Book Collection: Johnny007/John

[Johnny007]

I've been waiting to buy bookshelves worthy of my collection since last summer when I ditched Stone Age shelves designed by a caveman -- a few were privy to those shelves but I was embarrassed to show my books there. So for the time being, I will show individual books along with descriptions, how and when I bought the books and anything else that I think might be of interest. Without the proofs, my collection is just a shell of what it once was. But there are a few proofs that I must rebuy -- I will find you guys and maybe we can work something out!

The books I showcase here in the near future are some of my best. However, some of the photos might not come up to the standard that most here are accustomed to. I will do my best to work on this endeavor diligently until most are posted. But keep in mind that I have a fulltime job with long hours for which I rarely get reimbursed.

Finally, I hope to have proper bookshelves before Christmas. And once that happens, I'll have pictures of my collection like most have posted on their collection threads. Feel free to ask me any questions and I hope you like what you see.

[Johnny007]

The first set of pictures show the US and UK copies of Rage. The US copy is in the finest shape I have ever seen. It has never been read as far as I can tell. I had forgot that I even owned this until I began packing my collection before I moved. There was a small paperback book wrapped so as to obscure the title and everything else. It was "hidden" (or had fallen) behind larger books. It became Christmas in July when I opened it and saw what I had. The condition is superb! I believe I bought this on eBay years ago but it could also be a gift from friends when I was hospitalized in 1978. It lacks King's signature but I'm hopeful to get the chance to rectify that within the next year.

The UK version is in equally fine condition. This copy has also never been read. As you can see, this copy is signed by SK (aka Bachman). This is my only UK-signed Bachman paperback and it is one of my favorite acquisitions.

Attached are copies of each book. I will say that the pictures of these paperbacks do not do justice to them. They are much nicer in person! Fingers crossed that I will attach the pictures so they are visible.

http://imageshack.com/i/pntWUZs2j http://imageshack.com/i/pome45S5j
http://imageshack.com/i/pmCEnTauj http://imageshack.com/i/pl7u4gxij
http://imageshack.com/i/pmhyhgoyj http://imageshack.com/i/pnute8N3j
http://imageshack.com/i/poLzCJttj http://imageshack.com/i/poMPokgGj
http://imageshack.com/i/poACfYtwj http://imageshack.com/i/pm5CVZZ8j

[firemonkey66]

Wow, those Rages look like they were just printed! Very nice. Keep them coming, Johnny007!

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

Those look phenomenal! Yes, keep them coming !


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[Johnny007]

I hope to finish this upload before I go to vote, go to a Dr. Appointment and then off to work. I had never seen a full set of lettered The Plant until Chris Cavalier liquidated part of his collection 10 years ago. I really wanted this set but I didn't have the cash at the time. About 2 weeks after the first posting, I noticed that the lot was listed as sold. I was very disappointed but I realized that I couldn't compete for everything I really wanted. I called Stu to see if the buyer could be persuaded to sell immediately at a 20% profit. He replied that that wasn't in the cards. Then he explained that he himself bought the lot knowing that I'd probably come calling again. So Stu essentially bought the lot for me. I paid him within 2 months and I convinced him to take a 5% commission for his generous help. This set is extremely rare. Probably fewer than 5 complete sets known. I hope I can see the pictures this time. If not, I will need another tutorial because I cannot see my own pictures here.

https://imageshack.com/i/pnsBgnfVj
https://imageshack.com/i/pnsBgnfVj
https://imageshack.com/i/pnsBgnfVj
https://imageshack.com/i/pmdq9vMlj
https://imageshack.com/i/poKst4wyj
https://imageshack.com/i/po7L5rAxj

[webstar1000]

WOW. PERIOD.

[becca69]

Nice!

[Theli]

Woah, killer way to start a collection thread!

[peripheral]

...and I hope you like what you see.

Ummmm... yes.

Hell yes...

[Johnny007]

It's been a long day on top of a long week but I'll make a quick post to show part of my Stand collection. These copies were purchased in the super-collection sale 10 years ago. The lettered Stand greatly exceeded my expectations. I think the inscription to Peter Schneider is awesome. It provides a bit of history and that's why, for me, inscribed books are preferable to flat-signed books.

The UK 1st is inscribed to Kirby McCauley, King's longtime agent. You'll also see the initials LWC are notated on the inscription page. Having pencil notations on older books was common for long-time booksellers. These initials are for Lloyd Currey so it is possible that Kirby sold to Currey who then sold it to Chris Cavalier. For me, it's cool! Anyway, here are the pictures.

Best,
John

https://imageshack.com/i/poztlVxjj
https://imageshack.com/i/pmw24SvXj
https://imageshack.com/i/pltfjMXMj
https://imageshack.com/i/plmttr5rj
https://imageshack.com/i/poMpAxW0j
https://imageshack.com/i/plCsAOKWj
https://imageshack.com/i/pnPg4gnoj
https://imageshack.com/i/pojeFAZkj
https://imageshack.com/i/poQhVf8fj
https://imageshack.com/i/pnYGmAsDj
https://imageshack.com/i/pleVdvlSj

[firemonkey66]

Wow, very very cool! And I love the fact that King uses the term 'hog heaven' in the inscription.

[carlosdetweiller]

Kirby did liquidate a number of items through Lloyd Currey years ago. I bought quite a few as did many other collectors.

[dnemec]

I'm not one for inscriptions, but that Pete Schneider one is totally frickin' awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

[peripheral]

Oh man...I am one for inscriptions, and absolutely love that Kirby Stand!

[Theli]

Fantastic inscriptions. These longer inscription association pieces are mighty cool.

[biomieg]

Love the UK Stand. It's almost impossible to find a copy in such pristine condition. Superb!

[Stockerlone]

SUPERNICE STUFF !!!

[jon10g]

Excellent stuff. Love the inscriptions.

[Johnny007]

Kirby did liquidate a number of items through Lloyd Currey years ago. I bought quite a few as did many other collectors.

Bob,

I lament the fact that I abandoned SK collecting during most of the 90s and early 2000s. By far, that's my biggest regret as a collector!

John

[Johnny007]

Once again, some of the items in my collection. The order of the items posted is purely random. Here are a couple of ITs. Things were much more robust when I had all the proofs with them. BTW, the pictures may not be perfect so I apologize in advance. OK, here we go!

https://imageshack.com/i/poztGyPWj
https://imageshack.com/i/pmbqDRcGj
https://imageshack.com/i/poRrDdRjj
https://imageshack.com/i/pnG0zwbsj
https://imageshack.com/i/plPkGtITj
https://imageshack.com/i/pmLXxwoTj
https://imageshack.com/i/pnkGBfmFj
https://imageshack.com/i/pm0NONtzj
https://imageshack.com/i/po0FcMo2j
https://imageshack.com/i/pm5sm77Bj

[Lot guy]

Great suff John, really happy to see you still have the Rage UK!!!!

[Johnny007]

Here are a few copies of Night Shift. The US copies are inscribed and contain all the markers of 1st editions. The UK copy is not signed but it is the best copy I have ever seen. If I ever make it to a signing, this book would probably accompany me.

Notice that one of the copies is inscribed to Kirby McCauley. The inscription references that this is the last book needed to satisfy the contract with Doubleday. After this book, they can negotiate a new contract and set their price. That must be a great feeling! I'll try to post again before I watch my alma mater open the 2016/2017 NCAA basketball season. We're rated #10 in the AP poll.

Best,
John

https://imageshack.com/i/pnjP2oPRj
https://imageshack.com/i/pl5k6J5ej
https://imageshack.com/i/pnkeE5t6j
https://imageshack.com/i/poQdxZYZj
https://imageshack.com/i/plHYZpsXj
https://imageshack.com/i/poS4dlEsj
https://imageshack.com/i/poWBIqaOj
https://imageshack.com/i/pouOskjbj
https://imageshack.com/i/pozqdYlnj

[firemonkey66]

Damn, I love nice looking Night Shifts. Those are fantastic. As are the ITs.

Edit: Holy crap, as are the Firestarters below!

[Johnny007]

Here are some Firestarter books. The signed numbered sets will have to wait until I reunite them. The asbestos Firestarter was one of my first purchases when I returned to collecting in 2004. I think I had the opportunity to buy one for less than $1K in the 80s. But I was young, poor, still an avid stamp collector, and still pursuing an advanced education. So splurging for a lettered Firestarter was not in the offing. And there's also another Kirby inscription...one of my favorites!

Best,
John

https://imageshack.com/i/poaXsdOij
https://imageshack.com/i/ploVGBVSj
https://imageshack.com/i/pnnUpktoj
https://imageshack.com/i/pousPTflj
https://imageshack.com/i/po23PLbXj
https://imageshack.com/i/pmv8DeVCj
https://imageshack.com/i/plgtBeDCj
https://imageshack.com/i/plMkt7CSj

[carlosdetweiller]

Really nice books, John! One thing missing from my collection is a Night Shift signed and dated in the year of publication. Congratulations!

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

Maaaaaan! Wicked cool stuff for sure!


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[ke7285]

Very nice John!

[Cook]

Wow! Very nice
Thank you for sharing :)

[Stockerlone]

Amazing Night Shift, Firestarter and IT collection.
(Now, you only need the wordfirst IT ES EP)

[biomieg]

Superb! I love the UK Night Shift and asbestos Firestarter particularly.

PS can one of the powers-that-be (moderators, Jerome) edit John's first posts in this thread to show the pictures instead of the links?

[stroppygoblin]

Superb! I love the UK Night Shift and asbestos Firestart particularly.

PS can one of the powers-that-be (moderators, Jerome) edit John's first posts in this thread to show the pictures instead of the links?

Done :thumbsup:

[biomieg]

Thanks, Simon!

[Johnny007]

You've seen these CP 'Salem's Lot editions recently -- we'll the #1s, but not the red #62/80. So I'm adding that one...but mostly I'm just moving everything into one place. The moderators can delete my posts/pics in P&J to save space and not duplicate anything. Sorry for some redundant pics this morning -- in this post and the following post.

Best,
John

https://imageshack.com/i/pmIzjvTyj
https://imageshack.com/i/pn6m05K7j https://imageshack.com/i/pnBHwrCUj
https://imageshack.com/i/pnsRjKO1j https://imageshack.com/i/pm8bY7Izj
https://imageshack.com/i/pm8bY7Izj https://imageshack.com/i/pma0HrYHj

[Johnny007]

Here's a recent acquisition -- within the last 18 months, I guess. You don't see many of these around -- at least I didn't. Again, the pictures aren't the best so I apologize. This will be the last post until after the noon football games.

