The Last Unicorn Limited Edition 2025

A Limited Edition as Rare as a Unicorn

After years of requests, The Last Unicorn is finally here – arriving as a Folio Limited Edition worthy of its magic.

This enchanted Folio glows with rose-gold page edges, a fully leather-bound, blocked cover that feels as if it’s been pulled from the pages of a fairytale and a letterpress-printed label signed by both author and artist.

The artist? Lily Seika Jones – chosen by Peter S. Beagle himself for the emotion she brings to every mythical creature she draws. Inside, you’ll find ten full-colour illustrations, along with plenty of black-and-white pieces woven through the story. And there’s more: a brand-new preface by Beagle, written specially for Folio.

On 11 November at 4pm (UK time), this Limited Edition will emerge – as rare and fleeting as a whisper of legend. Limited to just 500 copies.

This actually looks like a fantastic edition (no doubt due to the fact that the artist was chosen not by Folio but by the author himself)

>2 foliolibrary: Agreed. Lily Seika Jones's art looks fantastic. And if the trends for the past couple of years continue, then this should be the ninth and final limited edition of the year.

>1 What_What: Superb, thank you!

And that rounds out 2025's limited editions assortment nicely.

I will just add the link to the site.

https://www.foliosociety.com/uk/the-last-unicorn-limited-edition?

Looks like a great alternative to the Suntup edition, slightly less premium, not letterpress and with different paper, of course, but the artist’s style is what really matters!

wow, i was terribly disappointed by the Christmas Carol LE's illustrations, so seeing this is a real treat and a definite buy 😍 especially since mere mortals like me can never obtain Suntup's lettered version

>7 Korius: Production values aside, I definitely prefer the art style here.

It looks nice and I like the artist but it's pricey at £495.

As always, I'll be waiting for the standard version of it

>9 assemblyman: It looks nice and I like the artist but it's pricey at £495.

I have cut down my consumption of LEs drastically over the last couple of years or so but this has all the hallmarks of a definite.

A Christmas Carol was the first LE for a while that didn't reach out and grab me; this, on the other hand, does look very appealing on first impression.

I find the cover very disappointing, but the art on the solander box is nice. I'll have to see more, but I kind of doubt that I'll pay their ROW prices, especially since I have the Suntup edition.

The artist (@rivuletpaper) on Instagram:



And the three images on the sign-up page:

I already have the Suntup, which I love, and don’t do LEsnfor the most part, but this one is really beautiful!

>13 SF-72: Most of her art seems to be of the solander box variety, very earthy, lots of fable like animal illustrations. Not sure what the front cover is going for, but there should be more of the nice variety inside. Reminds me a bit of John Bauer at times.

The image on the front of the solander reminds me strongly of the animated film. It has similar flowing lines. Overall pleasing art, though the cover is oddly jarring, seemingly inhabiting an uncanny valley between Gothic and naïve styles.

>16 A.Godhelm:

That does sound good. Who knows, maybe the cover for a potential standard edition will be nicer.

>11 folio_books: FS release so many LEs these days it's hard to keep up.

>13 SF-72: If they do an SE I hope they use the solander art for the covers.

The Suntup numbered edition is reviewed at https://www.librarything.com/topic/373000

>5 assemblyman: you might want to clean your links.

Everything after the ? in that URL is doing data analytics work for free (and linking your customer behaviour to this forum).

Delete everything after the ? and the core URL works fine.

>21 abysswalker: Thank you, I hadn’t realised. I have now edited the link.

>13 SF-72: My sentiments, exactly. If Suntup hadn’t beaten them to it, I would likely excuse the cover …… and the colour, and made a purchase.

>23 cottonoverwood:

Same here, so I'm glad Suntup were faster. I would find this really tempting if the cover of the book looked like the solander box, but this is pretty awful. Hoping for a nice standard edition.

How curious! For me, the Suntup Numbered edition is what I would describe as "awful" - hard to imagine how this understated design from FS could be deemed such, although I do agree that the art on the solander box is nicer than the book itself.

The book cover has a very Easton Press aesthetic to my eye, but the box is nice.

>25 foliolibrary:

To each their own. I have the classic edition and find it very beautiful, but I also liked the designs of the others for different reasons.

