The Collectible H.P.Lovecraft

[swintek]

How is there not a Lovecraft thread here? Hell, there's a Samantha Shannon thread!

Anyway, although I'm at work and don't have access to my books to take pics and do the 37 step "Upload Shuffle" just now, I really wanted to kick off a thread dedicated to that "Old" Gentleman of Providence with my sincere enthusiasm for the recently received (by me) 12 volumes of the PS series LOVECRAFT LIBRARY illustrated by Pete Von Sholly.

Although a pretty dedicated Lovecraft collector, I didn't bite on these for various reasons- until the recent PS sale that cut the price in half for the whole run. I couldn't pass that up and I'm really glad that I didn't. These turned out to be a welcome surprise- something that I seem to have more and more difficulty finding in today's limited edition market, with a lot of "That's nice- put it on the shelf and forget about it" books. These carefully thought-out, and smartly-produced little books demand constant perusal. I think a lot of people were on the fence with the art on these. There's no doubt that Sholly is a fine accomplished artist, but is he right for Lovecraft? I really didn't think so- at first. Especially if you just go by the covers- which seemed too bright and cartoon-y for me. Even after I got the books and realized how different in execution the interior illustrations struck me, the covers still seemed too.. garish, I guess. But, so were the Weird Tales covers back in the day. Not really comparing styles- because Weird Tales' covers were... better, but, I get what Sholly was going for with the tone, perhaps on these covers. And, they're growing on me. (I had a very similar reaction when I got PS's SKELETON CREW- although not bowled over by the cover art, I really liked what Sholly did in the interiors)

But, the real star of these thoughtfully put-together volumes are the contents: all the related stories (even stories by other authors that inspired HPL to write the story at hand are included!), insightful intros and articles by Joshi, Sholly, and various others. I can't put these cool little volumes away. Just ping-ponging through all of them at once. Very neat, I say.

Anybody else get these? Like them? Hate them?

Ron

[St. Troy]

Agreed; there must be a thread for HPL (HPL is the man).

Any links for this series? I have the Barnes & Noble "complete works" edition and am not really looking for more than that at this time, but I'm happy to look around, especially given that something notable (such as this) exists.

[Theli]

It's nice to hear this commentary about these editions. I had considered them briefly, but had the same reservations you had. Despite my affection of Lovecraft's works, I actually don't own any limited edition copies of his work, something, perhaps, that I should rectify. Centipede Press has also put out some amazing editions of his work too. A friend from the CD board has posted some of his collections of the CP editions and they look absolutely outstanding.

[swintek]

Agreed; there must be a thread for HPL (HPL is the man).

Any links for this series? I have the Barnes & Noble "complete works" edition and am not really looking for more than that at this time, but I'm happy to look around, especially given that something notable (such as this) exists.

Here is the PS page for their full "PS PULPS LIBRARY" line:
http://www.pspublishing.co.uk/ps-pulps-library-64-c.asp

A large part of the reason for me not getting these as they came out is because they are about $25 each, and they've been released in "threes". That's inching toward $100 when you count shipping. Too rich to buy "all in". The half-price sale was the only way I was going to bite. They're very well done, but- these stories are available virtually everywhere for free and in dozens of different editions. A little pricey for glorified reprints. Still- glad to have them!

[swintek]

It's nice to hear this commentary about these editions. I had considered them briefly, but had the same reservations you had. Despite my affection of Lovecraft's works, I actually don't own any limited edition copies of his work, something, perhaps, that I should rectify. Centipede Press has also put out some amazing editions of his work too. A friend from the CD board has posted some of his collections of the CP editions and they look absolutely outstanding.

You know, as much as a Lovecraft "collector" as I do consider myself, and as much as I practically worship Jerad and all that he does with Centipede Press- I didn't get his Masters of the Weird Tale Lovecraft volume. After careful consideration, and talking with others, I felt that it was ultimately too large and unwieldy for practical purposes. I'll admit to regretting that decision from time to time, but- I'll have to stand by it. I just don't like books that are uncomfortable to read. My all-time favorite edition of any book I've ever owned (and, I had a Deluxe Centipede Salem's Lot for a long time- maybe the greatest edition ever)- is the small Canadian press Heavenly Monkey letterpress edition of Lovecraft's The Shadow Over Innsmouth. It fits so comfortably in the hand and is an absolute pleasure to READ. Just gorgeous.

Still.. kinda' wish I had that Centipede Lovecraft Behemoth in my collection. Kind of.

Ron

[peripheral]

Finally - a Lovecfraft thread - it's been something I've heart-heartedly been meaning to do for a few months now, so nice work Swintek! I've been a Lovecraft fan for years but only finally decided to start collecting him in the last month or so. In fact, I'm so new to collecting him that my couple of purchases are still in transit. I've decided to start with some of the Arkham first editions of my favourite Lovecraft works - I just love their presentation, ut, I'm a bit lost at sea with everything that's out there so would be keen to discuss with more experienced Lovecraft collectors. I'd also be very keen to see photographs of anyone's Lovecraft collections! Post post post...

[swintek]

I agree- post, please! Show us your wares! Gotta be some cool stuff out there. I'll do my best to get something shot and uploaded by the weekend.

[mae]

How is there not a Lovecraft thread here?

There is: http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?5324-Ia-Ia-Cthulhu-Fthagn!-The-Lovecraft-thread

[swintek]

How is there not a Lovecraft thread here?

There is: http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?5324-Ia-Ia-Cthulhu-Fthagn!-The-Lovecraft-thread

Wait...what?! Oh.... that's the dark side of the site. The place where we don't go. Wait.... we're already halfway there now, aren't we? Hmmm...

[swintek]

Here is that Heavenly Monkey Shadow Over Innsmouth that I mentioned earlier. The pictures do not do it justice.

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/SOI/46967ACF-D27C-4C65-9F3D-11DC0F4D911D.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/SOI/46967ACF-D27C-4C65-9F3D-11DC0F4D911D.jpg.html)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/SOI/12EA33FE-7CD1-4103-8596-1DACB3A0EFF8.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/SOI/12EA33FE-7CD1-4103-8596-1DACB3A0EFF8.jpg.html)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/SOI/4679A9BA-F23C-411A-BECA-31136A81BD2E.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/SOI/4679A9BA-F23C-411A-BECA-31136A81BD2E.jpg.html)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/SOI/0A101280-8531-404A-B5D6-44C74827E706.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/SOI/0A101280-8531-404A-B5D6-44C74827E706.jpg.html)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/SOI/3228DC22-D2E1-4592-9AF3-8573D54D2886_1.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/SOI/3228DC22-D2E1-4592-9AF3-8573D54D2886_1.jpg.html)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/SOI/3A81B22B-B600-4A8E-B6C5-14B8DD1BE7EC.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/SOI/3A81B22B-B600-4A8E-B6C5-14B8DD1BE7EC.jpg.html)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/SOI/F149806E-306F-48A2-85E1-59D72E5BABDC.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/SOI/F149806E-306F-48A2-85E1-59D72E5BABDC.jpg.html)

[RC65]

Holy smokes, that's gorgeous...reminds me a bit of a Centipede production.

[swintek]

Funny you said that, Ron- when I first got this book- a decade ago, I immediately wrote Jerad at Centipede about it and he was really enthusiastic. Don't know if he ever landed a copy, but, yeah- similar true Fine Press ideals. HM doesn't really do genre stuff, or even fiction for that matter. This was a one-off project for them. Interestingly, the deluxe, lettered in-house uber copy of SOI- is a softcover.

[Theli]

Woah, absolutely beautiful!

[peripheral]

That is a lovely edition, and I love that you rad this copy (carefully, I presume). When was this released, Swintek?

[swintek]

That is a lovely edition, and I love that you rad this copy (carefully, I presume). When was this released, Swintek?

I believe HM released this book in 2006. I do read all of my editions! That's the point for me- to read the finest edition available. I don't understand it any other way. I'm not going to kill it by reading it. It'd be like having a fine sports car and never driving it. Just keeping it under a car cover. But- I get that some of you all feel differently, and I respect that.

[peripheral]

That is a lovely edition, and I love that you rad this copy (carefully, I presume). When was this released, Swintek?

