Subterranean Press Malazan Limited Editions

[Rane Longfox]

Announced by Sub Press on another board:

I’ve just been given permission by Tor — who’ve been great to work with on this — to announce that we’ve reached agreement to publish the first two volumes of Steven Erikson’s The Malazan Book of the Fallen. If sales of those two books (500 numbered copies and 52 lettered copies) are up to expectation, look for us to sign on the rest of the series. Steve and we have chosen Michael Komarck to provide 8-10 full color illustrations for each volume, as well as a chapter head motif to be repeated. We’ll have more details soon, but at this point it looks as though the lettered editions will feature a dust jacket different from the numbered, be housed in a custom traycase, and also have an exclusive gatefold pull out illustration.

Judging by previous releases from Sub Press, the Numbered Edition will be about £70, and the Lettered £125. Plus shipping all the way from America

The artist, Michael Kormarck, looks to be a wonderful choice. You can see more of his art at his website: Michael Komarck Illustration

Stupid amounts of money to pay for a book, yes. But I malaz-gasmed when I read this - if I can get a lettered edition, I will, regardless of cost, or the fact that I already own 3 editions of both books.

[mogora]

I'm very, very tempted. I hate the early US artwork, not at all fond of the new US or new UK artwork, and the hardcovers of both feel cheap and sound like they'll fall apart eventually.

The artist does look good but I want to see what he'll come up with these editions before committing.

[Wyrm Publishing]

Having sold and collected Subterranean Press books for many years now, I can vouch for the quality of their work. From what Bill has told me, this sounds like it will be a very nicely done edition.

[mogora]

I have no doubt that the quality of book will be excellent! My only concerns are:

1) While the artist's work is impressive, will his vision of the Malazan be in line with mine?
2) I'm concerned with only the first two books being produced. The obsessive collector geek in me will implode if I can't get them all.

3) This should probably be its own thread but I have yet to find a long fantasy series that, for me at least, hasn't jumped the shark at some point and made me throw the books against the wall. Will it happen with Erikson? Until recently I would have said no, but Reaper's Gale is probably one of my least favorites of the bunch. But then, I read it under trying circumstances, so I need to give it another go. Ok, all of you who read this point of blather can probably forget it.

4) The cost. Ok, I can probably deal with this but I won't admit it as most folks I know don't understand buying standard hardcovers, much less expensive limited editions...

Oh, what the heck. I'm going to buy them.

[Jason_Taverner]

dam it my girlfriend is going to kill me when I buy them

[Jason_Taverner]

also what does it mean by Lettered edition and why are they more expensive

[Rane Longfox]

Jason, read my post before asking silly questions

[Jason_Taverner]

Originally Posted by Rane Longfox

Jason, read my post before asking silly questions

lol whoops lol, I really did one there,

I so need a lettered copy but so few oh my god, worth every penny, now to start convincing my girlfriend

[Wyrm Publishing]

Originally Posted by Jason_Taverner

also what does it mean by Lettered edition and why are they more expensive

A lettered edition is typically even nicer than the regular numbered limited editions. It might have extra artwork, be leatherbound, have a slipcase or traycase, extra material, or something else like that. Each one gets a letter instead of a number. It used to be that there'd be up to 26, but in recent years, publishers have occasionally done 52 for high demand books. I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen in this case. I'm sure Bill will post all the special details for the extras when the book finally goes up for preorder.