John


https://imageshack.com/i/pnIzuHgyj
https://imageshack.com/i/pl2E64Ukj
https://imageshack.com/i/plkf6EwJj https://imageshack.com/i/plSigJWoj

[firemonkey66]

Man, Those Salem's Lots get me every time! Outstanding!

[Johnny007]

The complete New Lieutenant's Rap package is shown below. This is an invitation to Stanley Wiater and his wife, Iris. Everything was the property of Iris Wiater except the signed "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon." I know where that book is located but the bookseller is asking way to much for it...even in private negotiations. There are not many COMPLETE packages out there. Nevertheless, the signed, numbered chapbook is the main draw for this lot. Enjoy!

John

https://imageshack.com/i/pmEtf7zgj https://imageshack.com/i/poJq5T07j
https://imageshack.com/i/pleySe4Aj https://imageshack.com/i/pn55hsSVj
https://imageshack.com/i/plAzMOpnj https://imageshack.com/i/plkfVtrkj
https://imageshack.com/i/plRR0owUj https://imageshack.com/i/pm4s6naEj
https://imageshack.com/i/pm3RgQ2Cj https://imageshack.com/i/poFoGPEZj
https://imageshack.com/i/pllNhVooj

[Randall Flagg]

A complete NLR is always cool to see. Matching #1's of CP's 'Salem's Lot are jaw dropping.

[peripheral]

Love it all... thanks for sharing.

[Theli]

Fantastic stuff! Love the matching Lots!

[webstar1000]

Wow! Man, I leave for like a couple days and come back to this amazing stuff.


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[Johnny007]

Crazy football Saturday. I planned to post more but I had to watch the undefeated (3) go down! Anyway, here are a couple more that I'm proud to own. I've only seen lettered copies of Christine a couple of times. I considered both copies to be bargains but I was able to only secure one. I waited until it was too late before I committed to buying the second copy. It's a mistake I've made far too many times. The copy is attractive and it's not a book that's available too often.

The Dolan's Cadillac copy is very special to me. I "forgot" that I bought letter "D" in the supercollection consignment so when I saw that there was a copy available on the LJP site I jumped on the opportunity. I called the number and actually got Herb Yellin on the phone. We talked numerous times after I bought the lettered Dolan's Cadillac from him. He ALWAYS took my calls even though I could tell things were not great health-wise. In addition to books, he loved movies and the movie industry. He offered to "take me around" if I ever got to California. I looked at some of the e-mails we shared and it reminded me that he was "one of the genuine good guys." I have liquidated the other lettered copy I had but this one I'll hold on to it for a while. Here they are:

John

https://imageshack.com/i/poJmAM7cj
https://imageshack.com/i/po1D70Raj
https://imageshack.com/i/poYGiPRfj https://imageshack.com/i/pnwRx8jMj
https://imageshack.com/i/pnwRx8jMj
https://imageshack.com/i/podQ5qykj
https://imageshack.com/i/poNKRKxnj https://imageshack.com/i/pm3EdmYFj

[Randall Flagg]

Congratulations!

<--------------------------DEEPLY regrets selling my lettered Dolan's Cadilac.
Not a very physically imposing book, but sublime.

[Johnny007]

The Skeleton Crew lettered editions are what I believe to be in the top 5 best produced SK limited edition books. I would love to have a Presentation Copy to augment the books below and gain the trifecta. But there are only eight or nine or some number...of those PCs. The pictures do not do justice to these copies (I will try to rectify that). I hope you enjoy the pictures even half as much as I do in person.

Best,
John

https://imageshack.com/i/pnDZiVbnj
https://imageshack.com/i/pmmYoav4j
https://imageshack.com/i/pmjNrN02j
https://imageshack.com/i/plGaKHBwj
https://imageshack.com/i/pmszBNLCj

[Johnny007]

Here's another look at the 'Salem's Lot error (version 1).

https://imageshack.com/i/p5eMisaYj
https://imageshack.com/i/p3ttmzPVj
https://imageshack.com/i/p8oRypRJj
https://imageshack.com/i/pa8Tfxhhj
https://imageshack.com/i/p8tc9fuNj
https://imageshack.com/i/p37RA3Ztj
https://imageshack.com/i/p7RxRRAuj

[firemonkey66]

Goddamn, dude. Incredible.

[stroppygoblin]

Stunning! :thumbsup:

[webstar1000]

Wow


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[Theli]

Man I can't wait to get home so I can view these pics. They're blocked at work. I guess I should be working or something...

[Stockerlone]

A M A Z I N G !!!

[jon10g]

Amazing stuff!!

[becca69]

What they said!

[peripheral]

John, I'd love to hear some brief background on how you personally got into collecting King's works (but of course understand if you'd prefer to keep this private). I always find these stories most interesting...

[sharki69]

Unreal

[idlewarnings]

What an amazing set of books. Thanks for sharing, John.

[Johnny007]

John, I'd love to hear some brief background on how you personally got into collecting King's works (but of course understand if you'd prefer to keep this private). I always find these stories most interesting...

Antoni -- I'll be glad to share but it will be a rather long post so it may be another day or two before I can get to it.

Best,
John

[Johnny007]

Here are the pictures of the 2nd state version of 'Salem's Lot. Hard to find in this condition...but easier to find in any condition than the 3rd state. I'll try to post the pics of the 3rd state later tonight.

John

https://imageshack.com/i/hlLZRwjwj https://imageshack.com/i/p5UFrZxCj
https://imageshack.com/i/p5YKtPPjj https://imageshack.com/i/pb92aBFfj
https://imageshack.com/i/hl4BXD6Qj https://imageshack.com/i/pamrO89nj
https://imageshack.com/i/p7UeqLc4j https://imageshack.com/i/paK09b4vj

[firemonkey66]

Looks minty fresh. Very nice, John.

[Room 217 Caretaker]

That is a FANTASTIC copy of Salem's. It is sooooo hard to find one in that condition. My best copy doesn't even come close to that.

Enjoy it :)

Mulleins

[peripheral]

Wow... That inscription...

[HONKYTONKSMASH]

Wow that is gorgeous! Fantastic, man


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[jcmanske]

I've been away working for a bit and came back to find your thread. Words do not do justice do the quality of your collection, my friend. As all above have said: "jaw-dropping," "stunning," "Wow!" So pleased that you decided to share your collection with all of us. It makes me happy to know that such quality and pristine examples of King's work exist and reside in a happy home. Keep up the good work!

[Johnny007]

Here is the 3rd state 'Salem's Lot. The unusual red signature is circa 1975. I can't think of a good reason why this state of the 1st edition does not command the same price as the 2nd state. It is much more difficult to find and even more difficult to find in VG or better shape. Nevertheless, here is a copy of the 3rd state SL.

John

https://imageshack.com/i/p3l7vGGMj https://imageshack.com/i/p5L6sKlNj
https://imageshack.com/i/hlqGyH9Sj https://imageshack.com/i/pbmeofOQj
https://imageshack.com/i/p5OHnuCWj https://imageshack.com/i/pb5BAhCdj
https://imageshack.com/i/p8FyIOnej https://imageshack.com/i/p858P3lej

[Theli]

You have a truly stunning collection my friend. The collection of 'Salem's Lot especially. Do you have a specific connection to that book compared to other King novels?

[Johnny007]

You have a truly stunning collection my friend. The collection of 'Salem's Lot especially. Do you have a specific connection to that book compared to other King novels?

No. I don't have any special connection to the book. Things just sort of happened. I had read 3 or 4 SK books before I read 'Salem's Lot. I loved it! But when it came to collecting books, I always put off buying a 'Salem's Lot because the quality and price never matched my expectations. I jumped at the chance to buy the matched #1s and then just waited until the last couple of years before reaching out to buy the Doubleday versions. It is one of my top 5 SK stories and owning the 'Salem's Lot books that I own is one of the highlights of my collection - regardless of value.

Regards,
John

[Johnny007]

I haven't added much in the last few weeks and I have a few minutes before supper so I'll quickly add a lettered copy of The Talisman. I don't see many lettered copies for sale but I know that these aren't the hardest limited editions to find. I like the what Grant did with this limited book but not everyone agrees with me. For me, The Talisman is a slightly underappreciated limited edition.

Best,
John

https://imageshack.com/i/pnoT7l0gj https://imageshack.com/i/posAPYh1j
https://imageshack.com/i/poy3ujQUj https://imageshack.com/i/pn6iVRqlj

[Theli]

Fantastic! One of the nicest limited editions in my estimation.

[stroppygoblin]

I agree. A S/L Talisman is very high on my list of wants.

[Stockerlone]

SUPERNICE !!!

[Johnny007]

I hope I have time to make this post before my taxi arrives. If not, it will have to wait until I finish work tonight. I don't have things laid out in my flat that would make presentation easier, so please forgive the bits and pieces in some of my posts.

Here are the different Gunslinger editions I own. Not to worry, they are all the 1st of complete sets for each. All will be better when I can show the 30 or so books together as they should be shown. I'll try to get things organized soon.

Best,
John

https://imageshack.com/i/pln2ohBFj https://imageshack.com/i/pllnEqTpj
https://imageshack.com/i/pl4FL7Xej
https://imageshack.com/i/pnBRKV2Qj
https://imageshack.com/i/povGfmxnj
https://imageshack.com/i/pmAQPjWMj

[biomieg]

John strikes again! Fantastic!

[peripheral]

Boom. Awesome.

[firemonkey66]

Holy shit, that's awesome. The four horsemen of Gunslingers. Cheers!

[webstar1000]

wow!

[Stockerlone]

Superamazing !!!

[Randall Flagg]

Very impressive set of Gunslingers.

[Johnny007]

John, I'd love to hear some brief background on how you personally got into collecting King's works (but of course understand if you'd prefer to keep this private). I always find these stories most interesting...

Antoni – I’m very sorry for the long delay in responding to your query. My health has been less than perfect the last few months but today is a good day so I’ll try to do some writing.