I believe HM released this book in 2006. I do read all of my editions! That's the point for me- to read the finest edition available. I don't understand it any other way. I'm not going to kill it by reading it. It'd be like having a fine sports car and never driving it. Just keeping it under a car cover. But- I get that some of you all feel differently, and I respect that.

I'm in the middle somewhere on the reading the special editions but understand your analogy. Some of my special editions (and first editions) I don't really see as books, but rather works of art that are in book format, so don't intend to read them. But there are others that I do intend to read because they are so beautiful - the King's "coffin box" The Stand is one of these I plan to read.

[peripheral]

Recently collected these. All are 1st / 1sts except for the Dunwich Horror, which is a 1st/ 2nd (finding this in a 1/1, with the $5.00 price on the DJ and in any half-decent condition, has proven very difficult so far).

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/900/medium/IMG_0294.JPG


http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/900/medium/IMG_0295.JPG

[swintek]

Those are all great! And look like in pretty good shape, too. I don't have any of those. My Lovecraft collection is pretty much more modern editions. I love the old Arkham's, though. In fact, way back in the middle-late 80's when looking for a good paperback collection of "Best of" stories (I believe there were heavy Dungeons & Dragons references that piqued my curiosity about Lovecraft!), a kind bookseller hand-sold me one of the new (at the time) Joshi corrected text Arkham House hardcover editions of THE DUNWICH HORROR & OTHERS (the Bayless green cover edition). That absolutely gorgeous little book, with gold-stamped boards and calligraphic title designs was the beginning of my love affair with real books (I also discovered Dark Harvest Press at the same time, and that was truly it. I was head over heels). But, yeah- I never had the scratch to chase down first editions. Thanks for posting!

Ron

[peripheral]

Those are all great! And look like in pretty good shape, too. I don't have any of those. My Lovecraft collection is pretty much more modern editions. I love the old Arkham's, though. In fact, way back in the middle-late 80's when looking for a good paperback collection of "Best of" stories (I believe there were heavy Dungeons & Dragons references that piqued my curiosity about Lovecraft!), a kind bookseller hand-sold me one of the new (at the time) Joshi corrected text Arkham House hardcover editions of THE DUNWICH HORROR & OTHERS (the Bayless green cover edition). That absolutely gorgeous little book, with gold-stamped boards and calligraphic title designs was the beginning of my love affair with real books (I also discovered Dark Harvest Press at the same time, and that was truly it. I was head over heels). But, yeah- I never had the scratch to chase down first editions. Thanks for posting!

Ron

Cheers Ron. I know that Joshi corrected text of Dunwich - an awesome cover. Whenever you have a moment, I'd love to see a photo of your Lovecraft shelf or even some detail of the modern Lovecraft collectibles out there (like your Heavenly Monkey edition). I can't seem to find much across the internet and am very interested. I also have a bunch of other Arkham firsts on their way in the mail, and will be sure to post them.

[peripheral]

I've been recently corresponding with Mike Davis from Lovecraft eZine to do an episode on Lovecraft book collecting. He liked the idea and finally did the episode yesterday. Enjoy...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET58ErR4JLg

Edit: The collecting focus starts around 1 hour, 23 mins in.

[swintek]

Excellent! I'm in. Thanks for the link.

Ron

[Odetta]

For the record, there is a Lovecraft thread in the Mansion... it is older than this thread, so this thread may be merged with it, unless anybody has a reason to keep them both open! :)

[Theli]

This thread is more focused on the collecting of his works than discussing his stories in general. I would keep them separate.

[Odetta]

good point

[peripheral]

Dark Regions have just launched their Cthulhu Mythos Kickstarter Campaign, featuring The Red Brain (S/L) edited by S.T. Joshi (A sequel to the A Mountain Walked anthology).

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...-regions-press

[somekindofstranger]

Dark Regions have just launched their Cthulhu Mythos Kickstarter Campaign, featuring The Red Brain (S/L) edited by S.T. Joshi (A sequel to the A Mountain Walked anthology).

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...-regions-press

I'll be going in for this.

[peripheral]

Dark Regions have just launched their Cthulhu Mythos Kickstarter Campaign, featuring The Red Brain (S/L) edited by S.T. Joshi (A sequel to the A Mountain Walked anthology).

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...-regions-press

I'll be going in for this.

Yep, I kicked in at the $150 S/L... I like the idea of matching the A Mountain Walked S/L (although they're going to have to pull out all the stops to match the Centipede Press quality).

[cit74]

Dark Regions have just launched their Cthulhu Mythos Kickstarter Campaign, featuring The Red Brain (S/L) edited by S.T. Joshi (A sequel to the A Mountain Walked anthology).

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...-regions-press

I'll be going in for this.

Yep, I kicked in at the $150 S/L... I like the idea of matching the A Mountain Walked S/L (although they're going to have to pull out all the stops to match the Centipede Press quality).

i spoke (email) with jerad at centipede to ask about this - he is not involved at all. i am just not sure if the quality will match - so i had not ordered one yet - a bit leary

[swintek]

Dark Regions have just launched their Cthulhu Mythos Kickstarter Campaign, featuring The Red Brain (S/L) edited by S.T. Joshi (A sequel to the A Mountain Walked anthology).

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...-regions-press

I'll be going in for this.

Yep, I kicked in at the $150 S/L... I like the idea of matching the A Mountain Walked S/L (although they're going to have to pull out all the stops to match the Centipede Press quality).

i spoke (email) with jerad at centipede to ask about this - he is not involved at all. i am just not sure if the quality will match - so i had not ordered one yet - a bit leary

I am a bit leary as well. It will take a lot to match the quality of the first one. I do have a few of their books (Dreams From The Witch House was particularly nice, even in Trade Paperback form), so I'm hopeful. What is frustrating about them- and I vented it all out to them on their Facebook page yesterday, for better or worse- is their incessant emails that are so mind-numbingly repetitive that one cannot find any real "news" amongst the same old stuff you just saw a few days ago. And a few days before that, and a few days before that... Their website was utterly unnavigable forever, and they just unveiled a brand new one- which may be worse. And, their "Kitchen Sink" crowd-funded listings are just a confusing mess. Dude- I just want to buy a book or two from you. Why make it so I move on in frustration? It's a shame, because, as I said- they seem to do really nice books.

Is it just me? Anybody else get a headache from their business model? Maybe I'm just getting older and crankier.("Maybe?!", says the wife over my shoulder)

[peripheral]

Let me start off by saying that Centipede Press's A Mountain Walked is in my top 10 S/L's for production quality. It's just beautiful and feels like museum quality. So I'm really not expecting Dark Regions to match it exactly. I've never got an S/L from them (I don't think - but I do have I Am The Abyss S/L on order), but I've found their paperbacks, their artwork choices, etc to be great so far. I'm most interested in the very idea of a sequel to A Mountain Walked - it's one of the most highly regarded books extending the Cthulhu mythos. And with Joshi on board, and that author contributor list, I think it's going to be an excellent addition to the Lovecraftian canon (in a world of a million Lovecraft additions!). So, whoever is publishing it, at $150, with a full sig sheet, it's worth the stretch for me. If they can pull off at least half the quality of CP's first volume, I'll be happy. And the artwork already looks amazing.

As for the website, yep, the previous one shit me to tears but their new one is fine to me. I also agree about the repetitive empty emails but I could also include a few of the other small press in that complaint (e.g., Gauntlet comes immediately to mind). One thing they do better than any other US small publisher - overseas shipping rates. It costs me half the price to get a book shipped from them to Australia, compared to say Cemetary Dance.

[swintek]

Damn- this is one I will be sad to miss. Just too steep for me:

http://www.foliosociety.com/book/HUL/the-call-of-cthulhu-limited

I'll probably bite on the regular edition, though:

http://www.foliosociety.com/book/CLU/the-call-of-cthulhu

Anyone interested (and have the scratch!) for a limited? Hope someone here gets one!

