying a lot of CP.

>25 SDB2012: $1750 for unsigned one.

>26 curiousbooks: I’m looking at the recent Dune sales on eBay, and there are 3 unsigned ones that sold : $990 / $1100 / less than $1280 (best offer accepted).

There is 1 signed that sold : $1250

There are 2 sets that sold : $2700 (unsigned) and $4400 (signed)

>27 Nerevarine: well, I don’t see any of it and the only price range that you mentioned here is for Dune Messiah. Cheapest signed dune for sale is at $1900 next is $2800

>28 curiousbooks: Are you in US currency ?

>28 curiousbooks: yes I’m

>30 curiousbooks: Strange. Well, these were the recent sold prices.

It seems like sets are way more valuable than selling separate.

>31 Nerevarine: I know that one signed dune book that I followed sold for $3500 bidding started at 1k I bid but lost. No idea where you getting your pricing from. Dune signed edition is way out of control without any sets. Please guide me to the one at $1250 signed Dune.

>25 SDB2012:

Unfortunately I haven't seen a copy available in 6 or 7 years. I don't have any alerts set up so it's very possible there was one out there but I wouldn't be surprised if it sold immediately. When I listed my copy (b/c I needed the money) it sold within the hour.

>32 curiousbooks: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=dune+centipede+press&LH_Co...

I just saw that the $1250 is Messiah. But the rest are unsigned Dune.

>33 MobyRichard: >34 Nerevarine: ok guys thanks

>25 SDB2012:
>35 curiousbooks:

To be clear. I'm talking about the Poe. Dune is plenty available if you're willing to pay $$$$ :P.

Poe is a bargain in that it doesn't exist on the second hard market and thus you will pay nothing.

>36 MobyRichard: How much did you sell yours for?

>36 MobyRichard: The Poe was published a few years before I discovered CP. I've never sold a CP book I've owned, but some of those prices make it tempting.

>25 SDB2012: >33 MobyRichard: I had a copy of the CP Poe. Notice the past tense. It was not great. It was an earlier production before the current high-quality productions from CP. For instance, one page had the words printed and the other side had an illustration. So of course the illustration bled into the words and it all looked shoddy. I also saw some other defects that were disappointing. That said, again, it was at at time when CP was starting, so of course it takes time to learn the trade and make sure your productions are top. If you're trying to collect all the CP editions then sure, you will need to find a copy and I'm sure it will cost FAR more than it's worth. However, if you're not trying for a complete set, I would strongly urge you to pass and find better compendiums such as Thornwillow or Suntup etc.

>39 astropi:
The suntup poe edition is not an Book to read. Only for shelve showcase 😔

The Tartarus Press Poe compendium is nothing to sneeze at. It includes many (all?) of the famous Harry Clarke illustrations.

The CP Masters of the Weird tale edition of Lovecraft is another book like their in-series Poe volume - extremely scarce on the secondary market, as is the Blackwood volume.

>41 ultrarightist: If it were me running CP I would keep a limitation for the Masters of the Weird Tale deluxe versions but make the cheaper Library of Weird Fiction a series that perpetually stays in print. It could be a consistent money maker for them.

>42 LeBacon: and a great value!

>39 astropi: I'm definitely not a CP completist, though I appreciate the catalogue. I'm a bit obsessive about Poe and would like the CP title, but not at the likely premium since I could buy several fine press Poe titles in lieu of that one.

I have the Suntup and the Thornwillow and both have strengths and weaknesses. I'd love a profusely illustrated multi-volume Poe anthology- Arete are you listening? +)

I think FS could do a great job with a Poe if they treated like they did Gormenghast. I enjoyed the FS art contest that was focused on Poe a couple of years ago and hoped that we'd see a volume with multiple illustrators. Alas, it was not to be.

Sorry, this is all far off the topic of Club Dumas.

>40 Ragnaroek: “The suntup poe edition is not an Book to read. Only for shelve showcase.”

I disagree, but if you want the same text in a smaller package, get the Library of America edition. You’ll miss out on the illustrations, though.