>25 foliolibrary: I have no idea how anyone can think the Suntup Numbered cover is "awful" -- although if you mean that in the literal sense "you are full of awe" that I can understand! One of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen --

>27 SF-72: I have no complaints about the Classic edition, it’s certainly very nice

>28 astropi: this is an assault on my eyes… far too much going on for my taste

I'm with >29 foliolibrary: on this - the Suntup one seems busy, busy, busy, almost overwhelming. But, yes, it's a matter of personal taste.

I see they’re going for the same solander construction as they did with Casino Royale and the upcoming Dickens.

I hope it ‘fits’ the book properly this time as I’m still slightly miffed about all the excess wiggle room on Casino Royale.

The Suntup cover being discussed is very obviously in imitation of a medieval tapestry, particularly those which include a unicorn. One can argue the aesthetics and success of the approach, but it is certainly thematically strong.

The FS cover is generally okay except for the inexplicably cartoonish unicorn-with-starburst among the more traditional border elements. It's a cheap brass lock away from looking like a 12-year-old girl's diary.

>32 Shadekeep:

That's what I enjoyed about it, that medieval reference, which fits the book very well and looks authentic. And I would imagine that the tactile feel is also very interesting.

>32 Shadekeep: It is giving Twilight Sparkle vibes - maybe Tom Kidd is a Brony?

No doubt, some owners of the Suntup edition will see only the shortcomings of this inferior FS production, while those of us without the Suntup edition will be more inclined to sing its praises.

Just so with the recent Jane Austen production. Those in possession of the earlier 1996 set, featuring Joan Hassal illustrations, were quick to point out how hideous the 2025 set is. A happy coincidence, indeed!

>35 foliolibrary: I don't feel the discussion is quite so partisan, at least not from my end. I am merely comparing the two edition designs irrespective of ownership of either.

I do think the solander cover of the FS edition is well done. As I said earlier the primary image there echoes the animated adaptation of the film in a positive way, and the overall design has a good illuminated manuscript flavor to it. It is only the cover of the book itself which I find lacking, not merely in execution but moreso in its disharmony with the other design elements.

>35 foliolibrary:

You know, I really like the solander box and the one illustration that I see, but not the cover, which is a completely different style. That would also be the case if I didn't have two limited editions of the book yet, including the Classic Edition by Suntup. As it is, what definitely keeps me from caving despite the less-than appealing cover (to me, clearly not others, which is okay) is not just the already steep price, but the fact that I would end up paying over 600 Pounds for it due to Folio's Row policy in addition to the forced express shipping. It was the same with other more recent limited editions.

I think the Austen set is just such a matter of personal taste. It's not like those older editions are hard to get, and for much less than the new one. As it is, I don't like either, I wish they'd completed what they started with the Niroot Puttapipat illustrations, which I really enjoyed. Again, to each their own.

>36 Shadekeep: Ignore me, I'm just being facetious. I'm in complete agreement!

>38 foliolibrary: Ah, all good then! Though disagreement can be fine as well, too. 😊

>37 SF-72: I also agree that the artwork on the cover does not quite match the artwork on the solander box, either in skill or style (although, I would not say the two are incongruous). You are right to expect more in cases where the value for money, even excluding the absurd ROW hikes, is stretched so thinly.

I had not seen the Niroot Puttapipat illustrations before - these are really well done.

>40 foliolibrary:

I really enjoyed those and never understood why FS didn't continue their editions in this case. Palazzo Editions then did Sense and Sensibility as a 'Bath Bicentenary illustrated edition' with Puttapipat's illustrations and had planned to continue with more titles, but it didn't sell well enough and that was that. I really would have liked to get a complete set, no matter the publisher.

>32 Shadekeep: “12-year-old girl's diary”

I knew I’d seen it somewhere before 🤣🤣

‘back to school’ W H Smith

Are most of you madcaps fans of solander boxes? I think I’d find them a bit awkward to shelve/display on my bookshelves.

>43 betaraybill: I don’t mind then when the book title/author is printed on the side. But in most cases I prefer a nice slipcase.

Also depends on size. For example the box for the recent Gatsby LE is very nice (other than the lack of title on the side) but I’m not sure why they had to make it so oversized vs the book inside.