I have always been a collector. When I was young, I collected coins. It was so fulfilling to a young kid to search through 500 pennies and find one or two in good condition that filled a void. However, I left the coins to my younger brother and gradually moved to stamps because I was curious about the different people and cultures in the world. Philately enabled me to improve my knowledge of other countries. I had to buy a globe to find some of the postal jurisdictions! And, I believe that my parents still receive periodic notification of new offerings from the Cook Islands! I was very serious about collection and had a nice start on a U.S. collection.

Things changed rather quickly and very unexpectedly, though. On a warm summer night when I was 22, I made the mistake of trying to drive home from a party at a friend’s house. It was 8 short miles from his parent’s country farm to our small town in southern Wisconsin. I was by myself and I will not bore you with any details. I passed out about 3 miles from home and, while the road curved gradually to the left, my car remained going straight forward. I woke up 2 days later when a doctor asked me to sign a surgical consent. I dislocated two cervical bones in my neck and they were pushing against my spinal cord. I was paralyzed from mid-chest on down and the damage was irreversible. One day I am completely able-bodied and the next day I am a quadriplegic. I had no idea what the future would be like but I spent the next 6 months in the hospital recovering and rehabbing. So, how does this get me to the point of being a Stephen King collector? Please bear with me.

While I was in the hospital, folks would send cards or visit. I received the Peter Benchley book Jaws from a nearby baseball team. I mentioned how nice it was to a friend and later on I received a copy of Carrie. I remarked that I’d never heard of King but was told that I’d probably like it. The books weren’t read until after I was discharged from the hospital, though. In fact, I didn’t read Carrie until the winter of 1980 – my first year at the University of Arizona. ‘Salem’s Lot and The Stand were my next King “reads.”

While I continued collecting stamps, it became more and more obvious that actually handling such small, fragile objects would be a problem. Accidents could happen and very valuable stamps could lose significant value very easily. It was while I completed my B.S. in 1982 that I first contemplated collecting King books. But it wasn’t until 1984 that I sold my stamp collection and turned to books. Books were larger and easier for me to handle…and it seemed like King was collectible.

I collected from about 1984/5 until 1993. I had some good items -- all the 1st editions, all the S/Ls, some correspondence directly with King when he would routinely sign books for fans. My P&J at the time was the first three Dark Tower books #222! I had about 60 SK items of which there were maybe 25 “valuable” items.

I had graduated 3 times from the University of Arizona in the 80s and finally landed a job with the Department of Army in Sierra Vista, AZ. My salary was much lower than I thought it would/should be but at least it was a job. Cost of living in AZ was very doable so things were working out. However, in 1991 I was transferred (not my choice) to the DC area. MY cost of living almost tripled and I was having a difficult time making ends meet. One day I contacted Stu Tinker to see if he wanted to buy my collection and he said “yes!” So my books were packed and put into my van and I left for Bangor immediately after work on a Friday. I drove through the night and arrived at Betts the next morning. Stu and I conducted our business and I was back on the road to Virginia. The money kept me going until I got the promotions so life was good.

Fast forward to 2000. I always wanted to visit and travel to Europe but being disabled presented many challenges for me. I needed someone on the other side who would be able to physically help me so finding that person, along with many other logistic issues, made overseas travel very challenging. But in early June 2000, I decided that I’d get off my ass, so to speak, and do it. I found a lady who is a nurse who could help me while I was in London. She was great and she helped me in at least 10 subsequent trips to London. Anyway, she is indirectly the reason why I returned to SK collecting.

Her primary patient was English aristocracy and a very well-known and important bibliophile. I didn’t know how famous she was until years later. I think her correct title was Viscountess Eccles, but I knew of her as Lady Eccles. Through various conversations I had with my nurse, Lady Eccles insisted that I return to collecting books – “even if it is Stephen King” she joked! I told my friend that maybe I would return to collecting…and I did (slowly) in early 2003. The first book I bought back was a limited Firestarter. I visited London again in June 2003 and was told that Lady Eccles was not in great shape. A month or two later she passed away.

So that’s how I started, stopped and started again. This was a long post so I apologize if I exceeded the size of posts or for boring anyone with this post.

[webstar1000]

Oh my!! John are you still paralyzed from the chest down? I had no idea!! This was a great read too... thanks for sharing:)


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[Johnny007]

Kris,

Yes, the damage was irreversible and permanent. It is not that big of a deal and there's only a few things that I haven't been able to do...YET!

John

[firemonkey66]

Wow, that's a hell of a journey, John. And cheers to Lady Eccles for getting you back into collecting. From what you've shown us, I think your collection would make her proud.

[peripheral]

What can I say, John? Thank you so much for your response. I find it fascinating to hear the different roads collector's travel to get where they are, but I was not expecting this. An incredible and inspiring story, John. And, with the amazing collection you have, we can all thank Lady Eccles that you took another shot at it and are sharing it with this community. Cheers and thanks again for this great read and insight.

[zelig]

What can I say, John? Thank you so much for your response. I find it fascinating to hear the different roads collector's travel to get where they are, but I was not expecting this. An incredible and inspiring story, John. And, with the amazing collection you have, we can all thank Lady Eccles that you took another shot at it and are sharing it with this community. Cheers and thanks again for this great read and insight.

Well said. Thanks for sharing your story John.

[Theli]

Quite the journey you've experienced, John! Thank you for sharing!

[Brian861]

Awesome story and an amazing collection! I love the use of the word, "Yet". What a great spirit to have! Unfortunately, for some reason, your photos are only showing up as the dreaded 'x' for me :(.

[wizardsrainbow]

Awesome story and an amazing collection! I love the use of the word, "Yet". What a great spirit to have! Unfortunately, for some reason, your photos are only showing up as the dreaded 'x' for me :(.

John-

I finally found my way here...I too can only see Xs, no pictures (UGH). Will try my other laptop. As you know, I'm one of the "lucky" ones to have seen your OLD bookshelves! Quite the thread/story...I LOVED a peek inside what got you started and "restarted" in collecting. Thanks!

[Johnny007]

Well...it's been 4+ years since I promised to keep adding to this thread. But life always gets in the way of best intentions. I finally found someone who can photograph my books. But there is a lot to do and this will not be done as quickly as I'd like due to conflicting schedules. I'm still in the market for suitable bookcases for my books. I need more wall space so I took all the SK books from various locations and moved them into my office. And you'll see that many of my books are still in the original bubble wrap for protection. Here's what things look like today. The plan is to photo each book independently to show signatures, inscriptions, 1st edition identifiers, etc. So please bear with me during the construction.

John

[Brian861]

Well...it's been 4+ years since I promised to keep adding to this thread. But life always gets in the way of best intentions. I finally found someone who can photograph my books. But there is a lot to do and this will not be done as quickly as I'd like due to conflicting schedules. I'm still in the market for suitable bookcases for my books. I need more wall space so I took all the SK books from various locations and moved them into my office. And you'll see that many of my books are still in the original bubble wrap for protection. Here's what things look like today. The plan is to photo each book independently to show signatures, inscriptions, 1st edition identifiers, etc. So please bear with me during the construction.

John

Sounds like an amazing project, John and I can't wait to see it.

[Johnny007]

https://i.ibb.co/0FzWBrp/Books-1.jpg

Here's a look at an entertainment center filled to the top and bottom of books. There will be similar views of the same going forward.

John

[webstar1000]

https://i.ibb.co/0FzWBrp/Books-1.jpg

Here's a look at an entertainment center filled to the top and bottom of books. There will be similar views of the same going forward.

John

John wow!! Are those 2nd Salem’s? They all look so nice! It’s the last book I need for my 1st’s to be done.

[Johnny007]

https://i.ibb.co/1zTZDtS/Books-2.jpg

A little more of the view.

John

[Johnny007]

https://i.ibb.co/M6mYj7g/Books-3.jpg

SK collectors with good eyes will catch hints of some of the items.

John

[Brian861]

I spy all kinds of good stuff in there. Curious to know about the 'Salem's as well.

[Johnny007]

Kris,

Only 1 of those copies is a 'Salem's Lot 1st edition 2nd state. Take a look at page 3 for some more SL pictures. I DO have pictures of all of the SLs so I'll add those to this thread if I have time today.

John

[Johnny007]

https://i.ibb.co/MDnDWvV/Books-4.jpg

Similar to the 1st picture today but better shows the "black tower" on the right.

John

[Johnny007]

https://i.ibb.co/JB7jFZQ/Books-5.jpg

A few proofs might interest some people. So glad that I've been able to be relevant in the SK proof-collecting world.

John

[Johnny007]

https://i.ibb.co/4F3CM8r/Books-6.jpg

I might have time to show some details on some of those PB editions a little later.

John

[Brian861]

Are the Gunslingers 1 and 2? Also, I noticed you have two US On Writings. I'm in need of one if you're looking to unload a copy :)

[Johnny007]

https://i.ibb.co/MkZBkvW/Books-7.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/ftVqv0S/Books-8.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/cxQDXNK/Books-9.jpg

Part of another table with books on top of books. The 2 shipping boxes contain recent purchases of limited editions of The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon.

John

[Johnny007]

https://i.ibb.co/RYx56ZS/Books-10.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/kH90xPf/Books-11.jpg

A couple of different views of previous photos.

John

[Johnny007]

https://i.ibb.co/dKrmJFb/Books-12.jpg

A side view of the entertainment unit. Some recent purchases and some old purchases.

John

[Johnny007]

Brian,

The Gunslingers are 1st editions. They are part of The Gunslinger set shown on #69 in this thread. Sorry, I don't have any books for sale at this time. I need to match actual books to my inventory spreadsheet before anything leaves.

John

[Brian861]

Brian,

The Gunslingers are 1st editions. They are part of The Gunslinger set shown on #69 in this thread. Sorry, I don't have any books for sale at this time. I need to match actual books to my inventory spreadsheet before anything leaves.

John

Understand that!

[Johnny007]

https://i.ibb.co/d0N9qfs/TGWLTG-Number-6.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/2qH1f0Q/TGWLTG-Number-6-Signed.jpg

I purchased this last autumn. It was on hold for at least 18 months. I've been wanting one since I sold my previous copy in 2015. The pictures are not the best now, but at the time I just wanted a "quick-and-dirty" copy that I owned one again.

John

[Johnny007]

I have a terrible headache but I'll get some Tylenol and make one more post in a few minutes or so.

John

[Brian861]

I'd like to have a copy of that edition someday as well.

[Alec]

Lovely to see John, an absolute delight.
Shelving will certainly make a difference, however it will not make a difference to the importance of what is there, and furthermore what is written in them.
The “dark tower” looks particularly good.
Stay well John.
Alec.