Back to Club Dumas. How many of you here actually read it and liked it. Any positive or negative things to say about this book. Some people say after reading it that it reminds them Dan brown style of writing

>42 LeBacon: Jerad told me that he is considering reprints of some of the Library series, including Blackwood.

>45 jroger1: you read the Suntup Edition and the book still looks healthy after reading ?

>46 curiousbooks: to be honest I never have read it, but it is on my list for quite a long time. I took the chance now and hope it arrives safely at his new home 🥲

>46 curiousbooks: I wouldn't make that comparison myself. It's no Eco or Calvino, but it's well-written enough. Maybe like a populist version of Fowles with a lighter, more jocular touch in places? A comparison to Ira Levin in a certain light wouldn't be entirely amiss either.

EDIT: And regarding the side discussion, I too believe that Centipede would really benefit from keeping some version of their Weird line in print.

>50 Shadekeep: "And regarding the side discussion, I too believe that Centipede would really benefit from keeping some version of their Weird line in print."

I heartily concur! As long as they are reasonably priced.

I'm really looking forward to Club Dumas. I really enjoyed another book by the author, The Seville Communion, and had Club Dumas recommended by a friend who read it. The Centipede press edition sounds very appealing and high quality. I'm glad I was able to buy a copy.

Never read anything by this author, so will try reading it when my Centipede press edition comes.

>48 Ragnaroek:
Why would you spend hundreds for a book unless you intended to read it? An occasional spot or wrinkle is inevitable; it just proves the book has been loved.

I agree, there is nothing wrong with a little wear on a fine book. It is inevitable.

>54 jroger1: >55 edkennedy: agreed, life is short, enjoy it

>54 jroger1:
Ohh. I ordered it and will indeed read it 🙂❤️
I got the paperback on my list for a long time, but didn't bought it. So much other books I preferred first.
Then I found this fine edition from Centipede and ordered it.

>40 Ragnaroek: Why not read the Suntup Poe? I know it's hefty, but many CP editions, including their Poe, is substantially heftier than the Suntup edition :)

>58 astropi:
Iam scared that I break or shift the spine in an ugly position 😳🫠

>59 Ragnaroek:
I’ve never had a well-made spine crack or bend in 50 years of collecting, even the heaviest ones. I’ve never tried throwing one at a wall or stomping on it, but you can’t damage them by ordinary use. I think the wall and floor would break before the book would.

>60 jroger1: you are sure ? Iam really scared 😳😕

>61 Ragnaroek: it breaks and you get a better edition like antique first edition lol

>62 curiousbooks: noooooooooo . That's very sensible 🫠🥲

I can't imagine that a Suntup edition (or any well produced volume) would in general show wear-and-tear unless mistreated. All the Suntup editions I owe are in perfect condition after their reading :)

>60 jroger1: throwing one at a wall or stomping on it
Stuff of nightmares right there!

>60 jroger1: I read the Suntup Poe AE from beginning to end (although I skimmed or skipped the essays because they didn't interest me) as gently as I read all of my books but the spine became warped — it had an odd bend or wave about a third of the way through. It's not super noticeable until you take the dust jacket off, but it's unfortunate; however, it's not the biggest deal because I dislike the look of the book anyways and I can put it in my bookshelf with the labeled slipcase end facing out.

>65 BooksFriendsNotFood: you should definitely send email advising suntup. They need to know about all quality issues.

>66 curiousbooks: This may be the thickest clothbound book I own so honestly I'm not sure if it's an issue or just what's to be expected.

>61 Ragnaroek:

All depends what you mean by damage. Collectors obviously hone in on things the average book reader wouldn't care about it but the book will definitely outlive your house or apartment (or "flat" if you will). Barring a disaster, any well made, sewn hadcover you buy today should still be around, and readable, at least 200-300 years after the original owner is...not so readable.

>68 MobyRichard: all of my first edition Victorian books obviously outlived their owners and still look gorgeous on my shelves. Don’t know if current book manufactures can match that

Not to add fuel to the flames, but if that Poe is bound like the heavy Folio Society books, i. e.sewn, mulled and cased, the spine will sag after a while; can't be helped.