>43 betaraybill: I prefer solanders because they provide better protection, both physical and from light.

I don't display my books, so that is not an issue.

They do take a bit more space in general on the shelf, but I think that is a worthwhile tradeoff.

>43 betaraybill: I prefer solanders as well, once the book is identifiable when on the shelf. I’ve seen some higher end books with solanders made of leather. That to me defeats the purpose - I would feel it necessary to have a solander to protect… the solander.

Oh man, I am one of the people who have been repeatedly asking for the Last Unicorn, but I am a bit tired of the Limited edition craze, adding to that the poor Quality control that seems to happen sometimes, I am very reluctant to spent 500€ on a limited edition.
I really hope there will be a normal edition as well

>47 woodstock8786:

Yeah, since they've moved to the new model it's been unimaginative limited editions at unimaginable prices.

>48 MobyRichard: That's not entirely fair. Mythago Wood was a pretty imaginative choice. It's great too, although you're right that the price was rather an ask.

I'd certainly like to see them look at some more traditional volumes amongst the new stuff though.

>48 MobyRichard:

Your pov. In the last five year I've bought a dozen limited editions of superb quality at an average price of under £350 - four Greek classics, four novels from C18 to C20, three books of poetry ancient and modern, and one science book of unmatchable importance.

>48 MobyRichard: I rather have to agree with this. The FS has released some amazing LEs over the years. The last two that come to mind are the War Poets letterpress editions (some Rupert Brooke volumes left) --
https://www.foliosociety.com/usa/rupert-brooke-selected-poems
and their magnificent The Waste Land -- also printed letterpress --
https://www.foliosociety.com/usa/the-waste-land-limited-edition

But most of the LEs the past few years seem more like a money grab than a real passion-project aimed at producing a work of art. And hey, I fully understand, every business needs to make money. But when it comes to perceived value, I feel many publishers today (as much discussed in other threads, this includes Curious King, Conversation Tree Press, Suntup, Lyra, etc.) have outpaced the FS. As an example, Suntup recently released a limited edition of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, and the lowest priced tier is still printed letterpress, signed by the artists, includes cloth-covered slipcase, etc.


The book is $185. The standard FS is $80, and yes the Suntup edition is over twice as much, but again, I feel that the value you get with the Sunup edition is so much greater than the FS edition there's no question about what to get.

>51 astropi: I agree that most Folio LEs are poor value. In almost any case I’d prefer to buy a standard edition from the likes of CK, CTP, Amaranthine or Lyra.

But I appreciate Folio for its range and especially for publishing nice editions of non-fiction. That’s their USP as far as I’m concerned.

>52 cyber_naut: that I agree with, especially concerning The Last Unicorn, as there hadn’t been a hardcover edition on the market for a long time. Gollancz made a nice one, but it was already sold out when I saw it.

It is great that we have the opportunity to get various books (be it fiction or nonfiction) in a good quality hardback version, but the price for them is already at a level where I definitely more than hesitate. Around £70-80 is pretty steep for a paper bound hardback even for a very pretty one. But £495, which will be £570 for people not in the UK for this particular edition, ist just not something I want to pay.

I would really like to have a standard edition and with that they can also release a limited edition, for those who want it. Just this trying to excite people and only releasing a limited edition and the artificial creation of FOMO…it’s getting on my nerves

>51 astropi: It’s interesting that all three examples you cited are books that struggle tremendously to sell.

The War Poets languished for years and was on sale at every opportunity - and then some.

The Wasteland has been on sale at multiple sales and it’s still not out of print.

And the Suntup Agatha Christie has almost half of the AE print run unsold, and over 50 of the 250 numbered editions unsold.

Meanwhile, all the other LEs described as unimaginative and expensive are long out of print.

This is not to say I disagree with them being too expensive for me personally, but they are obviously providing enough value to the right people as they keep selling out.

We should applaud the FS for releasing the standard versions so quickly though. And for using their scale to produce dozens of books each year, which is the total output of CTP, CK, Suntup, Lyra’s and Arete combined.

