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A Song of Ice and Fire / Announcements / New Editions of ASOIAF

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Revanshe
User ID: 1404584 Nov 20th 2:57 PM
Martins' email:
(some stuff cut)
__________

I wanted to pass along some exciting news about A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE.

Meisha Merlin Press of Atlanta, Georgia has obtained the rights from Bantam
to do a new edition of the novels -- a deluxe limited edition in slipcase,
signed, numbered, and illustrated. Each volume will have a wrap around cover
and three interior color plates, and black and white artwork for each chapter.

I am thrilled to be able to say that the art for the new Meisha Merlin
editions will be done by Jeffrey Jones. I fell in love with Jeff Jones's
painting when I first saw his cover for Roger Zelazny's THE DOORS OF HIS
FACE, THE LAMPS OF HIS MOUTH thirty years ago, and he's gotten even better
over the decades. It's quite a thrill for me to have him illustrating my
work. Jeff is already at work on the paintings for A GAME OF THRONES.

Meisha Merlin will be issuing the books in two states: a gorgeous numbered
edition limited to 500 copies per volume, and a presentation edition
limited to 52 lettered copies that promises to be even more splendid. Jeff
Jones and I will be autographing both states.

Stephen Pagel of Meisha Merlin tells me it will be possible for readers to
subscribe to the entire run in advance so as to guarantee themselves the same
number or letter on each of the six volumes, and thus assemble a matching set.

Meisha Merlin will soon be issuing an "official" announcement about their
edition of A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, which will include details of publication
dates, prices, and how to order....
______________

Email from Stephen Pagel of Meisha Merlin Publishers: (Stuff cut also)
_________________

You can visit our current site at:

http://www.angelfire.com/biz/MeishaMerlin
________________

KAH
User ID: 9209903 Nov 22nd 2:08 PM
I think Sulthon ponders doing just that (ask for examples, that is)...

Homerun
User ID: 8387983 Nov 22nd 2:26 PM
Hi. I'm a new poster, but not a new lucker. I'm jumping right onto this topic because these limited edition books really interest me. I'm thinking of going for the lettered editions for the whole series. Is anybody else here considering reserving one of these too? The way I figure it, is that one book a year is not too much to handle. Plus after these limited edition books "catch up" to the Bantam versions, they are going to be released approx 2 weeks before the regular hardcover novels. I know, a weak reason to plunk down $350 per book, but hey right now I'm trying to justify it to myself.

Revanshe
User ID: 1404584 Nov 22nd 9:07 PM
Well, unfortunately, (for me, that is) thats what I thought...oh well...Maybe if I win the lottery

Homerun
User ID: 8387983 Nov 22nd 9:56 PM
Well, I decided to do it. By the way, it was fun chatting tonight. I usually don't do much in the way of internet chats, but I enjoyed it. I will try to make it back next Monday. And I do plan on posting here every now and then.

Padraig
User ID: 2372774 Nov 23rd 12:59 PM
Does anyone know what these kind of editions normally cost? I was blown away by the price. (And I still am considering it, which makes me think I am incredibly....).

Homerun
User ID: 8387983 Nov 23rd 2:49 PM
The only thing I can really compare it to is a leather-bound copy Lord of Chaos which I think was around $200. I believe that is was nowhere near as limited though.

cgob
User ID: 0053014 Nov 23rd 5:28 PM
Hmmm let's see...$250 for the book AGOT. The original was 694 pages long including appendices. Add 72 pages for the art, plus 3 for the color ones. Thats 769 pages (give or take-doesn't include non-story pages i.e. credits, etc). Also doesn't include the leather bindings or the rarity. So thats about .33 cents per page. Pretty cheap for something you'll be able to auction off for ungodly amounts in 20-30 yrs or so when these become classic. After all what else would you do with a book that cost that much. It's not as if you could ever read it (don't want to smear anything and ruin the value). If you ever get divorced and live in a commonwealth state you could pawn off the estimated value of the books on your wife. You could add it to the net worth of your complete assets and look that much wealthier. Lots of things you can do with a book worth $250 at the initial offerings. Look how much Elvis plates and Pokemon cards are worth these days.

BTW My purchase of AGOT (1st edition, hardback,American) $5.98 before tax at K-Mart in special discount section. God damn best deal I've EVER had!

