I'm not sure what exactly has gone on behind the scenes, but a number of books long published, championed and supported by Peter Owen in their
Modern Classics series seem to be slipping over, in paperback editions, to Penguin Modern Classics, with some very nice covers. However, Peter Owen seems to have retained the hardback rights, and are reprinting them as what they are calling
Cased Classics. (See other examples of paperbacks at one publisher, hardbacks with another
here and
here.)
So here are the new/imminent Penguins...
..and here are the beautiful hardback Peter Owens, with diecut covers over fully illustrated boards (click for much bigger versions).
The moral of this story is that the much less attractive edition of
The Ice Palace which I bought a couple of months ago, before I knew about any of these, was not a good investment.
(More Peter Owen coming soon: their beautiful and intriguing World Series books with Istros)
Oh wow, those hardcovers look nice. I love Peter Owen anyway but those cutouts are amazing. I've got to stop reading your blog; you find so many gorgeous books that I can't afford.
ReplyDelete--SteveHolt
As I slip into book-induced penury, I'm taking as many people with me as I can.
ReplyDeleteSince it was this post that made me aware of these, I feel it’s only fair to share that you can currently (for the rest of November) buy all four Cased Classics for £25, straight from the publisher. https://www.peterowen.com/shop/our-books/cased-classics-collection/cased-classics-special-offer
ReplyDeleteI speak from firsthand knowledge.
Temptation! Get behind me!
ReplyDeleteI saw that Ice Palace cover in Oxford Waterstones yesterday and I was struck by how attractive it is. Didn't buy it though - stuck to my usual Anne Tyler who writes great books but they usually have terrible covers.
ReplyDeleteYou're right: I can't think of a single memorable Tyler cover. The books themselves are excellent, indeed.
ReplyDelete