>51 astropi: I agree with the general sentiment of FS LEs being trounced by other offerings but Suntup also said the lowest tiers on offer don't really pay for themselves. It's the numbered and lettered editions bringing in the bacon. I suspect it's the same for the other presses - this is why we can all feel they're good deals. Things like letterpress printing can be "subsidised" by the more expensive editions. If they had to sell just one edition the price would go up or the features come down.
The FS strategy looks very different. Let's also not forget that the company is more interested in what sells. Their LEs have been doing very well, even the ones this forum dislikes. That's hardly a disincentive. As >54 What_What: notes, some of their finest LEs didn't sell.

>52 cyber_naut: >53 woodstock8786: >54 What_What:

This conversation is interesting to me. I definitely agree with finding my money more well spent at CK, CTP, Amaranthine, Suntup - almost always on the lowest tier edition (which have been often reported to be not very profitable). I splurged on Mythago Wood, which I think is a very nice edition, but the price of Folio LEs mostly seems exorbitant to me. But my views are irrelevant given what the market keeps saying, which is that the Folio LEs largely sell out quickly despite being so expensive for what you get. Or maybe the value always seems so poor to me because of the US pricing. I’m sure Folio LEs have hefty margins so perhaps they should be viewed as a necessary evil for the whales of the book collecting world (who I still think receive a nice product) to keep Folios accounts healthy so that those working with smaller budgets can enjoy the benefit of having a large selection of still-premium SEs available, which they might not otherwise be able to keep publishing. I suppose we all wish things were cheaper, but alas.

As far as FOMO, it does seem like most LEs end up becoming available as SEs these days. And while sometimes it’s disappointing to not get the higher end binding (Shadow of the Wind being the best example for me - wish I had gone for the LE), I can’t really blame Folio for needing to give me a compromised edition when I am only giving them a fraction of the money. I also dislike FOMO, but thats unavoidable with limited editions, so I can’t really fault Folio for FOMO but then praise CTP, CK, Suntup.

Regardless Folio SEs still have a place for me as they are often significantly cheaper than the lowest tier edition from the presses mentioned above. Especially for longer books that are unlikely to get a full letterpress treatment. Folio still offers thoughtful design, quality paper, great offset printing, a lack of obnoxious advertising and review quotes, and often great illustrations which to me is worth the price of entry. I also don’t have to worry about the FOMO, so it’s a bit of a relief to have access to a library of premium books that I don’t have to stress about missing my one opportunity to acquire at a reasonable price. I can understand the sentiment that FS can seem a little soulless and commercial compared to the smaller presses, but I like to remember that FS is still a very special thing and I still see the passion and art in their work, even if some of the marketing and business practices are getting more aggressive. Ultimately, I thinks that’s why we are all here and talking about them.

>57 NovelNexus:

November 11.

>52 cyber_naut: I appreciate Folio for its range and especially for publishing nice editions of non-fiction.
Absolutely. I've always felt they publish lovely history and poetry books. I remember calling (years ago) and placing an order for some poetry volumes, and I was speaking with Sally, who I thought was the best person you could ever wish as a sales rep, and she noted "well, people on your side of the pond prefer poetry over us" -- I was a bit surprised, but an interesting insight :)

As per Folio's latest email, to feature:

Nine full-page colour illos and two double-page illo spreads, w. 28 black & white illos between the lines.

I have a Suntup edition of this title, so won't be going for one of these, but have to say I really like the art on this one.

Yep, the artwork is spectacular. Fingers crossed the paper is Munken Pure (or something equivalent) and this is a home run for me

Nice art and generous illustrations. I wish they'd tackled Shogun like this. I would buy it as a standard edition, but not a limited edition. Hoping for the best.

As Tiktok links never work for whatever reason (the at, I believe), the photos from Folio's The Last Unicorn post yesterday:

These are pretty close to the film, which isn't a bad idea since it was really beautiful.

As this edition will not be released until January next year, I have taken the liberty of changing the thread heading from 2025 to 2026.

>67 wcarter:

Still showing 11/11/25 on the website, Warwick. Do you know something we don't? ;)

Oops! Getting mixed up with Anna Karenina. Changed back!

If the eventual standard is half so beautiful as the solander, it will be a stunner:

https://www.foliosociety.com/row/the-last-unicorn-limited-edition

The illustrations are sublime. I dislike the rose gold gilded edges though.