[somekindofstranger]

Damn- this is one I will be sad to miss. Just too steep for me:

http://www.foliosociety.com/book/HUL/the-call-of-cthulhu-limited

I'll probably bite on the regular edition, though:

http://www.foliosociety.com/book/CLU/the-call-of-cthulhu

Anyone interested (and have the scratch!) for a limited? Hope someone here gets one!

Would love the limited, but have to go for the regular this time. But the regular looks a lovely edition too.

[St. Troy]

Although they are beautiful books (I think they nailed the aesthetic/design), I am sitting these ones out, but would dearly love a Folio Society set covering all of HPL's fiction (not just a few "select tales"), not as one of their "LEs" (way out of my price range), but as standard editions.

[mae]

The Barnes & Noble and the Hippocampus Press editions of the complete fiction are all I need.

[St. Troy]

The Barnes & Noble and the Hippocampus Press editions of the complete fiction are all I need.

I have the B&N but had never heard of Hippocampus, which I just looked up and looks nice.

Does the Hippocampus set have interior illustrations or a slipcase?

[mae]

No and no, sorry. But great books. I have pretty much all of their main HPL hardcovers, the essays series is my favorite.

[peripheral]

Both of those Folio editions look really lovely, but like St Troy, I'd only really stretch if it were the complete works, at this stage.

[swintek]

Re: The Folio books: Here's a curious thing:

I was reading a wired.co.uk article on the new Lovecraft editions (http://www.wired.co.uk/article/cthulhu-images-hp-lovecraft) and noticed that they mentioned the prices in GBP as "£75 and £345 respectively". And, if you log into the UK Folio site, those prices are confirmed. Even my atrocious math- and vague sense of international currency adjustment rates- set off my spidey senses. As of yesterday, that equals about $448 for the limited and $97 for the regular edition. Yet the US site lists the books as $575 and $120, respectively. That's a pretty significant bump on the limited. I wrote them and they basically said, 'yeah- we mark up the books for the US market because we eat a lot on shipping and insurance'. That may be true, but, I buy a lot of PS books, and SST books, and Tolkien HarperCollins books- and I've never experienced a mark up because it was going to the US..

[St. Troy]

Re: The Folio books: Here's a curious thing:

I was reading a wired.co.uk article on the new Lovecraft editions (http://www.wired.co.uk/article/cthulhu-images-hp-lovecraft) and noticed that they mentioned the prices in GBP as "£75 and £345 respectively". And, if you log into the UK Folio site, those prices are confirmed. Even my atrocious math- and vague sense of international currency adjustment rates- set off my spidey senses. As of yesterday, that equals about $448 for the limited and $97 for the regular edition. Yet the US site lists the books as $575 and $120, respectively. That's a pretty significant bump on the limited. I wrote them and they basically said, 'yeah- we mark up the books for the US market because we eat a lot on shipping and insurance'. That may be true, but, I buy a lot of PS books, and SST books, and Tolkien HarperCollins books- and I've never experienced a mark up because it was going to the US..

Yeah, FS is known for doing this to a few (at least) countries; FS addicts don't like it and have occasionally lobbied for FS to find a way around it, but as yet to no avail.

[swintek]

Received the Folio Lovecraft today (regular edition), and it is immediately impressive. It is certainly the most beautiful Lovecraft collection ever issued, by far. I can't think of anything that comes close (Heavenly Monkey's Shadow Over Innsmouth is still the pinnacle of books that bear the name Lovecraft, in my opinion, but that is a single story). As stated above, the only knock on this- and it's considerable- is that it is just a handful of stories (see the Table Of Contents in the pics below- if I do it right). If it were a more "complete"- or even a respectable attempt- collection, I'd call it essential. As is, it's merely for the hardcore collector. But- it really is nice. When I want to read any of the stories that the Folio contains*- I will read this edition, no question.

* except for The Shadow Over Innsmouth (see above)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/Books/5E4BF943-EBE3-4A18-BA31-9569C41F35E5.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/Books/5E4BF943-EBE3-4A18-BA31-9569C41F35E5.jpg.html)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/Books/BF1FF7EA-18DA-4B14-9C14-AABF1BF8A12F.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/Books/BF1FF7EA-18DA-4B14-9C14-AABF1BF8A12F.jpg.html)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/Books/014E09FA-926E-432D-9612-DCB9AB3CD90F.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/Books/014E09FA-926E-432D-9612-DCB9AB3CD90F.jpg.html)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/Books/9958572A-09AD-4023-9842-5A83476B06C8.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/Books/9958572A-09AD-4023-9842-5A83476B06C8.jpg.html)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/Books/3A7BFCFC-A75E-49A4-BB05-F0039EEEE892.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/Books/3A7BFCFC-A75E-49A4-BB05-F0039EEEE892.jpg.html)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/Books/7461744E-9165-46C6-9E53-79F10558F004.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/Books/7461744E-9165-46C6-9E53-79F10558F004.jpg.html)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/Books/029C2082-56A8-4AC2-BBA4-00F6564B7DEA.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/Books/029C2082-56A8-4AC2-BBA4-00F6564B7DEA.jpg.html)

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/swintek9/Books/9AC15DF7-0365-4E66-B63E-8F8B1AD42912.jpg (http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/media/Books/9AC15DF7-0365-4E66-B63E-8F8B1AD42912.jpg.html)

[jsmcmullen92]

These exact same stories have been published a few times together. My guess is they only got the rights to that book vs the full compilation book. Either way that is a beautiful edition.

[St. Troy]

Great artwork. FS nailed the Lovecraft vibe (and anyone who hasn't should check out their "limited edition" of this, which goes for $575.00). Likewise, if they published a full collection of his works (perhaps a set of 4 or 5 volumes similar to this), hell yeah, I'm in (pending the wife's permission, as always).

[somekindofstranger]

My 'regular' edition arrived from folio today and I agree it is impressive. My only other lovecraft collection is an old paperback so buying this was an easy decision!

[swintek]

My 'regular' edition arrived from folio today and I agree it is impressive. My only other lovecraft collection is an old paperback so buying this was an easy decision!

Awesome! What an upgrade- congrats! I absolutely love this volume, and I hope Folio does more.

[ur2ndbiggestfan]

That is a nice looking book.

[mae]

I would still highly recommend picking up the B&N edition, if the HP edition is no longer available:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barnes-noble-leatherbound-classics-hp-lovecraft-h-p-lovecraft/1106658815

[swintek]

I would still highly recommend picking up the B&N edition, if the HP edition is no longer available:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barnes-noble-leatherbound-classics-hp-lovecraft-h-p-lovecraft/1106658815

Yep, that one is pretty essential, I agree. I also really like their recent Cthulhu-centric edition (with the great John Coulthart design and poster): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-complete-cthulhu-mythos-tales-hp-lovecraft/1115399083?ean=9781435162556 I think that one is equally essential, for various reasons.

This one, however, while... nice... I won't pay $180 for: https://www.eastonpress.com/prod/DA5/3334/THE-COMPLETE-FICTION-OF-H-P--LOVECRAFT.

I've been waiting for them to do a Complete volume like this, but thought it would be more in the $60 range. Wonder why they went so expensive on this unsigned, un-illustrated, kind of bare bones Easton book? Weird.. in any case- nope. Too steep.

[frik]

Some of my favorite editions:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/540/a67fae.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/537/f55551.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/661/a754af.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/633/867b57.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/537/023d6f.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/540/c3cc2a.jpg

sk

[swintek]

Nice! Some of my favorites, too! Are the Arkham editions 1st "corrected" printings, respectively? Meaning, DH will be a "corrected 6th printing" (that is the first issue of the corrected texts, with the green Bayless cover).

Links to a guide of lovecraft collections:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dunwich_Horror_and_Others
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Short_story_collections_by_H._P._Lovecraf t

[frik]

Are the Arkham editions 1st "corrected" printings, respectively? Meaning, DH will be a "corrected 6th printing" (that is the first issue of the corrected texts, with the green Bayless cover).

The other two are corrected 5th printings.

sk

[swintek]

Are the Arkham editions 1st "corrected" printings, respectively? Meaning, DH will be a "corrected 6th printing" (that is the first issue of the corrected texts, with the green Bayless cover).

The other two are corrected 5th printings.

sk

Yep, the Corrected 5th printings are the "firsts" for those other two books ("6th", for DH, as I said above). I love those editions.