[Johnny007]

https://i.ibb.co/bXJ47dk/Thinner-Fine-Fine.jpg

I've been after this one for a long time and finally secured it last fall. I'm pretty fortunate to own it now. Thanks to Hutch!!!

John

https://i.ibb.co/8cC7g67/Thinner-Signed.jpg

[firemonkey66]

wow, that is a cool inscription, congrats, John!

[Lot guy]

Amazing items as always John!! I hope your doing well and look forward to seeing more of your amazing collection!!

[herbertwest]

Well...it's been 4+ years since I promised to keep adding to this thread. But life always gets in the way of best intentions. I finally found someone who can photograph my books. But there is a lot to do and this will not be done as quickly as I'd like due to conflicting schedules. I'm still in the market for suitable bookcases for my books. I need more wall space so I took all the SK books from various locations and moved them into my office. And you'll see that many of my books are still in the original bubble wrap for protection. Here's what things look like today. The plan is to photo each book independently to show signatures, inscriptions, 1st edition identifiers, etc. So please bear with me during the construction.

John

It's always nice to get a collection put together at the same place.
Can't wait to see more photographs !

[MikeDuke]

Wow. What a story John. Glad you kept pushing forward. And I took a look at some of your collection. You have some really excellent books. We all have struggles in life and yours seems to be
a rough one. I would never compare myself to anybody else, but you can read the first post in my collection to see what trials I went through. Unfortunately, your damage was more permement.
But you sound like an up beat guy which is great. I hope to see more pics, when you can of your collection.

[Brian861]

That is a really cool inscription!

[jon10g]

Superb inscription!!


https://i.ibb.co/bXJ47dk/Thinner-Fine-Fine.jpg

I've been after this one for a long time and finally secured it last fall. I'm pretty fortunate to own it now. Thanks to Hutch!!!

John

https://i.ibb.co/8cC7g67/Thinner-Signed.jpg

[Johnny007]

As I reviewed previous entries, I noticed that I never included the first issue of the lettered chapbook, The Plant. I believe that the lettered version might have been an afterthought. I say that because you can see the written notation "and 26 lettered" on the limitation page. That notation was made by King himself and is unique to the first edition. The pictures aren't the greatest but my photographer at the time did the best he could do. I cropped some of the pictures and added The Plant 1 limitation page. Hope your enjoy the pictures!

John

https://i.ibb.co/5cTGxFV/The-Plant-Lettered-set.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/w0M6F7Z/The-Plant-1-Letter-F.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/3NBnQdn/The-Plant-1-Letter-F-signed.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/xLWJVtZ/The-Plant-2-Letter-F.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/fnSxpqv/The-Plant-2-Letter-F-signed.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/KhWqt79/The-Plant-3-Letter-A.jpg

[Johnny007]

This is a book that I'd never seen for sale. Apparently a west-coast bookseller found one and sold it to a member here. I'm not 100% sure who the actual owner is, though. I also noticed that Richard (Cook) thought that a couple he knows might have a copy, as well. With the one below, 3 of the 15 lettered copies are now known. As I think the catalog states, all 15 copies went to Stephen King for distribution. Attached as provenance was this note:

"This book was donated by Margaret in King's office for a fund-raiser for the Prader-Willi Foundation in honor of her grand-daughter. There are only 15 lettered books of this title all went to the author to distribute as he wishes. The book was bought through the fund-raiser in November 2005."

I had no idea of this when I purchased from the original owner. So I was very surprised to read this when I opened the box. My niece/god-daughter was born with the Prada-Willi Syndrome so this is a very special book for me. And I'm very fortunate to know the backstory. Anyway, below is a minimalist's version of photos. I will get more thorough pictures as I mature this thread.

John

https://i.ibb.co/1qR23Jg/TGWLTG-Lettered-C.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/FmpZBRp/TGWLTG-Lettered-C-Signed.jpg

[Johnny007]

Thank you to everyone for the flattering comments!

I'm looking forward to have pictures taken of my current proofs. I really wish that John was still with us because he's partly the reason I returned to collecting proofs...

John

[Randall Flagg]

Glad to see such a rarity in good hands. Congratulations.

[jon10g]

Amazing stuff!

[webstar1000]

This is a book that I'd never seen for sale. Apparently a west-coast bookseller found one and sold it to a member here. I'm not 100% sure who the actual owner is, though. I also noticed that Richard (Cook) thought that a couple he knows might have a copy, as well. With the one below, 3 of the 15 lettered copies are now known. As I think the catalog states, all 15 copies went to Stephen King for distribution. Attached as provenance was this note:

"This book was donated by Margaret in King's office for a fund-raiser for the Prader-Willi Foundation in honor of her grand-daughter. There are only 15 lettered books of this title all went to the author to distribute as he wishes. The book was bought through the fund-raiser in November 2005."

I had no idea of this when I purchased from the original owner. So I was very surprised to read this when I opened the box. My niece/granddaughter was born with the Prada-Willi Syndrome so this is a very special book for me. And I'm very fortunate to know the backstory. Anyway, below is a minimalist's version of photos. I will get more thorough pictures as I mature this thread.

John

https://i.ibb.co/1qR23Jg/TGWLTG-Lettered-C.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/FmpZBRp/TGWLTG-Lettered-C-Signed.jpg

WOW. That is a hard book to find... Ive seen this and letter N. THat is it

[Stockerlone]

Superamazing !!!

[Brian861]

Super nice!

[Johnny007]

When I decided to resume proof collecting back in late-2019, I didn't realize how much I missed that aspect of Stephen King collecting. My depression is always buoyed by the hunt to find and, if lucky, acquire proofs. I've been fortunate in that regard over the past 18 months. While my collection is temporarily in disarray, I'll try to find proofs to post each week until all are shown. As always, I hope you like what you see.

This is a rare UK proof that I've never had before. The condition is great considered it's almost 40 years old and the fact that most proofs are read and handled by multiple people. Anyway, I thought this would be a good start for today.

John

https://i.ibb.co/d0QGkdp/Different-Seasons-Proof-UK-version.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/F3jgQT6/Different-Seasons-Proof-UK-version-another-angle.jpg

[Johnny007]

When I sold all of my proofs in 2015, the 1st state of Four Past Midnight was one of the hardest for me to part with. I was lucky that Jon told me I had the first right of refusal if he ever sold his proofs. So I was happy to buy this proof back but sad that such a great asset in the SK proof world sold his collection. When I sold my copy, I believed that there was only one or two in the world. And just before I had the opportunity to buy back my old copy, I lucked out and found another. This set is near the top of my current proof collection so we can only go down from here, right?

John

https://i.ibb.co/vVQCK2C/Four-Past-Midnight-Proof-v1-Pageblocks.jpg

Added the 2nd state for contrast.

https://i.ibb.co/bKdtx4q/Four-Past-Midnight-Proof-set.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/dB3Byf5/Four-Past-Midnight-Proof-set-Upright-1.jpg

And I found a Penguin USA business card in one of the copies!

https://i.ibb.co/WsmWkBB/Four-Past-Midnight-Proof-v1-with-Penguin-USA-Business-Card.jpg

[Johnny007]

The photo below is the culmination of 17 years of work to compile this 'Salem's Lot set. It may not be the best or the most thorough, but it is at the top of my collection...and it's the part of my collection where I take the most pride. I still have a couple of holes to fill but I'm working on that. Details of each book will be provided in subsequent posts. Hope you enjoy!

John

https://i.ibb.co/hZhbVgS/Salem-s-Lot-set.jpg

[webstar1000]

The photo below is the culmination of 17 years of work to compile this 'Salem's Lot set. It may not be the best or the most thorough, but it is at the top of my collection...and it's the part of my collection where I take the most pride. I still have a couple of holes to fill but I'm working on that. Details of each book will be provided in subsequent posts. Hope you enjoy!

John

https://i.ibb.co/hZhbVgS/Salem-s-Lot-set.jpg

Good for you. Im in awe. I have a Roman and a find 2nd left for mine. Thats it... and NOT an easy task. Congrats John:) LOVE THIS

[OneFathom]

The photo below is the culmination of 17 years of work to compile this 'Salem's Lot set. It may not be the best or the most thorough, but it is at the top of my collection...and it's the part of my collection where I take the most pride. I still have a couple of holes to fill but I'm working on that. Details of each book will be provided in subsequent posts. Hope you enjoy!

John

https://i.ibb.co/hZhbVgS/Salem-s-Lot-set.jpg

Oh my goodness! Breathtaking. Would love to hear the story behind the Doubleday proof. Thanks for sharing this!

[webstar1000]

John what’s left.... you mentioned a few holes... I have about 10-12 that I consider such BUT wow.. I’d love to know yours. Roman Salem’s is my grail. 100%


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jon10g]

Stunning proofs and Salem’s!!

[Brian James Freeman]

The photo below is the culmination of 17 years of work to compile this 'Salem's Lot set. It may not be the best or the most thorough, but it is at the top of my collection...and it's the part of my collection where I take the most pride. I still have a couple of holes to fill but I'm working on that. Details of each book will be provided in subsequent posts. Hope you enjoy!

John

https://i.ibb.co/hZhbVgS/Salem-s-Lot-set.jpg

A beautiful set! Amazing.

[Johnny007]

The photo below is the culmination of 17 years of work to compile this 'Salem's Lot set. It may not be the best or the most thorough, but it is at the top of my collection...and it's the part of my collection where I take the most pride. I still have a couple of holes to fill but I'm working on that. Details of each book will be provided in subsequent posts. Hope you enjoy!

John

https://i.ibb.co/hZhbVgS/Salem-s-Lot-set.jpg

Oh my goodness! Breathtaking. Would love to hear the story behind the Doubleday proof. Thanks for sharing this!

Thanks, Colin. Details and pictures forthcoming.

John

[Alec]

One of the most fascinating images I have seen in a very long time.
All signed, and equally as important, all fine quality.
I can honestly say they could not be in better hands.
Stay well John.

[Johnny007]

John what’s left.... you mentioned a few holes... I have about 10-12 that I consider such BUT wow.. I’d love to know yours. Roman Salem’s is my grail. 100%


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Kris,

I meant that I have a few holes in my 'Salem's Lot set. I have hundreds of holes left in my collection!

John

[Johnny007]

Thank you Jon, Brian and, of course, Alec for the kind words.