>71 foliolibrary:

I actually like the edges, but I wish the cover was more in tune with the rest of it all. I'd really be tempted then.

Honestly, it reminds me of an Easton Press DLE (Deluxe Limited Edition). And I don't mean that as an insult, the DLEs are generally wonderful. But, in my opinion this is not in the same league as the Suntup Edition. Regardless, I'm sure this will sell out ridiculously quickly with resellers looking to make a killing.

>72 SF-72: If somehow it were possible to swap the solander artwork and the actual leather binding artwork, it would be more compelling.

I feel like the solander captures the essence of the story far more accurately than the leather binding art, which unfortunately comes across as somewhat flat and uninspired. Maybe it'll be more impressive when held physically.

The interior art makes up for a lot of the cover shortcomings though. I'm really drawn to the dreamlike quality.

I suppose this is the next best thing to the Suntup numbered edition, so it's still a decent proposition -- not like one can get the Suntup numbered on the secondary market today for anything close to 700 USD anyway.

>74 Ibkay:

All true. Though I must say I'm quite happy with the classic edition by Suntup.

Probably the First Limited Edition for a long time that has me tempted. Still I really hope for a Standard Edition. Would buy that in an instant

Another one here who doesn’t like the cover. Pass on this and hope for a SE down the pike.

>75 SF-72: That one’s probably closer to $700 on eBay itself.

>78 What_What:

That's quite a sum. I knew that this one is quite desired, but didn't know it was in this price range. I'm glad I got a copy new from Suntup.

The AE Suntup sells for $320-360 on the FB group. Numbered is around $1,100

Also, for what it's worth, I think Peter Beagle is a fabulous writer, and "The Last Unicorn" a true classic. His prose has been called "lyrical, poetic, evocative...etc" and although those are all incredibly vague words I do agree. The Saturday Review of Literature said it best --

Beagle...has been compared, not unreasonably, with Lewis Carroll and J.R.R. Tolkien, but he stands squarely and triumphantly on his own feet...The book is rich, not only in comic bits but also in passages of uncommon beauty. Beagle is a true magician with words, a master of prose and a deft practitioner in verse.

>81 astropi: Agreed! Hopefully The Last Unicorn paves the way for more of his books from Folio. I think The Innkeeper's Song and A Fine and Private Place would make great Folio's, as well as The Way Home, which is set in the same universe as The Last Unicorn.

I was just able to purchase a copy (as in the past, they are selling the LEs a few minutes early).

Grabbed mine as well, really looking forward to this one.

Got mine too. I imagine I'll be able sell it for a profit if I don't like it given the popularity of the novel in the US.

Likewise

Grabbed it! Its a beautiful looking edition. Really is. The artwork was a deal maker for me.

The artwork is lovely.

427 left at 16.05. Not selling as swiftly as I thought it might.

Got mine too. 337 left as of 16:10. That’s pretty fast I’d say!

Got one as well.

They are selling fast, it's just that the counter isn't updated in real-time

Grabbed it as well and took the chance to pick up the most pressing items on my wishlist (Canticle and 1Q84). Really looking forward to all three, and it slightly softens the 54 pounds in international shipping costs

>92 AdPacem: I did the same, got myself God Emperor Of Dune & Shakespeare: The Complete Plays​.
Did you mean 1984? I read that one recently as well & Brave New World right after...that was interesting

Half an hour in and they are half gone. Seems to be selling well.

>93 Tonbery: I was actually talking about Haruki Murakami's 1Q84, all of Folio's Murakami series has been excellent so far (would definitely not recommend this one as a first experience however, literally any of the other 4 previously published is a better option).

Your pickups are also great choices, the Shakespeare set is especially beautiful.

>95 AdPacem: Ah ok, i thought it was a typo. I'm not familiar with Haruki Murakami. But i'll keep him in mind, maybe someday i'll take a closer look. I already have quiet the backlog of books to read. I'm kind of approaching the end of a collectathon getting all the stuff i've always been interested in, but never read.
Including this one. I always liked the animated movie, but never read the original story.

Looks like around 350 copies were sold in the first three hours. Slightly below 150 to go....