[Br!an]

I would still highly recommend picking up the B&N edition, if the HP edition is no longer available:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barnes-noble-leatherbound-classics-hp-lovecraft-h-p-lovecraft/1106658815

Yep, that one is pretty essential, I agree. I also really like their recent Cthulhu-centric edition (with the great John Coulthart design and poster): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-complete-cthulhu-mythos-tales-hp-lovecraft/1115399083?ean=9781435162556 I think that one is equally essential, for various reasons.



Those are both great books for twenty bucks. :thumbsup:

[somekindofstranger]

Ps publishing are having a sale with a decent discount on a set of their illustrated lovecraft series...

http://pspublishing2.com/all-12-illustrated-lovecraft-hardcover-911-p.asp

[swintek]

Ps publishing are having a sale with a decent discount on a set if their illustrated lovecraft series...

http://pspublishing2.com/all-12-illustrated-lovecraft-hardcover-911-p.asp

Thanks! Excellent deal, that I took advantage of last time. Recommended set of books, for sure.

[ur2ndbiggestfan]

I saw the Barnes & Noble edition the other day but I didn't buy it. But I got a 20% off coupon in the mail today so maybe I'll go back and get it.

[craigobau]

PS Publishing are running a special price of GBP£100 plus postage for the first 12 Illustrated Lovecraft books;

http://pspublishing2.com/offer---all-12-illustrated-lovecraft-hardcover-911-p.asp


They also announced the final four instalments of the series which will be;

Vol 13 - The Festival & Other Abnormalities
Vol 14 - Herbet West: Reanimator
Vol 15 - Dagon & Diverse Monstrosities
Vol 16 - The Other Gods & Various Ethereal Effusions

[peripheral]

DREAMS FROM THE WITCH HOUSE: FEMALE VOICES OF LOVECRAFTIAN HORROR (https://darkregions.com/collections/horror-summer-sale/products/dreams-from-the-witch-house-female-voices-of-lovecraftian-horror?variant=35693932109) looks like a great anthology with some leading names. I just purchased the S/L as part of Dark Regions 50% off sale...

[swintek]

DREAMS FROM THE WITCH HOUSE: FEMALE VOICES OF LOVECRAFTIAN HORROR (https://darkregions.com/collections/horror-summer-sale/products/dreams-from-the-witch-house-female-voices-of-lovecraftian-horror?variant=35693932109) looks like a great anthology with some leading names. I just purchased the S/L as part of Dark Regions 50% off sale...

Did you get a confirmation on that? The sale is only for in stock items, and the S/L is still listed as a preorder- as it's not done yet. If they are letting that through- what a great deal! I have the paperback and it's gorgeous.

[craigobau]

I haven't ready many of the newer Cthulhu mythos writers (read the first volume of the Black Wing series which I thought was quite hit and miss) but I've really enjoyed recently reading some of original weird fiction authors such as Algernon Blackwood and William Hope Hodgson, both of whom Lovecraft mentions in his many letters as having read.

Speaking of Lovecraft's letters, can anyone recommend a particular volume from the Hippocampus series of letters (and the essays) as a good intro to Lovecraft's correspondence?

Thanks.

[peripheral]

DREAMS FROM THE WITCH HOUSE: FEMALE VOICES OF LOVECRAFTIAN HORROR (https://darkregions.com/collections/horror-summer-sale/products/dreams-from-the-witch-house-female-voices-of-lovecraftian-horror?variant=35693932109) looks like a great anthology with some leading names. I just purchased the S/L as part of Dark Regions 50% off sale...

Did you get a confirmation on that? The sale is only for in stock items, and the S/L is still listed as a preorder- as it's not done yet. If they are letting that through- what a great deal! I have the paperback and it's gorgeous.

Yep, messaged Chris Morey via Facebook prior to ordering and he confirmed, then order went through with discount. I have the pb also and love it - the artwork is mind blowing. It looks like only 9 S/L's are left...

[mae]

Speaking of Lovecraft's letters, can anyone recommend a particular volume from the Hippocampus series of letters (and the essays) as a good intro to Lovecraft's correspondence?

I don't have many of the letters volumes but the essays volumes are essential, in my opinion. I would get them all. But if I had to single out one it would be Travels. Really fascinating.

[craigobau]

Speaking of Lovecraft's letters, can anyone recommend a particular volume from the Hippocampus series of letters (and the essays) as a good intro to Lovecraft's correspondence?

I don't have many of the letters volumes but the essays volumes are essential, in my opinion. I would get them all. But if I had to single out one it would be Travels. Really fascinating.

Thanks Pablo.

I was thinking of starting with the Travels essay, so its good to have a recommendation for this one.

[St. Troy]

Is anyone aware of a standalone hardcover of The Case Of Charles Dexter Ward other than the one from PS Publishing?

[craigobau]

Is anyone aware of a standalone hardcover of The Case Of Charles Dexter Ward other than the one from PS Publishing?

Check out the link below;

https://www.ut.edu/TampaPress/pressDetail.aspx?id=18776

[St. Troy]

Excellent; thanks.

[WeDealInLead]

PS Publishing is having a sale on their 17 volume illustrated set: https://pspublishing2.com/illustrated-lovecraft---17-book-collection-1053-p.asp

[herbertwest]

That's interesting and quite unique: a postcard written and signed by HP Lovecraft

=> on ebay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FH-P-Lovecraft-Autograph-Postcard-Signed%2F293838388624&campid=5338339859&toolid=20008)

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/byEAAOSw8pFfs9AP/s-l1600.jpg

[JeremyM]

Not sure if this is appropriate or not, but a copy of the Heavenly Monkey ‘The Shadow Over Innmouth’ just popped up on ABE. It’s one of the ‘abyssal’ editions that included an extra proof of one of the lovely Shinsuke Minegishi engravings. Still looking for one of the Ichthyic editions for my bookshelf.

Edited: Gone already apparently - didn't take long

[swintek]

Entirely appropriate! Alas, it looks like that copy has disappeared quickly, and rightly so: The Batrachian is my favorite book in my entire 30 years amassed book collection. Though probably not for sale, I think RC65 here has an Ichthyic- the only one I've seen outside of HM's own website pics. Speaking of which: your post prompted me to check back there- it's been awhile- and, was shocked to discover they did a new edition! Combined with sheets from an old privately printed History of the Necronomicon. Uber limited to 16 copies and long gone. That's gonna torture me. Looks gorgeous!

http://www.heavenlymonkey.com/Innsmouth2020.html

[JeremyM]

Not sure if you're aware of this one or not, but he used the text of 'The Horror at Red Hook' in a book detailing typeface usage at the press - http://www.heavenlymonkey.com/TPP.html

[swintek]

Ah, yes, I do remember that! Never got one, though. Did you? Love to see pics!

[JeremyM]

I've been on the lookout for one of the deluxe copies, to no avail. Just ordered one of the standard editions, will take some pics when it arrives.

[swintek]

I've been on the lookout for one of the deluxe copies, to no avail. Just ordered one of the standard editions, will take some pics when it arrives.

Excellent. It looks like all copies were bound in different paper boards. Love to see as many of those as possible. BTW, do you remember what that Abyssal edition was going for on ABE earlier? Just curious.

[JeremyM]

BTW, do you remember what that Abyssal edition was going for on ABE earlier? Just curious.

$600 or so? If I recall correctly.

[lotuz]

Entirely appropriate! Alas, it looks like that copy has disappeared quickly, and rightly so: The Batrachian is my favorite book in my entire 30 years amassed book collection. Though probably not for sale, I think RC65 here has an Ichthyic- the only one I've seen outside of HM's own website pics. Speaking of which: your post prompted me to check back there- it's been awhile- and, was shocked to discover they did a new edition! Combined with sheets from an old privately printed History of the Necronomicon. Uber limited to 16 copies and long gone. That's gonna torture me. Looks gorgeous!

http://www.heavenlymonkey.com/Innsmouth2020.html

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

The Ichthyic edition is one of my long-term grails. I've never seen one for sale :(

When the Abyssal edition popped up I almost bought it - and probably should have - but what I really want is that Ichthyic. Such an amazing book...