John

[Brian861]

Amazing!

[Johnny007]

The Doubleday proof below has been in a few tdt.org member's collections over time. I'm not 100% sure where it began but Matt had it (I think he had it signed) and then I believe it was traded to Jon (jonp). When Jon sold his proofs, this one was offered. He was kind enough to let me buy it over time and I received it about a year ago. This was my first ever Doubleday proof!

John

https://i.ibb.co/27jmzZ4/Salem-s-Lot-US-Doubleday-Proof.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/pxvWyrH/Salem-s-Lot-US-Doubleday-Proof-Another-View.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/jr2HrKG/Salem-s-Lot-US-Doubleday-Proof-Additional-Info.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/bz8K7Zz/Salem-s-Lot-US-Doubleday-Proof-Signed.jpg

[MikeDuke]

Amazing. Simply amazing. Glad I stumbled into this thread.

[zelig]

Very impressive!

[Lot guy]

The Doubleday proof below has been in a few tdt.org member's collections over time. I'm not 100% sure where it began but Matt had it (I think he had it signed) and then I believe it was traded to Jon (jonp). When Jon sold his proofs, this one was offered. He was kind enough to let me buy it over time and I received it about a year ago. This was my first ever Doubleday proof!

John

https://i.ibb.co/27jmzZ4/Salem-s-Lot-US-Doubleday-Proof.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/pxvWyrH/Salem-s-Lot-US-Doubleday-Proof-Another-View.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/jr2HrKG/Salem-s-Lot-US-Doubleday-Proof-Additional-Info.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/bz8K7Zz/Salem-s-Lot-US-Doubleday-Proof-Signed.jpg

John, I'm very pleased this is in your collection!! You are correct, Mr. King signed 2 'Salems Lot Proofs for me, this is one of them(the other still in my collection). I traded this and some other items with JonP for a copy of the Doubleday The Stand Proof to complete my Doubleday Proof collection. It's wonderful to see it being enjoyed!! This was Super Collector Charlie F.'s copy who I'm sure you knew. The 'Salem's Lot collection you have is truly amazing. I hope your doing well and look forward to catching up sometime.

[Stockerlone]

A M A Z I N G !!!

[Cook]

The photo below is the culmination of 17 years of work to compile this 'Salem's Lot set. It may not be the best or the most thorough, but it is at the top of my collection...and it's the part of my collection where I take the most pride. I still have a couple of holes to fill but I'm working on that. Details of each book will be provided in subsequent posts. Hope you enjoy!

John

https://i.ibb.co/hZhbVgS/Salem-s-Lot-set.jpg

This picture sure brings a smile to this old noggin :)
What an amazing set, truly don't know where to start with the praise..
..er, wow, speechless.
(I'll ditto what Alec posted)

[Johnny007]

I was hoping to add the detail pics that comprise the 'Salem's Lot set but, after a big meal, I had little energy left -- I guess I had no appetite for updating the thread after supper! :)

I'll begin with some books that many are already familiar with -- the deluxe Roman Numeral copies. The red Roman Numeral was purchased back in 2007, I think. It came with a black numbered copy and some other goodies. The black Roman Numeral purchase was within the last six months or so. I purchased it from an ABE dealer. The dealer also had five other signed, limited editions of books that I foolishly sold back in 2016. So I made a huge buy last year. Here are the deluxe Roman Numeral editions.

John

Red Roman Numeral I
https://i.ibb.co/kHqcbX7/Salem-s-Lot-Red-RN-I.jpg https://i.ibb.co/F8Vjn5z/Salem-s-Lot-Red-RN-I-signature.jpg

Black Roman Numeral X
https://i.ibb.co/HqvPbGD/Salem-s-Lot-Black-RN-X-2.jpg https://i.ibb.co/MkJc290/Salem-s-Lot-Black-RN-X-3.jpg

[webstar1000]

I was hoping to add the detail pics that comprise the 'Salem's Lot set but, after a big meal, I had little energy left -- I guess I had no appetite for updating the thread after supper! :)

I'll begin with some books that many are already familiar with -- the deluxe Roman Numeral copies. The red Roman Numeral was purchased back in 2007, I think. It came with a black numbered copy and some other goodies. The black Roman Numeral purchase was within the last six months or so. I purchased it from an ABE dealer. The dealer also had five other signed, limited editions of books that I foolishly sold back in 2016. So I made a huge buy last year. Here are the deluxe Roman Numeral editions.

John

Red Roman Numeral I
https://i.ibb.co/kHqcbX7/Salem-s-Lot-Red-RN-I.jpg https://i.ibb.co/F8Vjn5z/Salem-s-Lot-Red-RN-I-signature.jpg

Black Roman Numeral X
https://i.ibb.co/HqvPbGD/Salem-s-Lot-Black-RN-X-2.jpg https://i.ibb.co/MkJc290/Salem-s-Lot-Black-RN-X-3.jpg

Your the one that bested me!!!! I was SO close to closing the deal.... then he just told me someone swooped in with a $3K higher offer than where I was. Congrats.. Im happy to know it went to someone thats a pal:) Cheers my friend:) Ill get one some dayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy haha

And the Red I think came from a pal of mine. He isn't' well now:( If you still talk to him John.. drop him a note. He would love to hear from ya (if you guys were friends)

[Johnny007]

The non-deluxe copies are all different in who they went to. The black numbered copies 1-300 went to the public. The red numbered copies 1-80 were privately distributed. And there are Printer's copies of an unknown quantity (at least by me) that first appeared about a decade after the original publication. All were signed by the author and artist/photographer.

John

Black Number 1
https://i.ibb.co/YjcLpJh/Salem-s-Lot-Black-Numbered-1.jpg https://i.ibb.co/xML9khD/Salem-s-Lot-Black-Numbered-1-signature.jpg

Red Number 62
https://i.ibb.co/Pr3GfHX/Salem-s-Lot-Red-Numbered-62.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/cwyRb76/Salem-s-Lot-Red-Numbered-62-signature.jpg

Printer's
https://i.ibb.co/cLzqcT8/Salem-s-Lot-Printer-s.jpg https://i.ibb.co/JsdbC1h/Salem-s-Lot-Printer-s-signed.jpg

[Johnny007]

Sorry for the delay -- installed a new router.

Most have seen the pictures of the different first edition states so I'll only bore you with a couple of pictures of each US 1st edition states along with the UK 1st. More details can be found on page 3 of this thread.

John

1st US edition - 1st state
https://i.ibb.co/6XRW10N/Salem-s-Lot-1st-1st-state.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/vsS1pX3/Salem-s-Lot-1st-1st-state-DJ-price-and-signature.jpg

1st US edition - 2nd state
https://i.ibb.co/VVTFXG0/Salem-s-Lot-1st-2nd-state.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/5WBRtjp/Salem-s-Lot-1st-2nd-state-DJ-price.jpg

1st US edition - 3rd state
https://i.ibb.co/T8GXsKf/Salem-s-Lot-1st-3rd-state.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/K0Qn6QR/Salem-s-Lot-1st-3rd-state-DJ-price.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/NFGhyXT/Salem-s-Lot-1st-3rd-state-with-signature.jpg

1st UK edition
https://i.ibb.co/NtzKkYD/Salem-s-Lot-UK-1st-HB.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/gSqyZkm/Salem-s-Lot-UK-1st-HB-Page-Block.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/B3DqwM3/Salem-s-Lot-UK-1st-HB-DJ-with-Price-2.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/HHssdk7/Salem-s-Lot-UK-1st-HB-Signature.jpg

[Garrell]

As a huge Salem's' Lot fan....I am speechless...
and crying.

[Johnny007]

Apologies for any confusion to those who saw the first half of this post a few minutes ago. I hit "Post Quick Reply" instead of "Go Advanced."

This will be my last picture post this week. Frankly, I must have more pictures taken and that involves moving books and unwrapping books and putting them in yet-to-be-purchased cases and on and on. It certainly won't take four more years for additions; so be on the lookout next week for some more pictures.

Below is part of a bulk purchase that began almost four years ago. There are more components to this transaction, and I hope to have details/books available to be photographed and posted before summer. In the meantime, here are some recent acquisitions -- within a year, I'd guess. I'm very proud to finally own this set.

John

https://i.ibb.co/jwttPTM/Rage.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/MPPXCb1/Rage-Signed.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/DVqy1wW/The-Long-Walk.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/vcQW6wk/The-Long-Walk-Signed.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/1LX8Nt0/Roadwork.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/m8StH7Q/Roadwork-Signed.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/W2Y4cxY/The-Running-Man.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/YW07D1y/The-Running-Man-Signed.jpg

[webstar1000]

Apologies for any confusion to those who saw the first half of this post a few minutes ago. I hit "Post Quick Reply" instead of "Go Advanced."

This will be my last picture post this week. Frankly, I must have more pictures taken and that involves moving books and unwrapping books and putting them in yet-to-be-purchased cases and on and on. It certainly won't four more years for additions so be on the lookout next week for some more.

Below is part of a bulk purchase that began almost four years ago. There are more components to this transaction, and I hope to have details/books available to be photographed and posted before summer. In the meantime, here are some recent acquisitions -- within a year, I'd guess. I'm very proud to finally own this set.

John

https://i.ibb.co/jwttPTM/Rage.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/MPPXCb1/Rage-Signed.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/DVqy1wW/The-Long-Walk.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/vcQW6wk/The-Long-Walk-Signed.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/1LX8Nt0/Roadwork.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/m8StH7Q/Roadwork-Signed.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/W2Y4cxY/The-Running-Man.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/YW07D1y/The-Running-Man-Signed.jpg

Hutch!!!! Nice. I tried to buy these too. You are just beating me left, right and centre brother! haha Love seeing that they went to someone who will cherish them so. Enjoy these treasures my man!!!!

[Garrell]

Wow... AGAIN!!! Very nice.

[Brian861]

Speechless!

[herbertwest]

A lot of nice items, but Doubleday oblong proofs are definitely oui of the league items. I odnt see anything that can beat that and it's awesome to see it back in the Palaver family !

[jon10g]

Words fail to describe the wonder of these books!!

[MikeDuke]

Wait a minute, Kris said Hutch. I bought my DT 957 books 3-7 from a guy named Hutch who used to sell books on line. Even though the handle is Johnny007 is this the same Hutch?
It's an incredible set of Salems' you have and other items. I will be sure to keep an eye on this thread for sure.