Ran
User ID: 8075153 Nov 26th 4:52 AM
Mailed Stephen Pagel and he said that they have the first of the color plates and will be putting it up after they've scanned it. The B&W art should be coming in in January and they'll have some examples then.

Once nice thing about Jeff Jones -- he puts up works in progress. I think I've found that color plate in various stages of completion:

http://www.ulster.net/~jonesart/knight1.html

Paul Halucha
User ID: 1954724 Dec 24th 11:34 AM
I just placed my order for the lettered edition today! I know these seem expensive - but they will appreciate rapidly. As readers of the book and series know - this is the second best fantasy series of the century. Paul

Rebecca
User ID: 0547294 Jan 6th 8:02 AM
Doing some catching up here. In answer to Padraig's question, most illustrated limited editions I've collected cost from $60-125. I started with Stephen King's _Darktower_ books, which have both color and b&w illustrations. Cost usually depend on the print run and how many copies the publisher expects to sell. Donald Grant publishing has been able to keep the costs the same over the last 15 years for these books, since more and more people now know about the special editions and where to get them.

Padraig
User ID: 6152343 Jan 6th 3:22 PM
Thanks Rebecca. The aSoIaF books are $250 and $350 so they must have video clips or something.

Not that I should slag them since I paid up my deposit. But for curiousity sake is there anything you can see in the descriptions of these books that cause them to cost twice as much as your other editions?

Paul Halucha
User ID: 0324974 Jan 7th 6:47 PM
Rebecca, while you are correct about the trade editions of the Dark Tower books, the limiteds have gone up - my Wizard and Glass limited cost $175 from Grant. The limited of the Gunslinger cost only $60.
Still, like many of you i have been trying to figure out why they are so expensive. Each volume is much more more expensive then any other limited I've bought. In fact the price is in the ballpark of king limiteds on the secondary market. I think no one would disagree that King has a bigger collector's market then Mr. Martin.

I'm calling in my visa card today or tomorrow and will ask some questions. Yes I'm reserving a lettered! For instance, it doesn't even say on the webpage if they will be bound in leather. My best guess at this point is that its the number of illustrations that is pushing the price up. I'd rather see a book with fewer illustrations and a lower price but I'm paying the hefty price so I guess they are better businessmen then me. Oh well we have a LONG time to debate. One thing about limiteds is there are almost always interminable delays. My limited of 999 just arrived yesterday - 8 months after promised. Later, Paul

Paul Halucha
User ID: 0324974 Jan 8th 4:01 PM
Hi Everyone, As promised I called Meisha-Merlin today to reserve a lettered copy of A Game of Thrones and to ask a few questions about the book. The person I spoke to was extremely helpful and very excited about the project. Here is what I found out:
1. No decision has been made with regards to the binding of the book. George will have a final say as to whether the book is bound in cloth or leather. Apparently samples of possible leathers and cloths are being sent to him soon. It sounds like George prefers a quality cloth binding as opposed to the thin leather (invariable green or brown) used on many limited editions. I agree with this - but would like to see a nice heavy leather with a hubbed spine - I really like classical 19th century book design, like what Easton Press tries to replicate).
2. Interesting, apparently the colour of the books (cloth or leather) will be different for each book and will correspond to the season in which the action is set. I think this is a neat idea, although I imagine alot of collectors will be horrified that volumes won't 'match.'
3. The paper stock, page design and font will be consistent for all volumes.
4. The plan seems to be that the limiteds will 'catch' the Bantam edition releases by Volume 4 - Book One of the Second Trilogy. Their release will be one month prior. I'm not sure, but this seems to suggest that there may be a two year wait before we see volume one of the second series (Meisha-Merlin's web-page says the limiteds will come every 10 months.
Anyways, just wanted to share this information. Later, Paul

Homerun
User ID: 9969773 Jan 8th 6:16 PM
Thanks for all the info, Paul. Did you happen to find out how well they are selling and/or what letters have been reserved?

As far as the price goes, aren't these books going to be much more "limited" than you typical special editions (only 500 total per book, with only 52 lettered)? And yes, I did reserve a letter.