>69 curiousbooks: Considering you obviously only have the ones that actually survived, there’s no telling what proportion of them were made to those standards. So who knows, maybe hardly any were made to that standard.

>71 What_What: right, who knows

>69 curiousbooks:
>71 What_What:

I'm just referring to survival and readability not whether a collector would pay top dollar for them.
Trade 20th and 21st century hardcover books printed on acid free paper and well bound can definitely last for centuries. In the first flush of industrialization a lot of 19th century hardcover books were actually relatively cheaply made and printed on terrible paper and yet most are still in fairly good condition. Even my copies of old Royal Asiatic Society journals in soft wrappers and printed on acid ridden, chemically overreactive paper are perfectly readable. We're not talking about true pulp printing here (mass market paperbacks or newspapers).

Getting back to Centipede Press. CP books are definitely better made than most mechanically produced 19th and 20th century trade editions and printed on much more durable paper. Should have no trouble surviving.

>66 curiousbooks: that's no quality issue. It's normal

>70 Glacierman: that will happen very fast too if showed vertical in youre bookshelf

Normally every book with 600+ pages will sag over time, no matter how good it is made. The pages are just too heavy.

Okay, the spine will not break, that's a little exaggerated, but it can easily Warp and the Spine can deform.

That's why I like the Folio Society. They often make 2 Volumes instead of one.

In case of an Suntup Poe this wouldn't be possible, because it would nearly double the price.

The book will outlive me still, but I like my books healthy and sound. I read them very carefully.

>73 MobyRichard: I don’t want to have an argument but you generalizing things where you said that 19th century books were relatively cheaply made. Is your statement based on having an extensive library of 19th century books? You checked on all of them? It happens to be that my extensive library consists of a lot of 19th century books and first editions from that era. I can’t judge like you all of the Victorian made books but can say that 220 plus I have have thick paper, letterpress, incredible illustrations and have Moroccan leather and many of them bound by bayntun from bath uk; sangorski, and other renown binders of that time period. Modern book publishers will have to charge an arm and a leg to reproduce all features my antique books have. I don’t even want to mention rarity and value they have, especially Victorian first edition. Also, if you can make a trip to NYC JP Morgan Library you can see and read a lot about Victorian era books as they have a lot of information about books from that era on display.

>77 curiousbooks: I have a decent amount of Pre 20th century Publications. The Water Witch James Fennimore Cooper some Ambroise Bierce to name a couple. And they are all extremely sturdy books. I have bought new books only published in the last 20 years and they fall to pieces before I get finished reading them. And I am very cautious how I handle any book.

>77 curiousbooks: are your 19th century books published by higher end publishers on hand made paper? The 2nd half of the 19th century a lot of books were published on machine made paper that was highly acidic. When I took a book preservation class in library school that was a topic. We toured the Princeton university rare book rooms. They have a huge collection of Victorian books. Due to the acidic nature of paper and tendency to flake and crumble they keep books in careful climate controlled room and only allow access to the books to scholars who really, really need to touch and examine the original editions.

>79 rbee: once again, may be sone were made with acidic papers for more people to afford. There were different editions made and a lot of information available from internet about it. Like Dickens published Christmas Carol to make it more affordable for poor people of the day. I have Victorian editions with thick paper and letterpress. They have some minor foxing like most old books. You had a very general book preservation class if they said that all Victorian books were made with highly acidic paper. Well, my collection of these books can dispute that claim. In addition, all antique and valuable books have to be preserved but for other reasons than acidic papers. But, thanks for sharing your experience for this discussion

"A lot of" does not mean "all", or even "most". Just thought I'd help everyone out here.

>81 gmacaree: thanks for sharing. I have a totally different experience with my antique books. Thanks for sharing this info.

I couldn't find any satisfactory information for my question, so maybe someone here knows the answer.

Are such higher priced books like Club Dumas or the Dune serie bound by hand or machine?
The quality is very good, I just would like to know :)

>83 Libri_mea_vita_sunt:
Maybe you should email Jerad Walters directly at jerad@centipedepress.com and ask him?
He would know best.

>84 booksforreading:
I wrote him and got my answer.
Thank you ! 🙂