[webstar1000]

Wait a minute, Kris said Hutch. I bought my DT 957 books 3-7 from a guy named Hutch who used to sell books on line. Even though the handle is Johnny007 is this the same Hutch?
It's an incredible set of Salems' you have and other items. I will be sure to keep an eye on this thread for sure.

No. Hutch owned those.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MikeDuke]

OH. OK, sorry for the confusion. It's still amazing.

[Randall Flagg]

Very nice!

[Alec]

First class John.
Lovely to see.
Congratulations acquiring the set, especially with the inscription, date and signature.

[ur2ndbiggestfan]

You've gone green in a good way!

[Johnny007]

Welcome back. I'll be doing some updating and adding in the coming weeks. My pictures are not as great as others who have posted here, but the books themselves almost always exceed F, F/F, or F/F/F condition. Publisher letters -- not so much as you can see!

As many of you know, I sold my proof collection in 2015 so I could afford to purchase a 'Salem's Lot trio (1st/1st, 1st/2nd, and 1st/3rd) all signed and all in F/F condition. I had mixed feelings about that decision, but I saw no other way of obtaining this group in this condition at one time. I had many hard-to-find and sought-after proofs that I knew would be hard to replace and still fill the holes in my collection. The Green Mile set has always been a favorite of mine and I always kept track of where they were. But this particular set eluded me after I sold it. I didn't pursue it very much until late-2018 or early-2019 when I decided to return to proofs and eventually become a serious hardcore SK completist. More of that in future dialogue.

This particular set was "auctioned" by eBay. The seller had a $2.5K BIN on it but when I tried to buy it at that price, he demurred. He now wanted it to go full-on auction. I offered him $3.5K to pull it but he still wanted more money. This set had the first proof inscribed to Ralph Vicinanza, SK's foreign literary agent. He was instrumental in convincing King to issue these books in serial format...and this was Mr. Vicinanza's Green Mile proof set. I had not seen many, if any, inscriptions to Vicinanza so I just had to have this set. It went for about $4.5K on eBay back in 2010/2011 and I won it. I sold it as my last proof in the summer of 2016.

I could not be sure who owned it until last year. A number of proof collectors told me that it might be here or there when I finally took a chance with a good guy who I dealt with 10 years earlier on an inscribed Carrie. So we agreed on a deal and I now have back an immensely important piece of my collection. Below find the set -- pics won't due justice -- and a wrinkled Publisher Letter/Review letter. By the way, this letter was sent to Ellen Datlow; who, at the time, was the fiction editor at Omni magazine and Omni Online. She's also an award-winning science fiction, fantasy, and horror editor and anthologist. I hope you enjoy.

John

https://i.ibb.co/NgR8szQ/Green-Mile-Set-1.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/dKkPJHC/Green-Mile-Book-1-with-Publisher-s-Letter.jpg

[Johnny007]

I apologize for the test photos. I should have deleted them as soon as I know they would work.

Below is the inscription on proof #1 to Ralph Vicinanza.

John

https://i.ibb.co/7yWYWSq/Green-Mile-Book-1-Inscribed.jpg

[MikeDuke]

Looking forward to seeing what this thread produces.
So those are yours? Very impressive. I know having a complete set of the green mile is very difficult.
I have a a few proofs and and some that are spiral bound. It's an area I would like to get back into.
But if those are yours, congrats on them.

[herbertwest]

Incredible items and story.
Glad that you managed to get it back!

[Johnny007]

Very nice!

Thank you, Jerome!

John

[Johnny007]

First class John.
Lovely to see.
Congratulations acquiring the set, especially with the inscription, date and signature.

I appreciate it, Alec. Thank you.

John

[Johnny007]

You've gone green in a good way!

Thank you, Steve. More green (or a shade of it) will follow soon!

John

[Johnny007]

Incredible items and story.
Glad that you managed to get it back!

Thanks, Jeremy!

John

[Johnny007]

Looking forward to seeing what this thread produces.
So those are yours? Very impressive. I know having a complete set of the green mile is very difficult.
I have a a few proofs and and some that are spiral bound. It's an area I would like to get back into.
But if those are yours, congrats on them.

Thanks, Mike.

Just wondering, though, whose books would I post other than mine in my collection thread? :)

John

[Johnny007]

When I sold my proofs in 2015, I had a Michael Alpert-initialed copy of The New Lieutenant's Rap proof that was 1 of 24 issued that way. It was/is hard-to-find and rare. I still haven't found another copy since returning to collecting proofs. However, I did find what I consider to be a rarer version of that proof. Along with this letter from Michael Alpert, I have the laser-copy version of the entire unbound proof. In addition, this set includes a flawless copy of the actual pamphlet -- unnumbered and unsigned. I did not find the words "out of series copy" on my copy. In addition, each page states "Smooth" or "Rough" at the bottom left as mentioned in the Alpert letter. I read that this version is easier to locate but I had never seen one until 2019. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this.

John

https://i.ibb.co/KhJbNvZ/NLR-Alpert-Proof-Letter.jpg https://i.ibb.co/PQMdVSK/NLR-Unbound-Proof-Cover-Page.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/rypPrdq/NLR-Proof-Title-Page-Smooth.jpg https://i.ibb.co/FDbpkhp/NLR-Proof-Copyright-Page-Rough.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/0DV3K3Z/NLR-Intro-Page.jpg https://i.ibb.co/QPyCZsn/NLR-Unnumbered-and-Unigned-Proof.jpg

[MikeDuke]

Yea, I guess I could have worded that diferently.

[Johnny007]

I had so much to sell in '15, David drove to my flat and picked up the whole lot. However, he did not come empty-handed. Earlier, but during that general timeframe, I agreed to purchase a complete NLR set. He acquired Stanley Wiater's set from a Massachusetts dealer along with the set belonging to Stanley's wife, Iris. I haven't seen many with all the items included. I don't think I'm missing anything. BTW, there is a signed 1st Tom Gordon that I have to complete the set. Also, the number is 43, in case it is difficult to read it. So, although this set is rare, it is certainly not unique.

John

https://i.ibb.co/bQ4ZhF6/The-New-Lieutenant-s-Rap-Complete-Set.jpg https://i.ibb.co/2y4BdY3/The-New-Lieutenant-s-Rap-Title-Page.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/6Bp9htb/The-New-Lieutenant-s-Rap-Limitation-Page.jpg https://i.ibb.co/m6xDx3Q/The-New-Lieutenant-s-Rap-Ltd-Ed-Signature.jpg

[MikeDuke]

WOW.

[ur2ndbiggestfan]

Marvelous!

[Alec]

Nice to see John.
Keep them coming my friend.

[Stockerlone]

Supernice !!!

[webstar1000]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THE NLR. I dont think you are missing anything either John. I know Gerald Winters shared a Carrie Pen with his once BUT I have never considered that part of the set. You could get picky and want the little box the necklace came in ... BUT your copy has the place setter which I dont think I have seen before with a set!!!!!! NICE WORK.

[DoctorZaius]

That NLR is a beauty. Thanks for sharing the pics. Love it.

[Johnny007]

Mike, Steve, Alec, Frank, Kris and DoctorZaius -- Thanks for the nice words! I'm sorry I haven't very punctual with additional pictures, but I hope to rectify that today and have them added before tomorrow ends. I promise some nice additions!

John

[Johnny007]

A UK On Writing may seem to be an odd book for me to highlight on my collection page -- especially since neither one of those books shown is signed. One is a fairly hard-to-find copy in fine condition. And the other is an extremely rare copy. Not many people have seen the rarity before. It's estimated that there are fewer than 10 in existence -- likely fewer than that. Can you pick out the rarity?

John

https://i.ibb.co/Cz4LDxm/On-Writing-1st-UK-HB-Happy-King.jpg https://i.ibb.co/X5GQ4DW/On-Writing-1st-UK-Proof-DJ-Grumpy-King.jpg

[MikeDuke]

So these are two separate books? Well, besides the sticker, the picture on top of King has him smiling. The bottom one does not. Plus the coloring is different.

[Johnny007]

Tabitha King submitted photos for the cover of this book. Everything went perfectly until King himself saw the book's cover. He did not like that he appeared to be "grumpy" in the picture. So, at the last minute, all original covers were destroyed and replaced with the "happy" King picture. John Hanic considered this to be a proof copy cover, but I'm not sure about it. This was John's copy. I know Hutch has copy a and Bob probably has one, too. But they are the only copies I'm aware of. Here's a side-to-side look at their covers and spines. The differences are subtle but clearly visible. Hope you enjoy.

John

https://i.ibb.co/k35PGkd/On-Writing-UK-Pair.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/BLzr9m3/On-Writing-UK-Pair-Spines.jpg

[Johnny007]

So these are two separate books? Well, besides the sticker, the picture on top of King has him smiling. The bottom one does not. Plus the coloring is different.

They are different DJs, yes.

John

[Johnny007]

I saw this copy on Lloyd Currey's website, but the price always scared me away. Finally, I just decided that I had to have it. There were too many great autographs on this copy to miss out. Near 40, I believe. So I called Lloyd and we worked out a deal that made both of us happy. There were 1,000 copies given out at the convention. Although not pictured, this is copy number 586.

John

https://i.ibb.co/KmvTv9Q/World-Fantasy-Convention-7-Cover.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/DQWvvpT/World-Fantasy-Convention-7-Back.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/NTCqbTL/World-Fantasy-Convention-7-Spine.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/6tcXJ4z/World-Fantasy-Convention-7-Signatures-2.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/37wQ9nR/World-Fantasy-Convention-7-Signatures-1.jpg

[Johnny007]

My signed collection of The Plant 1-3 proof, numbered, and lettered editions is finally complete. The lettered editions can be found on this thread starting at #113. The next few posts will highlight the chapbooks inscribed to Connie Sayre, a Viking Penguin VP and Marketing Director in the 80s. Here is The Plant Number One, #138.

John

https://i.ibb.co/nRBJpbM/The-Plant-1-No-138-of-250-Connie-Sayre.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/X4LjkHd/The-Plant-1-Inscribed-to-Connie-Sayre.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/tD3fYjL/The-Plant-1-No-138-of-250.jpg

[Johnny007]

More will follow after supper.

John

[Johnny007]

Below is The Plant Number Two, #130, also inscribed to Connie Sayre.