Paul Halucha
User ID: 0324974 Jan 8th 9:42 PM
Homerun, I was happy to be able to get the info - I was very curious before i plunked down my cash. To answer your questions. I don't know how well the numbered sales are, but they are up to "O" at least on the lettereds. As for the size of the print-run - 52 lettereds is pretty standard (I've never seen more). 500 numbered editions is low by the standard of most. What will make these lettereds really special is the original sketch on the signature page by Jeffrey Jones. Paul

Padraig
User ID: 0359544 Jan 9th 11:26 AM
Paul, great to have more info.

While its a very nice idea to get the book a month before everyone else it'll just leave me in agony. I could hardly read it now could I.

Ran
User ID: 0867924 Jan 9th 11:27 AM
Sure you can. Latex surgical gloves and tweezers. ;)

Padraig
User ID: 0359544 Jan 9th 11:36 AM
HaHa. The sad thing is that may end up happening;-)

Paul Halucha
User ID: 0324974 Jan 17th 9:56 PM
Hi everyone, some more information from Meisha Merlin regarding the limited editions of ASOIAF. Nothing earth-shattering, but I thought I'd pass it along anyways:
(1) Confirmations by mail will be sent at the end of the month (they hope) to those who have reserved lettered and numbered editions;
(2)The third color painting is in and should be on the Meisha Merlin webpage soon. None of the black and white illustrations have been passed on to the publisher yet.
(3)Most importantly! The book is starting to move in lettered and numbered formats - with almost zero advertising. I'll quote now from the email I received from Meisha-Merlin. "In the March issue of 'Realms of Fantasy' there will be a full color page ad for the limited. Might let anyone know who is interested that they will
probably start really moving then. We have done very good sales on them just by word of mouth. Once the collectors see this ad and a few other ads coming out they will start ordering them. Have had 2 collectors call who heard of it
by word of mouth and one took 4 and the other 6 copies." In other words, if you are on the edge of buying one of these - act now! If you think they are expensive now, wait until they pass through dealer mark-up after selling out.
(4) Finally, someone from Meisha Merlin visited our discussion board after receiving a tip from one of the faithful :). They suggest that anyone with a question emai them and then pass it onto the group.
My plan is follow pretty closely developments on this book and series and I shall pass on what I know, but of course others are welcome to pass on any info. they get. Later, Paul

