Seldom has any pair of kids waited so eagerly for the postman as we did this morning, knowing that the first copy of what we have been working on for so long had been posted from the printer yesterday. Finally the doorbell went and we both rushed to grab the parcel and tear off its wrappers!
The all-important first glance was entirely positive for both of us. The book felt solid, sturdy and workmanlike. As we had already seen a set of printed sheets, it was of course the effect of the cover image that we had been most looking forward to. As everyone reading this is likely to know, Clive Hicks-Jenkins made a deliciously romantic black and white drawing (of our lair in the Wye Valley – seen somewhat fancifully!) for our first Bibliography, ten years ago, and he agreed to paint another picture for the second . . . this time in colour to reflect that this book also has colour throughout. We are of course thrilled with the result and we judge that the artist himself has been quietly confident that his painting would have the desired effect. Thank you Clive!
It was important for us, also, to see the two books side by side as they are meant to go neatly beside each other on a shelf. Yes the two spines were equal and the two spine letterings aligned. And, of course, the all-important sheep (see previous post) . . . there they are, all exactly placed on the spine giving their message clearly!
Here then is an upright view of the two books showing the delicious similarities (and differences) between the two designs. And then there is the whole back of the book which I have not shown you at all!
But now, to be serious for a moment. These Blog glimpses have been just that but we expect the books to be delivered on Monday and then our promotional activities will begin in earnest.
We can, however, now announce one all-important set of facts . . . namely the prices.
The new book (The Old Stile Press . . . the next ten years) is £45 (plus £4 p&p in UK).
A limited number of copies of the earlier book (The Old Stile Press . . . in the twentieth century) remains and these are £40 (plus £4 p&p in UK).
If you do not have a copy of the first book, you can have a copy of both at a special price of £75 (plus £6 p&p in UK).
There are 15 Special (or Archive) copies. These will include pages or spreads from almost all the books together with many other items. The selection is still being made and the box is still being designed but some copies have already been spoken for. The price of this Special Edition is £850.
You sound cock-a-hoop with this. Delighted that all has turned out so well. Soon Frances will be knee-deep in dispatch boxes and parcel tape as copies of the new edition fly out across the world to join their sibling volumes on many shelves in many libraries and collections. What a lovely idea, those three sheep on adjoining spines. Does three constitute a flock, or are we going to have to plan another volume for 2020 to up their number to six?
Can hardly wait for my own copy! Have a lovely restful weekend before the consignment arrives on Monday, at which time there will be nothing going on at Catchmays save the business of taking orders and the steady packing up of many volumes! Happy wrapping!
We are indeed relaxing this weekend after all the anticipation!
Just one point for now . . . you joke about a 'third volume'. Funnily enough we are already planning one (glutton for punishment, me!)and we don't have to wait for 2020. We plan a third volume, made up of a number of things that don't fit into the actual Bibliography eg. Ephemera, limited edition Bindings, paper-making, Special Editions, 'stiles', info about Artists and so on. We are compiling a list of contents but I don't know when I will start to write it. Oh, I have just thought . . . it will have to be quite a substantial book to fit the three sheep on the spine, unless they are to stand on each other's head, like a troupe of chinese acrobats!
Nicolas
We are indeed relaxing this weekend after all the anticipation!
Just one point for now . . . you joke about a 'third volume'. Funnily enough we are already planning one (glutton for punishment, me!)and we don't have to wait for 2020. We plan a third volume, made up of a number of things that don't fit into the actual Bibliography eg. Ephemera, limited edition Bindings, paper-making, Special Editions, 'stiles', info about Artists and so on. We are compiling a list of contents but I don't know when I will start to write it. Oh, I have just thought . . . it will have to be quite a substantial book to fit the three sheep on the spine, unless they are to stand on each other's head, like a troupe of chinese acrobats!
Nicolas
magical work! and i like the idea of the chinese acrobats 😀