John

https://i.ibb.co/N6fXkjK/The-Plant-2-No-130-of-250-Connie-Sayre.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/bWC625c/The-Plant-2-Inscribed-to-Connie-Sayre.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/my15fPR/The-Plant-2-No-130-of-250.jpg

[Johnny007]

And here is The Plant Number Three, #122, inscribed to Connie Sayre. I also have the red numbered Eyes of the Dragon inscribed to her, but I'll post that with the other EOTD copies I have. Hope you like this.

John

https://i.ibb.co/xSV6VLC/The-Plant-3-No-122-of-250-Connie-Sayre.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/rFW602g/The-Plant-3-Inscribed-to-Connie-Sayre.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/w0WXFgv/The-Plant-3-No-122-of-250.jpg

[ur2ndbiggestfan]

Wow, I remember John telling me once I was missing one particular edition of ON WRITING, and now there it is!
I assume the publisher's promo sheet is enclosed?

[Johnny007]

The next set of The Plant consists solely of a designers copy, a blank copy and a designer's proof copy (aka proofs). I was lucky to find them in the first place. I purchased them from a Chicago DJ on eBay. I had never seen a set of The Plant proofs together before that auction/BIN, let alone signed copies. I was new to copies of The Plant so I consulted Stu Tinker and David Williamson before I went ahead and bought the set. I had to sell them in 2015 with my other proofs but I was able to repurchase them late last year. I'm not sure if there are any other complete signed proof sets of The Plant in the wild. Below is the complete set along with an aftermarket slipcase.

John

https://i.ibb.co/qj3WDmk/The-Plant-Aftermarket-Case-for-Proofs.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/jv92P2Q/The-Plant-1-2-and-3-Proofs.jpg

[Johnny007]

Wow, I remember John telling me once I was missing one particular edition of ON WRITING, and now there it is!
I assume the publisher's promo sheet is enclosed?

Steve,

There was no Publisher's letter when I received this copy, unfotunately.

John

[Johnny007]

The Plant part one proof below:

https://i.ibb.co/19VvJ30/The-Plant-1-Proof.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/6YVBKwv/The-Plant-1-Proof-Limitation-Page.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/k0Px5vS/The-Plant-1-Proof-Signed.jpg

[Johnny007]

The Plant part two proof below:

https://i.ibb.co/MSfYfjP/The-Plant-2-Proof.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/mhZcbbx/The-Plant-2-Proof-Limitation-Page.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/c1sc5GB/The-Plant-2-Proof-Signed.jpg

[Johnny007]

And last for tonight, The Plant part three proof below:

https://i.ibb.co/tbGHyJv/The-Plant-3-Proof.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/tcmysVR/The-Plant-3-Proof-Limitation-Page.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/nrb7q4L/The-Plant-3-Proof-Signed.jpg

[ur2ndbiggestfan]

Very eeeeeenterestink!

Really, quite impressive. I've got designer proofs of 1 and 2, but they are not signed. Never did get part 3 though.

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

Tabitha King submitted photos for the cover of this book. Everything went perfectly until King himself saw the book's cover. He did not like that he appeared to be "grumpy" in the picture. So, at the last minute, all original covers were destroyed and replaced with the "happy" King picture. John Hanic considered this to be a proof copy cover, but I'm not sure about it. This was John's copy. I know Hutch has copy a and Bob probably has one, too. But they are the only copies I'm aware of. Here's a side-to-side look at their covers and spines. The differences are subtle but clearly visible. Hope you enjoy.

John


John got his copy from me.

[herbertwest]

Tabitha King submitted photos for the cover of this book. Everything went perfectly until King himself saw the book's cover. He did not like that he appeared to be "grumpy" in the picture. So, at the last minute, all original covers were destroyed and replaced with the "happy" King picture. John Hanic considered this to be a proof copy cover, but I'm not sure about it. This was John's copy. I know Hutch has copy a and Bob probably has one, too. But they are the only copies I'm aware of. Here's a side-to-side look at their covers and spines. The differences are subtle but clearly visible. Hope you enjoy.

John

https://i.ibb.co/k35PGkd/On-Writing-UK-Pair.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/BLzr9m3/On-Writing-UK-Pair-Spines.jpg


Those are cool, but I particularly like the "On writing" early copy.
Definitely rare and ultra cool !

[Johnny007]

Tabitha King submitted photos for the cover of this book. Everything went perfectly until King himself saw the book's cover. He did not like that he appeared to be "grumpy" in the picture. So, at the last minute, all original covers were destroyed and replaced with the "happy" King picture. John Hanic considered this to be a proof copy cover, but I'm not sure about it. This was John's copy. I know Hutch has copy a and Bob probably has one, too. But they are the only copies I'm aware of. Here's a side-to-side look at their covers and spines. The differences are subtle but clearly visible. Hope you enjoy.

John


John got his copy from me.

Alan,

I'm not surprised! You had (and still have) some of the nicest and rarest books out there. I'm still lamenting the eBay "tie" Chris and I had over your UK Night Shift proof back about 10-12 years ago!

John

[Johnny007]

Thanks, Jeremy!

John

[Johnny007]

I have an appointment in an hour, and I must prep for it. There's not much I can do in the time before I depart, so this post will just provide a little tease of what is coming later today. I have always been a big fan of King's Cycle of the Werewolf and the artistry of Berni Wrightson. So, my next posts will involve the COTW. I know how difficult it is to find a DJ without light damage to the spines. I've had a few in superb condition over time but what you see below is what I have left. Not the greatest to look at, right (the spines)? I hope you'll find what comes later a bit more fun and interesting. There will also be an original framed Wrightson prelim to show after I return from my appointment. See you later.

John

https://i.ibb.co/FxRF3Hm/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Spine-Sun-Fade-Variations.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/jgn9zfk/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Limited-Editions.jpg

[MikeDuke]

Holy you know what. Those plant sets are amazing. Simply amazing. And the CotW looks good also. They look better than my first ed.
Can't wait to see what else you have to show us.

[Randall Flagg]

Thanks for sharing these rare treasures.

[stroppygoblin]

Always nice to see completed sets of The Plant. One that is very high on my want list.

I also had to go check my copy of On Writing. It's a fine copy, pretty much untouched since I purchased it on release (over 20 years ago!) but its the standard cover.

[Johnny007]

OK, COTW time. The two below are inscribed 1st editions - 1 of 7,500. The first book is NF with a new slipcase. The DJ is rather poor (2nd from left above) but I enjoyed the long inscription and the price from VFB was very much what I expected at that point in time. Long story short, I loved the long inscription and I got a great deal!

https://i.ibb.co/mCXZpSt/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-1st-edition-Inscribed.jpg

I received the copy below in a trade for one of my red roman numeral (IV of X) 'Salem's Lot copies. There were more books that I received in the trade along with a tidy sum of cash. Despite not being in the best condition (DJ), the association inscription is totally fantastic for a number of reasons. Bill Cohen is the former mayor of Bangor, Maine (1971-72). He was also a Maine Congressman (1973-79) and then a Maine Senator from 1979-1997. He then became the 1st Republican to serve a Democrat President when he accepted the Secretary of Defense position at the end of 1996. If you pay closely, you'll notice that King inscribed this book to the then Senator Cohen on the 20th anniversary of the JFK assassination. This book was part of Cohen's personal Senate library, as well. Anyway, this is all-in-all a simple inscription. But the association and the date elevate this to a level that makes me want to keep it for a while.

John

https://i.ibb.co/DrCjgtP/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-1st-edition-Inscribed-11-22-83.jpg

[Johnny007]

One of the laments I had when I liquidated proofs/books 6-7 years ago was whether it was really worth selling so many books for just a few in return. I knew I would never have the opportunity to buy back my Collectors Edition coupled with the matching portfolio number from the person who purchased it so I made notes of who might have a set and might be willing to sell. That list was short but I remained optimistic. Leonard Shoup in Canada had a set and so did a couple of collectors I knew. However, I had 2+ years of health issues so I wasn't doing my best to recapture previously-owned books. I think Alec beat me to Leonard Shoup. Someone beat me to Mike Pasiuk and on and on it went. One night I began to read through some tdt.org postings and I learned that someone I knew owned a set. I contacted him with an offer and he turned me down flat. But about 2-3 weeks later he returned to me with a cash and book trade offer. I accepted the offer and the deal went through. The set is shown below. You might also see a 2nd King signature dated 3/20/84. There is a huge backstory to it so I'll save that until my next post. Supper beckons me now so I hope you enjoy the pictures below.

John

https://i.ibb.co/bWhrCyL/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Collectors-Edition-Cover.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/GtQ8sTj/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Collectors-Edition-Back.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/wKdhch1/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Collectors-Edition-Spine.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/MkW7Dyw/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Collectors-Edition-Limitation-Page-No-70-of-100.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/r0G8495/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Collectors-Edition-Title-Page-Sig.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/qnj2KTz/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Portfolio-No-70-of-350.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/JCbVntf/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Portfolio-No-70-of-350-BW-and-Color.jpg

[ur2ndbiggestfan]

Hooooooowlingly terrific!

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

Tabitha King submitted photos for the cover of this book. Everything went perfectly until King himself saw the book's cover. He did not like that he appeared to be "grumpy" in the picture. So, at the last minute, all original covers were destroyed and replaced with the "happy" King picture. John Hanic considered this to be a proof copy cover, but I'm not sure about it. This was John's copy. I know Hutch has copy a and Bob probably has one, too. But they are the only copies I'm aware of. Here's a side-to-side look at their covers and spines. The differences are subtle but clearly visible. Hope you enjoy.

John


John got his copy from me.

Alan,

I'm not surprised! You had (and still have) some of the nicest and rarest books out there. I'm still lamenting the eBay "tie" Chris and I had over your UK Night Shift proof back about 10-12 years ago!

John

I was the one who benefitted from your tussle with Chris!

[Stockerlone]

Supersupersuperamazg stuff !!!

[Johnny007]

Holy you know what. Those plant sets are amazing. Simply amazing. And the CotW looks good also. They look better than my first ed.
Can't wait to see what else you have to show us.

Thanks Mike. More COTW will follow soon.

John

[webstar1000]

I LOVE RARE BOOKS... THUS I LOVE THIS THREAD:) just sayin:)

[Johnny007]

Always nice to see completed sets of The Plant. One that is very high on my want list.

I also had to go check my copy of On Writing. It's a fine copy, pretty much untouched since I purchased it on release (over 20 years ago!) but its the standard cover.