Below 100 copies at the six hour mark. Ahead of Perdido Street Station's second day sellout, and Mythago Wood's five day sellout, but behind The Great Gatsby and Edgar Allan Poe. Homer was at seven and a half hours -- will need a late surge to catch it.

How long did the Hobbit take? About an hour or so? 20 minutes?

>99 BriainC: Fifteen minutes!

For comparison :-
Fastest selling FS books -
- It by Stephen King. Limited edition 2025. 500 copies sold out in seven minutes. (£590).
- The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien. Limited edition 2024. 1000 copies sold out in 15 minutes. (£600).
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Limited edition 2024. 250 copies sold out in 22 minutes. (£280).
- Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. Limited edition 2022. 250 copies sold out in just over one hour. (£250)
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Limited edition 2025. 500 copies sold out in 2 hours 15 minutes. (£350)
- Neuromancer by William Gibson. Limited edition 2024. 500 copies sold out in 3 hours 45 minutes. (£400)
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Limited edition 2025. 350 copies sold out in 3 hours 50 minutes. (£370)
- Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allen Poe. Limited edition 2024. 500 copies sold out in 6 hours 30 min. (£450)
- The Lottery and Other Dark Tales by Shirley Jackson. Limited edition 2025. 250 copies sold out in 8 hours. (£250)
- Mort by Terry Pratchett. Limited edition 2016. 500 copies sold out in 13 hours (£105)
- Dune LE by Frank Herbert. Limited edition 2020. 500 copies sold out in 25 hours (£495)
- Lord of the Rings, The by J. R. R. Tolkien. Limited edition 2022. 1000 copies sold out in 34 hours, 15 min. (£1000)

Thank you both.

Over 15 hours and still 60 in stock.

I’m surprised at this “slow” sellout given how popular the book appears to be, still at least it means everyone who wants one has had time to get it.

>104 anthonyfawkes: The price was a good $100 too high for a rapid sellout. Historically, though, it's still moving pretty fast.

There were 35 copies left at the 24 hour mark.

>101 wcarter: We've gotten used to insane levels of FOMO, but from the company's perspective it can't really matter much if it sells out in 7 minutes or a few days. Selling out "too fast" likely means they could have sold more #, or the same # at a higher price either way.

Down to 32 remaining just now.

I shall be writing my obituary shortly as my wife will learn of this transgression. Haven't bought an LE at this price point from any publisher in almost 15 years.

>108 Goran: Be sure to add a codicil to your will requiring that the book be buried with you, so that in the manner of pharaohs you may at least enjoy it in the afterlife.

>109 Shadekeep: Good call! Just concerned she might give me one last bomp on the head for it before Anubis comes for me!

>110 Goran: I always measure these things in how many nights on the couch will it cost me...

17 left at the 30 hour mark.

And make that 10 by the mark 33.

And 2 by the mark 37. No records here, but a very commendable showing indeed. Very much looking forward to the SE next year.

And gone!

---
Edit: the 37 ½ hour mark.

All gone now.

I just received my copy and wow!, FS have really outdone themselves with this edition. This will be the book that I measure all my future FS purchases against.

Fortunately, there are no QC issues (except for some very minor scuffing on the gilded edge) and I also got a quite a low number, which is nice (I always order early but have never got one below 100 before).

The only complaint is the paper is needlessly thin for a novel that’s only 200 pages long. 120gsm isn’t terrible but it does feel a little cheap in an edition that is £500, when compared to the quality and care that has been put into the artwork and leather binding.

Speaking of the artwork, it’s just fantastic. The solander box, in particular, is stunning & the black and white illustrations that are dotted generously throughout the text, are equally excellent.

Some raised concerns about the price and they are well founded. But I’m happy to pay the premium when I can see & feel that attention and care has been placed into all aspects of production. Suffice to say, I’m a very happy with this edition of the Last Unicorn.

>116 foliolibrary: FS have really outdone themselves with this edition. This will be the book that I measure all my future FS purchases against.

I would say it's a strong contender for best LE of the last ten years, or possibly longer. Only one criticism of your excellent review - you neglected to mention the divine aroma :) Worth every last penny, for sure.

I received a copy of the Winter magazine with mine. It's bigger than previously and seems to be more copiously illustrated.