[swintek]

Entirely appropriate! Alas, it looks like that copy has disappeared quickly, and rightly so: The Batrachian is my favorite book in my entire 30 years amassed book collection. Though probably not for sale, I think RC65 here has an Ichthyic- the only one I've seen outside of HM's own website pics. Speaking of which: your post prompted me to check back there- it's been awhile- and, was shocked to discover they did a new edition! Combined with sheets from an old privately printed History of the Necronomicon. Uber limited to 16 copies and long gone. That's gonna torture me. Looks gorgeous!

http://www.heavenlymonkey.com/Innsmouth2020.html

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

The Ichthyic edition is one of my long-term grails. I've never seen one for sale :(

When the Abyssal edition popped up I almost bought it - and probably should have - but what I really want is that Ichthyic. Such an amazing book...

Oh, yeah- that edition looks absolutely amazing. I'm sure those 25 copies got immediately squirreled away all those years ago (sadly, probably by HM's usual customers, who- according to Rollin Milroy- were "suspicious of HPL"). But, hang in there, Lotus- you never know! Patience rewards the ardent collector, as you well know. Do you have the Batrachian, at least?

[lotuz]

Entirely appropriate! Alas, it looks like that copy has disappeared quickly, and rightly so: The Batrachian is my favorite book in my entire 30 years amassed book collection. Though probably not for sale, I think RC65 here has an Ichthyic- the only one I've seen outside of HM's own website pics. Speaking of which: your post prompted me to check back there- it's been awhile- and, was shocked to discover they did a new edition! Combined with sheets from an old privately printed History of the Necronomicon. Uber limited to 16 copies and long gone. That's gonna torture me. Looks gorgeous!

http://www.heavenlymonkey.com/Innsmouth2020.html

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

The Ichthyic edition is one of my long-term grails. I've never seen one for sale :(

When the Abyssal edition popped up I almost bought it - and probably should have - but what I really want is that Ichthyic. Such an amazing book...

Oh, yeah- that edition looks absolutely amazing. I'm sure those 25 copies got immediately squirreled away all those years ago (sadly, probably by HM's usual customers, who- according to Rollin Milroy- were "suspicious of HPL"). But, hang in there, Lotus- you never know! Patience rewards the ardent collector, as you well know. Do you have the Batrachian, at least?

No, I don't. I've been holding out for the Ichthyic all along. Though hearing that the Batrachian is your favorite book (and I know you appreciate a good HPL tome) has got me maybe changing my mind about this...

[JeremyM]

Here are a couple of photos of Types/Paper/Print. It's a really interesting edition, perhaps less so for someone like myself who is relatively new to fine press and the materials and processes involved in letterpress printing. That said, certainly I can see a bit of delight and humor come through here - 'hiding' a Lovecraft story in a type specimen book. And reading the story in constantly altering typefaces - the type growing smaller throughout each page as well, certainly has an odd feeling. Also included is a photo of the prospectus from 2012 that was tucked into the book.

Really like the Shinsuke Minegishi engraving.

https://bn1304files.storage.live.com/y4m3AwJjIVjNr8lLRaamU4uk6WsxaB1HV51yWqZzuPuer-GuKm1RaFu5VLNMi2tUYddiM-35OHG515zJJi58JwJJkNkzKUCP937_ZI2WvDrxe5NPqSX2mzsJ n6SEItVP9bM--2DhJaru7ODNyXLLDCpavZzBD1u-egljl8weWfgRhBv67KsOYo6h33lIYikKg3S?width=1080&height=1440&cropmode=none

https://bn1304files.storage.live.com/y4mFOfB9cuKq5S2Gu40M24mfXTqbhEt-4RPtKQBZdeAfGD2n-KHUquMHOMmhL4O-izLUiqmYT44hvX6WiI-ocSV_-LuXgAq0HQTACTRnF4cDF11EQv96jpp9R9mmrxizGL6Di8xLYUS aO6b3vY85kPWg4c3IZPv62l22VvD580D0L93_O4qetC_sEudyf-hrJUV?width=1080&height=1440&cropmode=none

https://bn1304files.storage.live.com/y4m6aN2Gr3Dq5oQkObVUZtGbEjyVk77WqWc78x4UH1bP0-cSB8fXqXqO5s7h8XxKYM0wVpcBS8YLaMFWQsYZUg4femYh5mbO BMyu7iZIsILyQ43YxdSvCYCXGCNmUtLJwoEVX1Usv2N5vPXQ6f uFQkqF-iCVmYfC3x7q37D_fc6qS3RzzPJYEfQeaAn-Zdfkl-j?width=1440&height=1080&cropmode=none

https://bn1304files.storage.live.com/y4mFESg4PPNWXw8vPLilVoPCnNZKHQkjIABqbrIzu1rU_ZezPA 6bk0XbGIkfiQ2FXfXjkWYyBXDFbARfJ49It8Te1JwbSzJGSQQP psb7T7VUhX0HiVCBZZ4Xm_WC5Pw9mYWYVQylJy1bam42B0tQUS RU3cDmOVDQTqVWJwxqNCuVvWzUfe_QoYeML_zSFZI0ZfM?widt h=1080&height=1440&cropmode=none

https://bn1304files.storage.live.com/y4mG9OBZbj691k5DikN1e7YNt_kOPO3KBw-mnvc1P9Rt295bRPP8pVV2U7wk1itvf26i0AaLBR00MQdxEMNK5 ZAgWr6YluPDSR-8ZOq7QuslVawvjX-6_DUSXaip8qUpiL4ybIDLYtQQVqcNO89Zkudw3Z4gICxgRawDN n5afrfZHxc7xvToS_B-cG_i8AMon3t?width=1440&height=1080&cropmode=none

https://bn1304files.storage.live.com/y4mitIBBhGBE6PbNhVtuOXnaV_ofMPWKUgEySHjfSg5y3Hmduy fuGHe4aZEKSnGFt57qJ7tZFwy2-s_yr09zfPQlbVMZS_iVSJqNgHfeVuQ7SUW9_zh6-xUo97rj5kCRvdKYlChYqOl3P9uyLXyFHJ2Erb3Dj_dhumCyxTC 6xdvrEffSm7IQ30B-ZBF-i76PesJ?width=1080&height=1440&cropmode=none

[swintek]

Wow, that is fascinating. I love that Minegishi piece, too. Man, if I had the extra scratch- I'd be all over that. Thanks SO much for the pics and thoughts- invaluable here. Much Appreciated!

[herbertwest]

This is very impressive. And you can see how the paper is not flat but "ribbed" or whatever is the word

[mae]

Question! I have been out of the loop seemingly for several years. I have Hippocampus Press's three hardcover Variorum Edition volumes of HPL's complete fiction and I saw they published a fourth volume of collaborations and revisions, but only in paperback? There was no hardcover? I can't find it.

[swintek]

Question! I have been out of the loop seemingly for several years. I have Hippocampus Press's three hardcover Variorum Edition volumes of HPL's complete fiction and I saw they published a fourth volume of collaborations and revisions, but only in paperback? There was no hardcover? I can't find it.

Don't worry- you didn't miss a Hardcover of Vol 4- they didn't make one, weirdly. Just the TPB. But, I hear that they may do one soon!

[mae]

Question! I have been out of the loop seemingly for several years. I have Hippocampus Press's three hardcover Variorum Edition volumes of HPL's complete fiction and I saw they published a fourth volume of collaborations and revisions, but only in paperback? There was no hardcover? I can't find it.

Don't worry- you didn't miss a Hardcover of Vol 4- they didn't make one, weirdly. Just the TPB. But, I hear that they may do one soon!

Oh really? I think I used to be on their mailing list but I haven't had anything from them in a long time. Maybe's it's been going to spam...

[swintek]

Question! I have been out of the loop seemingly for several years. I have Hippocampus Press's three hardcover Variorum Edition volumes of HPL's complete fiction and I saw they published a fourth volume of collaborations and revisions, but only in paperback? There was no hardcover? I can't find it.

Don't worry- you didn't miss a Hardcover of Vol 4- they didn't make one, weirdly. Just the TPB. But, I hear that they may do one soon!