Back 20 Messages Next 20 Messages

Revanshe User ID: 1404584	Nov 20th 2:57 PM Martins' email: (some stuff cut) __________ I wanted to pass along some exciting news about A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE. Meisha Merlin Press of Atlanta, Georgia has obtained the rights from Bantam to do a new edition of the novels -- a deluxe limited edition in slipcase, signed, numbered, and illustrated. Each volume will have a wrap around cover and three interior color plates, and black and white artwork for each chapter. I am thrilled to be able to say that the art for the new Meisha Merlin editions will be done by Jeffrey Jones. I fell in love with Jeff Jones's painting when I first saw his cover for Roger Zelazny's THE DOORS OF HIS FACE, THE LAMPS OF HIS MOUTH thirty years ago, and he's gotten even better over the decades. It's quite a thrill for me to have him illustrating my work. Jeff is already at work on the paintings for A GAME OF THRONES. Meisha Merlin will be issuing the books in two states: a gorgeous numbered edition limited to 500 copies per volume, and a presentation edition limited to 52 lettered copies that promises to be even more splendid. Jeff Jones and I will be autographing both states. Stephen Pagel of Meisha Merlin tells me it will be possible for readers to subscribe to the entire run in advance so as to guarantee themselves the same number or letter on each of the six volumes, and thus assemble a matching set. Meisha Merlin will soon be issuing an "official" announcement about their edition of A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, which will include details of publication dates, prices, and how to order.... ______________ Email from Stephen Pagel of Meisha Merlin Publishers: (Stuff cut also) _________________ You can visit our current site at: http://www.angelfire.com/biz/MeishaMerlin ________________
KAH User ID: 9209903	Nov 22nd 2:08 PM I think Sulthon ponders doing just that (ask for examples, that is)...
Homerun User ID: 8387983	Nov 22nd 2:26 PM Hi. I'm a new poster, but not a new lucker. I'm jumping right onto this topic because these limited edition books really interest me. I'm thinking of going for the lettered editions for the whole series. Is anybody else here considering reserving one of these too? The way I figure it, is that one book a year is not too much to handle. Plus after these limited edition books "catch up" to the Bantam versions, they are going to be released approx 2 weeks before the regular hardcover novels. I know, a weak reason to plunk down $350 per book, but hey right now I'm trying to justify it to myself.
Revanshe User ID: 1404584	Nov 22nd 9:07 PM Well, unfortunately, (for me, that is) thats what I thought...oh well...Maybe if I win the lottery
Homerun User ID: 8387983	Nov 22nd 9:56 PM Well, I decided to do it. By the way, it was fun chatting tonight. I usually don't do much in the way of internet chats, but I enjoyed it. I will try to make it back next Monday. And I do plan on posting here every now and then.
Padraig User ID: 2372774	Nov 23rd 12:59 PM Does anyone know what these kind of editions normally cost? I was blown away by the price. (And I still am considering it, which makes me think I am incredibly....).
Homerun User ID: 8387983	Nov 23rd 2:49 PM The only thing I can really compare it to is a leather-bound copy Lord of Chaos which I think was around $200. I believe that is was nowhere near as limited though.
cgob User ID: 0053014	Nov 23rd 5:28 PM Hmmm let's see...$250 for the book AGOT. The original was 694 pages long including appendices. Add 72 pages for the art, plus 3 for the color ones. Thats 769 pages (give or take-doesn't include non-story pages i.e. credits, etc). Also doesn't include the leather bindings or the rarity. So thats about .33 cents per page. Pretty cheap for something you'll be able to auction off for ungodly amounts in 20-30 yrs or so when these become classic. After all what else would you do with a book that cost that much. It's not as if you could ever read it (don't want to smear anything and ruin the value). If you ever get divorced and live in a commonwealth state you could pawn off the estimated value of the books on your wife. You could add it to the net worth of your complete assets and look that much wealthier. Lots of things you can do with a book worth $250 at the initial offerings. Look how much Elvis plates and Pokemon cards are worth these days. BTW My purchase of AGOT (1st edition, hardback,American) $5.98 before tax at K-Mart in special discount section. God damn best deal I've EVER had!
Ran User ID: 8075153	Nov 26th 4:52 AM Mailed Stephen Pagel and he said that they have the first of the color plates and will be putting it up after they've scanned it. The B&W art should be coming in in January and they'll have some examples then. Once nice thing about Jeff Jones -- he puts up works in progress. I think I've found that color plate in various stages of completion: http://www.ulster.net/~jonesart/knight1.html
Paul Halucha User ID: 1954724	Dec 24th 11:34 AM I just placed my order for the lettered edition today! I know these seem expensive - but they will appreciate rapidly. As readers of the book and series know - this is the second best fantasy series of the century. Paul
Rebecca User ID: 0547294	Jan 6th 8:02 AM Doing some catching up here. In answer to Padraig's question, most illustrated limited editions I've collected cost from $60-125. I started with Stephen King's _Darktower_ books, which have both color and b&w illustrations. Cost usually depend on the print run and how many copies the publisher expects to sell. Donald Grant publishing has been able to keep the costs the same over the last 15 years for these books, since more and more people now know about the special editions and where to get them.