>114 FitzJames: Given the price point, it was commendable, indeed. Ahead of Perdido Street Station by almost five hours. But a banner year for LE sales -- eight of the nine books were same week sell-outs -- with five being same day. Jane Austen is the last one standing, but it's also sold the most given the higher print-run, and is presumably the most profitable.

>117 folio_books: I would say it's a strong contender for best LE of the last ten years, or possibly longer.

That's quite the statement coming from you Glenn. Lovely as it looks having never read the book before or watched the film adaptation I was quite safe from FOMO. How did you fare with the limitation number?

>117 folio_books: Which others are your favourites? I am curious how you would rank one of mine – the LE of Madame Bovary :)

>119 assemblyman: Lovely as it looks having never read the book before or watched the film adaptation I was quite safe from FOMO.

Me neither! I was aware, of course, of its classic status and how well Folio usually handle that genre so I didn't have any serious doubts that I would like it. Truly, I can't recommend this highly enough, especially for Devotees who have previously enjoyed the book. If you didn't pull the trigger this time don't let the inevitable SE slip by.

>119 assemblyman: How did you fare with the limitation number?

Very well, thank you for asking ;)

>120 drizzled: Which others are your favourites? I am curious how you would rank one of mine – the LE of Madame Bovary :)

That's a tough question to answer. Favouries are intensely personal and may not make much sense to anyone else. There are very few LEs of the last twenty years I would consider a Folio classic - The Divine Comedy springs to mind first. Most of my favourite LEs were published in the 20th century. Right now I would say The Wind in the Willows tops the list but tomorrow it may be something different. What may surprise many folk here is that I am not a fan of Moby Dick. I well remember the bitter disappointment of opening the package when it arrived and being distinctly underwhelmed. Too much hype, I suppose. But if I had a top ten Folio LEs Moby Dick would not feature. My opinions are nothing if not quirky.

Madame Bovary I have, of course. It definitely deserves the status of an LE without being spectacular, in my quirky opinion. Decent binding and slipcase and I particularly like the illustrations but, if you'll forgive me, nothing really special. It's competing against literally dozens of LEs I'd save from the mythical fire before that one.

>122 folio_books:

Glad to read your remarks about Moby Dick--it was one of the few LEs I did not purchase as it was not an FS original (although I have purchased FS LE reprints such as the Gill books).

I would be very interested in a Moby Dick LE that was originally created by the good FS people.

>123 podaniel:

Glad we agree, though I fear we're in a minority on this group.

If we were determined to stir up controversy, of course, there's probably no better place to start than mentioning Eric Gill ;)

>123 podaniel: I got my hands on FS Moby Dick LE many years ago. Its not the most expensive LE i own from any publisher, but it remains one of my most treasured books and is still probably the nicest LE I've ever purchased.

Limitation #1 has shown up on Facebook.

>117 folio_books: a strong contender for best LE of the last ten years, or possibly longer.
That made me ponder -- What exactly does this (Last Unicorn) LE bring to the table? I know the illustrations are beautiful, but should that be enough to call a LE sublime? So I decided to look through the list of FS LEs of the past using @wcarter superb guide --
https://www.librarything.com/topic/289170
Here is what I would consider truly outstanding/special/unique productions -- that said, please note that I do not own all of these (apart from the war poets and Waste Land), but I have seen all of these in person and of course this is just my opinion --

Birds Drawn for John Gould by Edward Lear
Not only signed by the great and legendary David Attenborough, but the facsimile was printed from his personal collection! A beautiful book. It was not cheap and while I passed on this, it truly is remarkable and a favorite of others on here.

The War Poets Edward Thomas, Wilfred Owens, Rupert Brooke
This is one FS LE I did collect -- it really helped that these were offered at 50% off during sales! It looks like the FS printed too many of them, and they sadly did not sell well. Beautiful letterpress production that captured the beauty of 20th century fine press, this was the most beautiful set of books I saw that commemorated the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI.

The Waste Land
To my knowledge the ONLY illustrated edition of the modernist poem. The illustrations are truly breathtaking, and this is a LARGE volume, and it's also letterpress -- win all around! Also, for various reasons, this is apparently only available in North America... and did I mention periodically this is 50% off?