Oh really? I think I used to be on their mailing list but I haven't had anything from them in a long time. Maybe's it's been going to spam...

No, Hippocampus' email is... spotty, if not barely functioning. I haven't received one in.. well over a year, I think. Their main newsletter used to be through the old Yahoo Newsgroup email messages. I think as of last year they were still trying to figure out how to keep using that dead horse. Odd. Why not just a regular email newsletter? Anyway, most of their news these days seems to be had from their Facebook page, and even more so- S.T. Joshi's monthly(ish) blog updates. http://stjoshi.org/news.html I may have heard about the aforementioned Revisions Hardcover from the latter.

[mae]

Indeed, here it is:

http://stjoshi.org/news2020.html

Hippocampus Press still plans to issue a bevy of items soon, if it has not already done so. I believe Lovecraft’s Letters to Rheinhart Kleiner and Others is already out, but I have not received any copies. My three-volume edition of Ambrose Bierce’s collected fiction (a reorganisation of the edition published in hardcover by University of Tennessee Press in 2006) should be out soon. 20 Years of Hippocampus Press, a complete catalogue of every book, magazine, or other item that the press has published, with full tables of contents and commentary by myself and the publisher, should also be out soon. Early next year should see the publication of Arthur Machen’s Autobiographical Writings and the hardcover edition of volume 4 of Lovecraft’s Collected Fiction: A Variorum Edition, this one containing the four stories revised for C. M. Eddy, Jr., and a few other stray items that did not make it into the paperback edition of 2017. Many more items are scheduled for 2021!

That's from December 2020, so should be fairly soon?

Excited! :panic:

[swintek]

Well-spotted! This will rectify that severe wrong of issuing the final (and vital) volume of an important hardcover set- in paperback.

[ur2ndbiggestfan]

For Lovecraft collectors who just have to have everything---

Armchair Fiction is publishing a paperback in their MASTERS OF HORROR SERIES called MASTERS OF HORROR, Vol. Two H. P. Lovecraft, the Fully Illustrated Weird Tales Collection

Dig deep in your wallets! It's well over 300 pages and costs a whopping $16.95!

Available from Sinister Cinema

[JeremyM]

Speaking of which: your post prompted me to check back there- it's been awhile- and, was shocked to discover they did a new edition! Combined with sheets from an old privately printed History of the Necronomicon. Uber limited to 16 copies and long gone. That's gonna torture me. Looks gorgeous!

http://www.heavenlymonkey.com/Innsmouth2020.html

FYI - A dealer has listed one of these copies for sale, though the asking price is steep.

On another note, I was able to track down a copy of 'The Innsmouth Look' recently - which contains the engravings from 'Shadow Over Innsmouth' along with a representative quote from the story, printed on a really nice handmade paper. Some really interesting touches in this, a nice companion piece to the book.

[swintek]

Speaking of which: your post prompted me to check back there- it's been awhile- and, was shocked to discover they did a new edition! Combined with sheets from an old privately printed History of the Necronomicon. Uber limited to 16 copies and long gone. That's gonna torture me. Looks gorgeous!

http://www.heavenlymonkey.com/Innsmouth2020.html

FYI - A dealer has listed one of these copies for sale, though the asking price is steep.

On another note, I was able to track down a copy of 'The Innsmouth Look' recently - which contains the engravings from 'Shadow Over Innsmouth' along with a representative quote from the story, printed on a really nice handmade paper. Some really interesting touches in this, a nice companion piece to the book.

Congrats on The Innsmouth Look! That's really tough to track down. I don't have it, and probably never will, so appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks for the heads-up on that 2020 edition. Yeah, too rich for me, but I'll tell you what: half the "juice" of this edition (besides the beautiful binding, of course)- is the absolutely fascinating colophon/description in the bookseller's listing. It's got it's own bit of mystery and intrigue and I could read it over and over!:

About this Item
First printing of this new edition, limited to just 16 copies, 14 of which were for sale. Octavo, 5 x 7.5 inches, bound by Claudia Cohen in quarter black leather over antique Copenhagen marbled paper boards with a leather fore-edge, all tooled in gilt. This book combines two publications: Sixteen sets of unbound extra sheets from Heavenly Monkey's 2005 edition of THE SHADOW OVER INNSMOUTH were found when the bindery closed - these are extras from the Batrachian issue, printed on Mohawk paper by David Clifford at Black Stone Press, Vancouver. The book s original colophon has been removed, and replaced with proofs of Shinsuke Minegishi s wood engravings pulled from the blocks at Heavenly Monkey, February 2020. They are printed on gampi paper made by Reg Lissel. Some years after publishing INNSMOUTH, several dozen copies of a very curious edition of THE HISTORY OF THE NECRONOMICON pamphlet were presented to HM, from the estate of the original printer, with the invitation to put them to some use. The family asked only that the person behind the publication remain anonymous. The exact print run is not known, but as it was done by an amateur printer for distribution to fellow enthusiasts (which the family confirmed), it cannot have been a large number. Apparently some flaw in the printing or text was discovered shortly after its production, and few copies were distributed. This new edition binds up the leftover sheets from the 2005 INNSMOUTH with the NECRONOMICON pamphlet, plus it includes proofs pulled from the wood engravings by Shinsuke Minegishi Based on Drawings by Hieronymus Bosch bound between INNSMOUTH and THE HISTORY. Shinsuke's signature appears under the frontispiece engraving, which folds out to show a map of Innsmouth. The colophon calls for copies to be bound in full leather, but the sheets were sent to the binder at the beginning of March, 2020, just as the world started to close down due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The leather was unavailable in the quality and quantity required for the 16 copies, but years ago the binder had purchased, in Copenhagen, a small number of decorated papers from (she thinks) the 1930s. She had been saving for the right project, and it proved a perfect accent for Innsmouth, much more evocative and distinct than plain old leather (even in her hands). Thus, the binding is quarter leather with a leather fore-edge, all tooled in gilt. An erratum is inserted behind the colophon, explaining this change. The book is housed in a cloth and matching marbled paper folding solander case with leather spine label titled in gilt.

A Note on THE HISTORY OF THE NECRONOMICON pamphlet. It is not listed in Owings' or Joshi's bibliographies and is, apparently, previously unknown. It was printed with the full original title from the 1937 edition, plus the lines "With New Appendices Examining / Evidence Related to the First Printed Edition." The first appendix is titled "Notice of a Fragment," excerpting a section from "Bibliographical Notes & News" in the April, 1939 edition of The London Mercury (a literary journal published from 1919 to 1939). The excerpt concerns a recently discovered printed fragment reported by the British Library, which might have been from a previously unrecorded Spanish incunable. A facsimile of the fragment (11 incomplete lines of Latin in a gothic type) is included. The second appendix is titled "Commentary on a Notice," and draws some connections between the fragment and Lovecraft's brief (and not entirely accurate) references to the printed editions of the Necronomicon. Both Appendices are unsigned and unattributed. The entire pamphlet is 12 pages, originally issued stapled in self-wraps. There is no indication of when it was produced, but the production (letterpress, all black, no color), and a few references in the text, suggest late 1960s or early 1970s.

[swintek]

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_3721.JPG (http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=29527&title=hm-soi&cat=500)

Oh Boy. I just couldn't help myself. I'll never be able to take pictures good enough to do it justice. There's a bunch in my gallery, here, which I am unsure how to link to.

[swintek]

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_3720.JPG (http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=29526&title=hm-soi&cat=500)

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_37161.JPG (http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=29523&title=hm-soi&cat=500)

[swintek]

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_3731.JPG (http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=29537&title=hm-soi&cat=500)

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_37301.JPG (http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=29536&title=hm-soi&cat=500)

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_3733.JPG (http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=29539&title=hm-soi&cat=500)

[Merlin1958]

You know, I feel like I should own at least one, Lovecraft 1st edition or limited. I mean he is an iconic author and considered a "Master of Horror", but in truth I never really cared for his work. To be honest, I only read one or two of his books. Maybe I need to give him another shot. Any suggestions? I,m pretty sure I read, "In the Mouth of Madness" or something like that. FWIW, generally speaking I found him a little too "out there" so maybe something a little more grounded? I'm open to another attempt.