Padraig User ID: 6152343	Jan 6th 3:22 PM Thanks Rebecca. The aSoIaF books are $250 and $350 so they must have video clips or something. Not that I should slag them since I paid up my deposit. But for curiousity sake is there anything you can see in the descriptions of these books that cause them to cost twice as much as your other editions?
Paul Halucha User ID: 0324974	Jan 7th 6:47 PM Rebecca, while you are correct about the trade editions of the Dark Tower books, the limiteds have gone up - my Wizard and Glass limited cost $175 from Grant. The limited of the Gunslinger cost only $60. Still, like many of you i have been trying to figure out why they are so expensive. Each volume is much more more expensive then any other limited I've bought. In fact the price is in the ballpark of king limiteds on the secondary market. I think no one would disagree that King has a bigger collector's market then Mr. Martin. I'm calling in my visa card today or tomorrow and will ask some questions. Yes I'm reserving a lettered! For instance, it doesn't even say on the webpage if they will be bound in leather. My best guess at this point is that its the number of illustrations that is pushing the price up. I'd rather see a book with fewer illustrations and a lower price but I'm paying the hefty price so I guess they are better businessmen then me. Oh well we have a LONG time to debate. One thing about limiteds is there are almost always interminable delays. My limited of 999 just arrived yesterday - 8 months after promised. Later, Paul
Paul Halucha User ID: 0324974	Jan 8th 4:01 PM Hi Everyone, As promised I called Meisha-Merlin today to reserve a lettered copy of A Game of Thrones and to ask a few questions about the book. The person I spoke to was extremely helpful and very excited about the project. Here is what I found out: 1. No decision has been made with regards to the binding of the book. George will have a final say as to whether the book is bound in cloth or leather. Apparently samples of possible leathers and cloths are being sent to him soon. It sounds like George prefers a quality cloth binding as opposed to the thin leather (invariable green or brown) used on many limited editions. I agree with this - but would like to see a nice heavy leather with a hubbed spine - I really like classical 19th century book design, like what Easton Press tries to replicate). 2. Interesting, apparently the colour of the books (cloth or leather) will be different for each book and will correspond to the season in which the action is set. I think this is a neat idea, although I imagine alot of collectors will be horrified that volumes won't 'match.' 3. The paper stock, page design and font will be consistent for all volumes. 4. The plan seems to be that the limiteds will 'catch' the Bantam edition releases by Volume 4 - Book One of the Second Trilogy. Their release will be one month prior. I'm not sure, but this seems to suggest that there may be a two year wait before we see volume one of the second series (Meisha-Merlin's web-page says the limiteds will come every 10 months. Anyways, just wanted to share this information. Later, Paul
Homerun User ID: 9969773	Jan 8th 6:16 PM Thanks for all the info, Paul. Did you happen to find out how well they are selling and/or what letters have been reserved? As far as the price goes, aren't these books going to be much more "limited" than you typical special editions (only 500 total per book, with only 52 lettered)? And yes, I did reserve a letter.
Paul Halucha User ID: 0324974	Jan 8th 9:42 PM Homerun, I was happy to be able to get the info - I was very curious before i plunked down my cash. To answer your questions. I don't know how well the numbered sales are, but they are up to "O" at least on the lettereds. As for the size of the print-run - 52 lettereds is pretty standard (I've never seen more). 500 numbered editions is low by the standard of most. What will make these lettereds really special is the original sketch on the signature page by Jeffrey Jones. Paul
Padraig User ID: 0359544	Jan 9th 11:26 AM Paul, great to have more info. While its a very nice idea to get the book a month before everyone else it'll just leave me in agony. I could hardly read it now could I.
Ran User ID: 0867924	Jan 9th 11:27 AM Sure you can. Latex surgical gloves and tweezers. ;)
Padraig User ID: 0359544	Jan 9th 11:36 AM HaHa. The sad thing is that may end up happening;-)
Paul Halucha User ID: 0324974	Jan 17th 9:56 PM Hi everyone, some more information from Meisha Merlin regarding the limited editions of ASOIAF. Nothing earth-shattering, but I thought I'd pass it along anyways: (1) Confirmations by mail will be sent at the end of the month (they hope) to those who have reserved lettered and numbered editions; (2)The third color painting is in and should be on the Meisha Merlin webpage soon. None of the black and white illustrations have been passed on to the publisher yet. (3)Most importantly! The book is starting to move in lettered and numbered formats - with almost zero advertising. I'll quote now from the email I received from Meisha-Merlin. "In the March issue of 'Realms of Fantasy' there will be a full color page ad for the limited. Might let anyone know who is interested that they will probably start really moving then. We have done very good sales on them just by word of mouth. Once the collectors see this ad and a few other ads coming out they will start ordering them. Have had 2 collectors call who heard of it by word of mouth and one took 4 and the other 6 copies." In other words, if you are on the edge of buying one of these - act now! If you think they are expensive now, wait until they pass through dealer mark-up after selling out. (4) Finally, someone from Meisha Merlin visited our discussion board after receiving a tip from one of the faithful :). They suggest that anyone with a question emai them and then pass it onto the group. My plan is follow pretty closely developments on this book and series and I shall pass on what I know, but of course others are welcome to pass on any info. they get. Later, Paul