Night Thoughts on Life, Death, & Immortality or The Complaint by Edward Young
The ONLY edition in the whole world that reproduced the immortal (pun intended) illustrations of William Blake in full color! Frankly, if you're collecting FS LEs, this should be at the top of your want list, it's breathtaking.

Just started reading the FS LE after reading the Suntup LE a year ago.
This book has the best preface (by the author) and introduction (by Patrick Rothfuss) I have ever read. The book is worth having for these alone!

I haven't yet cracked open my LE, but I've read the Rothfuss intro in a couple of other editions, and aside from learning that TLU is his favorite book (hey, it's mine too) I found it singularly unilluminating. I kind of wish it weren't included. All I know about him is that he started a trilogy he is unable or cannot be bothered to finish. I do look forward to PSB's preface, but not expecting much.

>129 dhowarth333: I don’t think his intention was to illuminate the book - in his view, that would be kind of pretentious - it’s to encourage people to actually read it & let it speak to them based on the words in the text

>130 foliolibrary: Fair enough :-), it's just that presumably I'm already on board if I've picked up the book. If the first few lines of the novel don't grab you, nothing Rothfuss wrote is gonna help.

I suppose it boils down to what one wants out of an introduction. I feel like a somewhat more literary critical approach is in order, esp. In a LE.

>131 dhowarth333: FS wants one that will sell more books and a name can do that.

>132 Cardboard_killer: Which brings me back to.. why Patrick Rothfuss? No one seems to know ;-).

>133 dhowarth333: "The answer to all your questions is money."

I'm no fan of the guy. The only book I read of his I got 90% of the way through it, and tossed it. That's really rare for me.

Haven't visited the FS website in a bit. In case anyone else might not be aware, you can now get the standard for $110 USD --
https://www.foliosociety.com/usa/the-last-unicorn
And I know some were not fans of the LE cover --

>135 astropi: I have the LE, but I admit I'm not a fan of it, especially compared to the standard edition, which is gorgeous. It was my first limited edition Folio purchased, and while it's nice and all, I find the problem of how to store/display/shelve the solander box kind of a pain. While I don't regret the purchase, I think I'll stick to regular Folio editions from now on, unless something really grabs me.

>136 dhowarth333: I can understand that. For what it's worth, Suntup's edition is 6" x 9" (trim size) so it's easy to display and shelve. For a LE such as The Last Unicorn, I think one of the major questions is whether you are willing to pay extra for a signed edition. If not, definitely I would agree your money is better spent on the standard. That said, I bet you'll be able to make your money back and then some if you decide to sell your LE.

>137 astropi: I have the Suntup "Classic", too, but I bought it despite not caring for the illustrations, when I thought it was going to be my only chance to have a nicer edition. Little did I know there'd be other options right around the corner. I'm not that worried about having Beagle's signature. At this point the Folio SE is my favorite, so I'll probably unload the rest.

>138 dhowarth333: The Suntup edition has really appreciated in value. It's my favorite edition, but I'm also very partial to letterpress. Years ago the the only "quality" edition was by Easton Press. When released it sold for around $50 or so (a few decades ago)! When that went out of print prices skyrocketed. In my opinion it's not even close to the FS or Suntup edition, but it was never meant to be a "Deluxe" edition.

Does anyone know if the text block and paper used are identical between the LE and SE?

>139 astropi: The Easton Press edition never appealed to me (not a big fan of leather), and by the time I was in the market for a decent hardcover edition of TLU the prices were very high on the secondary market. I very much like the Dillon cover on the so-called "Deluxe" edition (Roc/B&N), so that was my collection copy for a bit, but of course the construction/production of the book itself was crap.

>140 BorisG: My understanding from someone who posted here is that the text blocks of the LE and SE are the same. EDIT: I have both, and they do appear to be, but I'm no expert.

>141 dhowarth333: thanks a lot! Any chance you could kindly check the colophon on both? As they always list the paper used, both in SEs and LEs.

If they’re identical, I’ll downgrade to the SE

>142 BorisG: Just a small point, but the SE carries 2026 to the title page and the publication details page.

>142 BorisG: I'm waiting on my copy of the SE but a photo in an ebay listing of the colophon on the SE shows its Arena Natural Rough.