The Magic of LitJoy’s Special Edition Books
On this page: Introduction | Video Review | Whimsey Collection | Illustrated Classics | Contemporary Editions | Special Editions (Alice) | Where to Buy | Your Thoughts
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Introduction
Hello, beautiful booklovers! Today, we’re venturing into the enchanting world of LitJoy’s special edition publications. If you’re a fan of beautifully crafted books that are as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the mind, you’re in for a real feast.
Important disclaimer – some of these books were kindly sent to me for an honest review from the publisher (although I’ve eyed them off before, high shipping costs to Australia had deterred me from checking them out in person). However, I was so impressed by these books that I’ve already purchased additional LitJoy titles with my own money, like the Alice in Wonderland book included below.
LitJoy Crate is well-known as a book box subscription, but lesser known is their online book shop that also sells a wide selection of special editions to non-members, with features like new illustrations, hidden cover designs, beautifully stencilled page edges and bonus content.
Video Review
Video Review
Watch the video review below for an in-depth and close-up look at all the titles that follow in this article.
Whimsey Collection
Litjoy’s “whimsey” collection includes several of the most charming children’s classics, with covers that have been redesigned by Olga Baumert – an artist originally from Poland, known for her enchanting and nostalgic illustrations. They comes with protective slipcases, stained page edges, ribbon bookmarks, and 5 internal illustrations in each volume.
Read more about illustrator Olga Baumert on her Web and Instagram pages.
Anne of Green Gables - L. M. Montgomery
LitJoy Crate, 2021. 9781735063331.
The book cover design captures the essence of Prince Edward Island, complemented with lavender stained page edges, and a slipcase featuring a collection of items sure to delight feisty Anne, from cups of tea and cakes, to bunches of carrots and pretty summer hats.
The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
LitJoy Crate, 2020. 9781735063317.
The book has a lovely nature-inspired cover, lavender stained page edges, and a slipcase featuring motifs from the book like bird’s eggs and a robin redbreast.
Other books in the LitJoy Whimsey Collection include:
Illustrated Editions
LitJoy’s “illustrated edition” books blend classic literature and contemporary visual artistry, and are designed to captivate readers of all ages.
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
LitJoy Crate, 2022. 9781955876117. 15.2 x 22.9cm.
Set in Jazz Age New York, the novel tells the tragic story of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy young woman whom he loved in his youth.
LitJoy’s edition has an Art Deco inspired cover design, hidden cover and 5 full-page illustrations by Julie Dillon, and a custom slipcase illustrated by graphic designer Tim Bereen.
Stardust - Neil Gaiman
LitJoy Crate, xxx. xxx.
A whimsical fantasy novel that follows a young man’s quest to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved, only to discover that the star is a living being, leading him on a magical adventure.
This edition features a new silver foiled cover design (sparkling like stardust, of course) and and illustrated custom slipcase designed by Andrew Davis, and illustrated location endpapers, custom stencilled page edges, tip-in illustrations and in-text illustrations throughout the book by Montse Rubio.
Contemporary Editions
LitJoy’s contemporary literature offerings, many but not all of which are released in book boxes, focusing on diverse voices and innovative storytelling, LitJoy aims to connect readers with contemporary themes and issues,
Forged by Blood - Ehigbor Okosun
LitJoy Crate, xxx. xxx. .
This is the first novel in a duology inspired by Nigerian folklore, in which Demi navigates a world filled with magic but torn by political and racial tensions.
LitJoy’s edition is signed by the author, with a bold cover design and stencilled page edges and hidden case wrap that feature African art-inspired artwork by Fen Inkwright (@rosdottir), and endpapers showing character and setting art by Grace Zhu.
The Queen of Days - Greta Kelly
LitJoy Crate, xxx. xxx. .
This magical heist and sweeping fantasy saga follows Balthazar and his family of thieves as they get caught up in a fight between fallen gods.
The book is signed by the author with foiled dust jacket design, a hidden case wrap and sprayed edges papers that feature charming vintage-inspired patterns by Fen Inkwright (@rosdottir), and illustrated endpapers by Laura Sava. It also comes with a letter from the author bound into the front.
Special Editions
I mentioned earlier that I had purchased a couple of titles – one of the ones that just arrived is LitJoy’s lovely illustrated edition of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. I collect interesting Alice books, and this one sold out rather quickly when they first released – so I was very happy to see they’ve done a reprint and it’s just as delightful as I had hoped!
Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carrol
Alice in Wonderland Illustrated Collector’s Edition, LitJoy 2023, 9781955876322. Restocked 2nd edition, August 2024. Size: 20 x 14.25 x 5.75 cm.
This book includes the full unabridged Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland story. It includes 13 large art pieces by Rosie Fowinkle (@RosieThorns88) as well as chapter headings throughout, 4 multi-page illustrated papercut spreads, a tea party pop-up with movable parts, and thick cardstock pages. The first 500 printings were signed by the illustrator.
Share Your Thoughts
So there you have it – seven stunning special editions from LitJoy that are sure to make any bookshelf sparkle. Whether you’re a collector, a fan of these stories, or just someone who appreciates a well-crafted book, I think these editions will impress.
Do you have any LitJoy books? Did any of the ones in the video catch your eye, or do you have other titles that you’d like to particularly recommend? I always love to hear from other readers, so please do share your thoughts in the comments below.
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