Thanks Simon! I appreciate it. Not surprised about your On Writing experience. My notes say 10 or fewer but John listed 3 with a question mark on his spreadsheet.

John

[Johnny007]

Hooooooowlingly terrific!

Thanks Steve! Your wit never ceases to amaze me and amuse me!

John

[Johnny007]

Thanks for sharing these rare treasures.

Thanks Jerome. I appreciate the sentiment! Not many comments made but at least I'm getting these out there after years of promises but no follow-on activity. BTW, I thought that I sent a similar message a few minutes ago, but I didn't see it post. Perhaps I failed to hit the correct button...that wouldn't surprise me, lol!

John

[Johnny007]

Tabitha King submitted photos for the cover of this book. Everything went perfectly until King himself saw the book's cover. He did not like that he appeared to be "grumpy" in the picture. So, at the last minute, all original covers were destroyed and replaced with the "happy" King picture. John Hanic considered this to be a proof copy cover, but I'm not sure about it. This was John's copy. I know Hutch has copy a and Bob probably has one, too. But they are the only copies I'm aware of. Here's a side-to-side look at their covers and spines. The differences are subtle but clearly visible. Hope you enjoy.

John


John got his copy from me.

Alan,

I'm not surprised! You had (and still have) some of the nicest and rarest books out there. I'm still lamenting the eBay "tie" Chris and I had over your UK Night Shift proof back about 10-12 years ago!

John

I was the one who benefitted from your tussle with Chris!

Alan -- that was the worst news I ever had in an eBay transaction. I'm glad you and Chris benefitted that day. I still hold out a flicker of hope of finding another...

John

[Johnny007]

Supersupersuperamazg stuff !!!

Thanks Frank! I appreciate it!

John

[Johnny007]

I LOVE RARE BOOKS... THUS I LOVE THIS THREAD:) just sayin:)

Hey Kris,

Thank you! I'll try to keep posting some nice books!

John

[Johnny007]

https://i.ibb.co/dLtRWbZ/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Publishers-Copy-Title-Page-Sig.jpg

Why is there an additional signature on the title page of the Collectors Edition of The Cycle of the Werewolf? Here's the backstory...

When Land of Enchantment was putting shipping packages together of purchased S/L copies, they noticed King hadn't signed 7 of the copies. LoE talked with King's secretary and she said pack them up and send them...she would have King sign them and return them quickly. The box showed up in King's office but the secretary wasn't there so King opened the box, saw the copies and thought LoE was just sending him a few to have. He unpacked them and placed them on his office shelf. Months went by before LoE called King's office for an update. The secretary said that she hadn't seen the box but the tracking showed it was signed-for and somewhere in the office. After she investigated, she found out what King had done. She told him why the books were sent in the first place and he pulled each one off the shelf, signed it in the normal place and, as well, signed and dated it again with a blue pen. He packed them and returned the books along with an apology letter. And that's how the additional signature on a very few copies of the COTW Collectors Edition came to be.

John

[Johnny007]

Finding the Deluxe Edition set with matching numbers proved to be difficult, as well. Again, many of those who had a matching set weren't ready to sell or they had already sold their sets. I was tired of looking for a matching set in F/F/F condition, so I compromised some quality and matching numbers to secure what's shown below. The Deluxe Edition is #122 and art portfolio is also a low number (51) that can be matched to a Collectors Edition with the same number. I didn't take individual pictures of the Deluxe Edition they are as follows.

John

Deluxe Edition -- middle copy of spines:
https://i.ibb.co/6njkwXr/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Spine-Sun-Fade-Variations.jpg

Deluxe Edition -- upper left of covers:
https://i.ibb.co/jgn9zfk/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Limited-Editions.jpg

Limitation page, portfolio, etc:
https://i.ibb.co/TkQBb9q/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Deluxe-Edition-Limitation-Page-No-122-of-350.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/0YX4skr/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Portfolio-No-51-of-350.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/SJ8h57b/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Portfolio-No-51-of-350-BW-and-Color.jpg

[ur2ndbiggestfan]

It must be scary living with all those werewolves!

[MikeDuke]

Wow. One amazining collection. And that's the last few pages. I may hae to start on page one again. I know I did a while ago, but just as a refresher. And did I read that right? You have more than one of red RN Salems'? Because that's what the sentence sounded like to me.
P.S Yea, I have been i tis thread before, but it's still great to go through it again.
It is simply amazing.

[Johnny007]

It must be scary living with all those werewolves!

I put a picture on my book thread of all 2 of my copies, way too much work to pull them down!

Every time I think I should be scared of the werewolves, I think of what would come of a coupling date between Megan Fox and Howard Cosell. That pretty much removes any thoughts of fear or panic.

John

[Johnny007]

Mike,

Thank you! I did own two red roman numeral copies of 'Salem's Lot. I traded away number IV and kept number I.

John

[Johnny007]

The matted and framed picture below is an original Cycle of the Werewolf "prelim" that Berni Wrightson drew/sketched before getting to the final product. As it was related to me, there has been high demand for this prelim since it was first sold. That demand included the family (possibly only the wife, IIRC) and many high-end Wrightson and/or King collectors. I like it and have no plans to sell the piece at this time. I hope you enjoy it, too!

John

https://i.ibb.co/KsXQFDZ/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Original-Wrightson-Prelim.jpg

[ur2ndbiggestfan]

Is that the, "Ooooo, I've got such a headache, do you have an Excedrin?" famous prelim?

[MikeDuke]

Mike,

Thank you! I did own two red roman numeral copies of 'Salem's Lot. I traded away number IV and kept number I.

John
Yea, but still. Your Salems' collection is fantastic. Do you have 2 black RN as well. I need to go back and check that page out again.

[Johnny007]

No Mike. I have just one black roman numeral 'Salem's Lot. My picture upthread contains the following:

US Doubleday proof - signed
US 1st/1st - signed
US 1st/2nd - inscribed
US 1st/3rd - signed
UK 1st/1st - signed
Centipede Press red roman numeral - I of X
Centipede Press black roman numeral - X of XV
Centipede Press - Printers Copy - signed
Centipede Press - red number copy - 62 of 80
Centipede Press - black number copy - 1 of 300

I hope that helps and thanks for looking and commenting.

John

[Johnny007]

One last post for this thread. A pretty rare version of COTW.

John

https://i.ibb.co/Mcvcqvw/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Publishers-Copy-Cover.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/qDLrKxp/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Publishers-Copy-Title-Page-Sig.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/k9Pj3sC/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Publishers-Copy-No-6-of-8.jpg

[MikeDuke]

No Mike. I have just one black roman numeral 'Salem's Lot. My picture upthread contains the following:

US Doubleday proof - signed
US 1st/1st - signed
US 1st/2nd - inscribed
US 1st/3rd - signed
UK 1st/1st - signed
Centipede Press red roman numeral - I of X
Centipede Press black roman numeral - X of XV
Centipede Press - Printers Copy - signed
Centipede Press - red number copy - 62 of 80
Centipede Press - black number copy - 1 of 300

I hope that helps and thanks for looking and commenting.

John
Wow. You still have all of those, or were some used in that trade you talked about But still, a signed proof, a signed 1st/1st, and those CP ones.
Amazing.

[MikeDuke]

One last post for this thread. A pretty rare version of COTW.

John

https://i.ibb.co/Mcvcqvw/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Publishers-Copy-Cover.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/qDLrKxp/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Publishers-Copy-Title-Page-Sig.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/k9Pj3sC/Cycle-of-the-Werewolf-Publishers-Copy-No-6-of-8.jpg
6 of 8. Another wow. So no more picks? This is the last of them? An incredible collection John.

[Alec]

Lovely John, just lovely.
I believe I would run out of superlatives trying to comment!!

[biomieg]

I logged in for the first time in years a couple of days ago and spent a few pleasant hours browsing the collection threads. A great trip down memory lane! This one caught my eye - I'm pretty sure this was part of my collection once. I got it from another member here who got it directly from Michael Alpert if I recall correctly. I believe I sold it to Jon P when I let go of my collection. Good to see it's still in the family, so to speak. I'm glad it's yours now, John.


When I sold my proofs in 2015, I had a Michael Alpert-initialed copy of The New Lieutenant's Rap proof that was 1 of 24 issued that way. It was/is hard-to-find and rare. I still haven't found another copy since returning to collecting proofs. However, I did find what I consider to be a rarer version of that proof. Along with this letter from Michael Alpert, I have the laser-copy version of the entire unbound proof. In addition, this set includes a flawless copy of the actual pamphlet -- unnumbered and unsigned. I did not find the words "out of series copy" on my copy. In addition, each page states "Smooth" or "Rough" at the bottom left as mentioned in the Alpert letter. I read that this version is easier to locate but I had never seen one until 2019. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this.

John

https://i.ibb.co/KhJbNvZ/NLR-Alpert-Proof-Letter.jpg https://i.ibb.co/PQMdVSK/NLR-Unbound-Proof-Cover-Page.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/rypPrdq/NLR-Proof-Title-Page-Smooth.jpg https://i.ibb.co/FDbpkhp/NLR-Proof-Copyright-Page-Rough.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/0DV3K3Z/NLR-Intro-Page.jpg https://i.ibb.co/QPyCZsn/NLR-Unnumbered-and-Unigned-Proof.jpg

[Johnny007]

Hi Michaël,

It is great to see you on the site again! Thanks for the nice words regarding the NLR. Unfortunately, Jon decided to part with almost everything SK-related other than his UK 1st editions. He graciously offered me the opportunity to regain and expand my footing in the proof and manuscript world. I'm very lucky and extremely grateful for that opportunity. I will take great care of the NLR!

I hope that you are doing well and it would be great to see you around more frequently -- even if to just say hello! Take care!

Best,
John

[MikeDuke]

That is just amazing.

[biomieg]

Thanks for the warm welcome, John - I'll definitely drop by more often!


Hi Michaël,

It is great to see you on the site again! Thanks for the nice words regarding the NLR. Unfortunately, Jon decided to part with almost everything SK-related other than his UK 1st editions. He graciously offered me the opportunity to regain and expand my footing in the proof and manuscript world. I'm very lucky and extremely grateful for that opportunity. I will take great care of the NLR!

I hope that you are doing well and it would be great to see you around more frequently -- even if to just say hello! Take care!

Best,
John