[JeremyM]

You know, I feel like I should own at least one, Lovecraft 1st edition or limited. I mean he is an iconic author and considered a "Master of Horror", but in truth I never really cared for his work. To be honest, I only read one or two of his books. Maybe I need to give him another shot. Any suggestions? I,m pretty sure I read, "In the Mouth of Madness" or something like that. FWIW, generally speaking I found him a little too "out there" so maybe something a little more grounded? I'm open to another attempt.

Well, a lot of Lovecraft's work (at least his more popular stories) is concerned with cosmic, existential horror. I'm thinking you read 'At the Mountains of Madness' - if I recall 'In the Mouth of Madness' was the title of a Lovecraft inspired John Carpenter flick. Personally I think 'Shadow Over Innsmouth' is as good as place to start as any for something a little more grounded - though still plenty bizarre and horrifying. The HP Lovecraft literary podcast is also a great resource for getting some historical and literary perspective on Lovecraft's work.

[Merlin1958]

You know, I feel like I should own at least one, Lovecraft 1st edition or limited. I mean he is an iconic author and considered a "Master of Horror", but in truth I never really cared for his work. To be honest, I only read one or two of his books. Maybe I need to give him another shot. Any suggestions? I,m pretty sure I read, "In the Mouth of Madness" or something like that. FWIW, generally speaking I found him a little too "out there" so maybe something a little more grounded? I'm open to another attempt.

Well, a lot of Lovecraft's work (at least his more popular stories) is concerned with cosmic, existential horror. I'm thinking you read 'At the Mountains of Madness' - if I recall 'In the Mouth of Madness' was the title of a Lovecraft inspired John Carpenter flick. Personally I think 'Shadow Over Innsmouth' is as good as place to start as any for something a little more grounded - though still plenty bizarre and horrifying. The HP Lovecraft literary podcast is also a great resource for getting some historical and literary perspective on Lovecraft's work.

Thanks a bunch, my friend. Would you have the link to that podcast?

[JeremyM]

Thanks a bunch, my friend. Would you have the link to that podcast?

Yep - https://hppodcraft.com/ - they've done a ton of episodes, but worth going back and starting at the beginning if you're specifically interested in Lovecraft.

[swintek]

I agree with JeremyM, both about hppodcraft, and, of course, THE SHADOW OVER INNSMOUTH (it's my favorite- see above!). Lovecraft's pretty polarizing, so- I wouldn't feel like you're missing something if you just don't respond to his wordy, often pedantic prose. It's been said that Lovecraft fans usually come to him early on (in teenage years, especially), and then remain fans. Any much later and he seems harder to appreciate. That probably says a lot. And, there's (very roughly) 3 different types of his stories: The earlier Poe influenced twist ending horror stories, the mid period Dreamlands stories, and the latter years Cosmic Horror stories that are what really cements him as an important, unique voice in all of Weird Fiction. AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS is one of the latter- and a great one- but it takes a loooong time to get going. It's downright boring for the entire first third of a very long story. But- the payoff is worth the effort. If that doesn't float your boat, a lot of people prefer the earlier stories like THE HOUND, and THE RATS IN THE WALLS, both classics.

[ur2ndbiggestfan]

That is an indescribably eldritch accursed volume!

I like it very much!

[swintek]

That is an indescribably eldritch accursed volume!

I like it very much!

Well said. I agree! It's.. Other-Worldly Gorgeous. It's the EXACT kind of volume that this important story in the birth of modern Horror & Weird Fiction, and, indeed- Lovecraft himself- deserved. Especially this particular lovingly-made edition with all of the verisimilitude of mysteriously found pieces and synchronistic elements (see colophon above) that make up what I think is a perfect Lovecraftian book. It's a true gem in form and content.

[craigobau]

I would also recommend checking out the Alan Moore “Providence” graphic novel series which weaves the events from many of HPL’s stories into a single narrative about a journalist in 1919 investigating a series of strange events.

Highly recommended, even is you’re not a fan of graphic novels.

[swintek]

I would also recommend checking out the Alan Moore “Providence” graphic novel series which weaves the events from many of HPL’s stories into a single narrative about a journalist in 1919 investigating a series of strange events.

Highly recommended, even is you’re not a fan of graphic novels.

GREAT suggestion! As a long-time Alan Moore Super Fan- I found PROVIDENCE to be among his absolute best works. It is brilliantly conceived and executed- and a hell of a lot of fun! A good working knowledge of the main HPL stories really enhances what Moore does with the narrative, and even then I found myself having to consult the wonderful DEEP dive companion annotation site: https://factsprovidence.wordpress.com/. It is also important to read THE COURTYARD and NEONOMICON first, as PROVIDENCE is both a prequel- and sequel to both (it's complicated).

Also, timely, as the PROVIDENCE TPB complete collected edition is about to be published, and will be available fairly cheaply for the whole run.

[cit74]

I would also recommend checking out the Alan Moore “Providence” graphic novel series which weaves the events from many of HPL’s stories into a single narrative about a journalist in 1919 investigating a series of strange events.

Highly recommended, even is you’re not a fan of graphic novels.

GREAT suggestion! As a long-time Alan Moore Super Fan- I found PROVIDENCE to be among his absolute best works. It is brilliantly conceived and executed- and a hell of a lot of fun! A good working knowledge of the main HPL stories really enhances what Moore does with the narrative, and even then I found myself having to consult the wonderful DEEP dive companion annotation site: https://factsprovidence.wordpress.com/. It is also important to read THE COURTYARD and NEONOMICON first, as PROVIDENCE is both a prequel and sequel to both (it's complicated).

Also timely as the PROVIDENCE TPB complete collected edition is about to be published, and will be available fairly cheaply for the whole run.

Love Alan Moore - but never read these - thanks for suggestion:

https://www.comcav.net/collections/providence-compendium/products/providence-compendium-hc-deluxe-set

[mae]

No new news yet on that 4th hardcover Variorum volume?

[JeremyM]

As Gary Gianni is going to be getting some good exposure with the upcoming Arete Editions 'Case of Death and Honey' - I figured I'd point out this nice, reasonably affordable edition of 'Call of Cthulhu' also illustrated by Gianni. I've got a copy of an earlier edition of this and there are a ton of illustrations - this appears to be the same edition, but in a larger format, with a dust jacket and signed - https://www.fleskpublications.com/books/gary-gianni-call-of-cthulhu-deluxe-hardcover

[craigobau]

All 17 of PS Publishing’s illustrated editions of HPL stories are currently available for the bargain price of £129;

https://pspublishing2.com/illustrated-lovecraft---17-book-collection-1053-p.asp

[Br!an]

All 17 of PS Publishing’s illustrated editions of HPL stories are currently available for the bargain price of £129;

https://pspublishing2.com/illustrated-lovecraft---17-book-collection-1053-p.asp

Plus £50 shipping to the US.

Still a good deal! I bought it.

[swintek]

All 17 of PS Publishing’s illustrated editions of HPL stories are currently available for the bargain price of £129;

https://pspublishing2.com/illustrated-lovecraft---17-book-collection-1053-p.asp

Plus £50 shipping to the US.

Still a good deal! I bought it.

Still a fantastic deal! I think these books are a lot cooler than most people may realize. They are just so damn...fun! Best way to describe them. Please post your thoughts here when you've had a chance to check them out.

[Br!an]

All 17 of PS Publishing’s illustrated editions of HPL stories are currently available for the bargain price of £129;

https://pspublishing2.com/illustrated-lovecraft---17-book-collection-1053-p.asp

Plus £50 shipping to the US.

Still a good deal! I bought it.

Still a fantastic deal! I think these books are a lot cooler than most people may realize. They are just so damn...fun! Best way to describe them. Please post your thoughts here when you've had a chance to check them out.

I will. I almost bought in to the series when they came out. I just didn't want to get into another commitment. All at once for a discount works for me!

[mae]

No new news yet on that 4th hardcover Variorum volume?

Still no news on this, I guess?

[swintek]

No new news yet on that 4th hardcover Variorum volume?

