Literary genres have particular features and functions that provide readers with certain expectations. Most of the books I read fall outside easy categorisation, but I try to include them in case you have particular interest in one area or another. Most of the books here are about fairy tales and myths, fantasy, classic literature, mystery and children’s books.
Penguin Clothbound Classics: Collector’s Guide and FAQ What is the Penguin Clothbound Classics Series? The first ‘official’ books in the Penguin Clothbound Classics books were released in 2008 by Penguin UK (more about this below) and were initially only offered through the UK-based bookstore Waterstones. These ten earliest editions can Read more…
The Seasons Editions – Beautiful Die-Cut Classics by Thomas Nelson This series published by Thomas Nelson includes a selection four of classics released every six months or so starting in 2019, with each book specially chosen to thematically reflect the season in which the main part of the story occurs. Read more…
The massive overhaul of my illustrated guide to collecting Alice in Wonderland editions is finally complete! I’ve added in illustrations for most of the editions to help you choose your favourite volumes (if you click on the galleries the images will embiggen), and the guide is now split into four Read more…
The Illustrated Alice Bibliography, Part 2 This page is a continuation of the illustrated bibliography of Alice in Wonderland editions – here you can enjoy looking at the most beautiful copies that were produced between 1970 to 2010. (Page 1 and Page 3 have reviews of earlier and later illustrated Read more…
The Illustrated Alice Bibliography, Part 3 This page is a continuation of the illustrated bibliography of Alice in Wonderland editions – here you can enjoy looking at the most beautiful copies that were produced between 1865 when Alice was first published, up until to 1969. If you notice a sudden rash of Read more…
The Illustrated Alice Bibliography: Part 4 This final section of the illustrated Alice bibliography has a collection of fun Alice-inspired spin-off books and series, as well as a collection of gifts and trinkets for your entertainment. (Page 1, Page 2 and Page 3 have reviews of the prettiest illustrated editions Read more…
Upcoming special and fancy book releases in later 2020 that caught my interest, including limited editions, sprayed edges and autographed copies.
Arcturus Slipcased Children’s Classics This series of Arcturus children’s classics is a collection of affordable gift quality children’s literature. The books are presented in a sturdy slipcase and feature numerous bright illustrations throughout clearly laid-out text, frequently newly commissioned for the publications by Colombian artist Luisa Uribe. The slipcases are about Read more…
About Chiltern Classics Chiltern Publishing is a recent publisher, formed only in 2018, but is already achieving its mission to create beautiful editions of the classics. The famous 1800s “peacock edition” of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a clear inspiration for their designs. The books are small – reflecting Read more…
Beehive Books The Beehive Books ‘Illuminated Editions’ series is an ongoing series of classic literary masterworks. Each volume is beautifully designed by Maëlle Doliveux, filled with stunning illustrations, and presented in a slipcase. The books are oversized (9″x12″) cloth-bound hardcovers with sewn signatures. The slipcases are textured, being elaborately debossed Read more…