Still no news on this, I guess?

I haven't heard anything. I think if you follow Joshi's blog- that's where you're likely to hear any news re: Hippocampus first.

[craigobau]

Two HPL stories, Pickman’s Model and Dreams Of The Witch House, have been adapted in the new Netflix series, Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities.

I just watched Pickman’s Model and thought it was very good. Lots of cosmic creepiness!

[JeremyM]

I'd forgotten about this thread. Worth mentioning that Easton Press has an edition of 'At the Mountains of Madness' available now, with some lovely art by David Palumbo. Typical Easton production values, to fill out page count they've gone with huge margins and a huge font size - which seems like a questionable design choice. Pricing is pretty high as well. But, if you love the art...

[mae]

No new news yet on that 4th hardcover Variorum volume?

Still no news on this, I guess?

I haven't heard anything. I think if you follow Joshi's blog- that's where you're likely to hear any news re: Hippocampus first.

A note from March of this year reads:

"Volume 4 of the variorum edition of Lovecraft’s Collected Fiction now contains the four stories that Lovecraft revised for C. M. Eddy, Jr. The hardcover edition of this volume is still pending; let’s hope it can appear by summer."

So could be imminent! Let's hope.

[JeremyM]

Figured this might be of interest to some folks here - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/helios-house/shunned-house

[St. Troy]

I'm thinking of springing for Hippocampus's Variorum Lovecrafts; can anyone tell me how much editorial (Joshi) content there is? I'm not seeking page counts, but I'm hoping to have more than 5 pages per volume; I'd like something to sink my teeth into, to learn from.

[St. Troy]

I'm also wondering if anyone has Leslie Klinger's two "annotated" HPL volumes (The New Annotated H.P. Lovecraft and The New Annotated H.P. Lovecraft: Beyond Arkham), if you liked them and (for any who've also read the Hippocampus volumes) how the editorial commentary stacks up against that of the Hippocampus volumes (Joshi).

I'm guessing the Hippocampus volumes are worth it irrespective of the Joshi content due to their inclusion of text variants etc., but I'm not sure about the Klinger ones.

[swintek]

I'm also wondering if anyone has Leslie Klinger's two "annotated" HPL volumes (The New Annotated H.P. Lovecraft and The New Annotated H.P. Lovecraft: Beyond Arkham), if you liked them and (for any who've also read the Hippocampus volumes) how the editorial commentary stacks up against that of the Hippocampus volumes (Joshi).

I'm guessing the Hippocampus volumes are worth it irrespective of the Joshi content due to their inclusion of text variants etc., but I'm not sure about the Klinger ones.

I don't have the "Variorum" books to hand- they're buried in a box while I reconfigure my "bookcase problems" (which we all have, I'm sure), but- I don't believe they have a whole lot of editorial content, other than some notes about the variants, which, honestly- just don't interest me that much. I remember asking Joshi at the time they came out if they were to have his copious annotations from the 3 Penguin Classics volumes, and he responded in the negative, that he found them unnecessary and would be too excessive to the Variorum editions. I was disappointed because I thought that- FINALLY- we would have the Ultimate Lovecraft editions in the Variorums, but, alas- one still needs multiple editions to get everything.

I absolutely love annotations, and Joshi's are brilliant and informative, but it's a crime that they are only in those flimsy, micro-print Penguin editions (and the two earlier PB volumes done with he and Peter Cannon- "Annotated", and "More Annotated", respectively). I do refer to them often when re-reading Lovecraft, but they are no joy at all in form. I've been dying for an authoritative, annotated, illustrated, multi-volume, beautifully-designed Lovecraft set, and cannot believe that we don't have one by now. I even asked Marcelo Anciano- the best book designer in the trade as far as I'm concerned- about doing for Lovecraft what he so triumphantly did for Robert E. Howard with his Wandering Star volumes, and, while he agreed with me that it was puzzling that nobody has done that for Lovecraft yet, he probably wouldn't be doing it either as his plate if so full with Arete and Lyras Books now.

Having said all that- those two Les Klinger Annotated volumes are well worth anyone's time (even if they, too, are incomplete) with lots for you to "sink your teeth" into. Highly recommended.

We did get that wonderfully done "best of" volume from Folio a few years ago, but, yeah- The Ultimate Lovecraft still lies dreaming in R'lyeh.

[St. Troy]

I'm also wondering if anyone has Leslie Klinger's two "annotated" HPL volumes...

I don't have the "Variorum" books to hand- they're buried in a box while I reconfigure my "bookcase problems" (which we all have, I'm sure), but- I don't believe they have a whole lot of editorial content, other than some notes about the variants, which, honestly- just don't interest me that much. I remember asking Joshi at the time they came out if they were to have his copious annotations from the 3 Penguin Classics volumes, and he responded in the negative, that he found them unnecessary and would be too excessive to the Variorum editions. I was disappointed because I thought that- FINALLY- we would have the Ultimate Lovecraft editions in the Variorums, but, alas- one still needs multiple editions to get everything.

I absolutely love annotations, and Joshi's are brilliant and informative, but it's a crime that they are only in those flimsy, micro-print Penguin editions (and the two earlier PB volumes done with he and Peter Cannon- "Annotated", and "More Annotated", respectively). I do refer to them often when re-reading Lovecraft, but they are no joy at all in form. I've been dying for an authoritative, annotated, illustrated, multi-volume, beautifully- designed Lovecraft set, and cannot believe that we don't have one by now. I even asked Marcelo Anciano- the best book designer in the trade as far as I'm concerned- about doing for Lovecraft what he did so triumphantly for Robert E. Howard with his Wandering Star volumes, and while he agreed with me that it was puzzling that nobody has done that for Lovecraft yet, he probably wouldn't be doing it either as his plate if so full with Arete and Lyras Books now.

Having said all that- those two Les Klinger Annotated volumes are well worth anyone's time (even if they, too, are incomplete) with lots for you to "sink your teeth" into. Highly recommended.

We did get that wonderfully done "best of" volume from Folio a few years ago, but, yeah- The Ultimate Lovecraft still lies dreaming in R'lyeh.

Thanks for all of this. I'd never heard of the Penguin Classics volumes - now I have one more thing to hunt.

[WeDealInLead]

Those Penguin Classics are my favourite HPL covers. They totally nail the feel of the stories.

Actually, the Penguin Classics covers for Beaumont, Ray Russell, Ligotti, Matheson, Dunsany, S. Jackson are some of my favourite covers ever.

[swintek]

Hmm... a quick look at Amazon for the aforementioned Penguin Classics editions, and the very first two reviews make it sound like there is a newer, better produced (paper and font-wise) printing, but SANS the annotations?!


"A warning: most of the reviews on this page are NOT for the book this page describes. What we have here is a "Deluxe Penguin Classics Edition," with a mammoth 448 thick quality-paper pages, deckle-edged. It contains nearly all of Lovecraft's best-known tales, and there are two other Penguin collections, equally large in page number, that collect all the rest..."



"This new edition feels fantastic with rough-edged pages and a great typeface. Easy to read and hold in the hand. For simply reading the stories, it is the best edition available. Penguin cut all the explanatory notes about the stories that the editor included, which is a bit of a bummer as those notes were very interesting and added to the book. But I guess for a text it can get annoying with superscript numbers all over the pages. I know it kind of takes me out of the story when I see a superscript number in a text every 20 sentences. I like the 1999 edition as well, but for purely reading purposes this one is superior. If you want to know more about the notes behind some of the stories you will want to select the 1999 Penguin edition"


https://www.amazon.com/Cthulhu-Stories-Penguin-Twentieth-Century-Classics/dp/0141182342/ref=asc_df_0141182342/?hvadid=312034012774&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1013962&hvnetw=g&hvpone=&hvpos=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvrand=10956642413018552672&hvtargid=pla-456509611411&linkCode=df0&mcid=1c65b80146b932feaa81f1113f9bf33a&psc=1&tag=hyprod-20

Soo... sounds like one would really need to be sure which they are ordering. If anyone has further, clearer info on how to order- I'd love to hear. Does anyone here have these newer, annotation-less editions? Would love to know if the quality is worth yet another set of Lovecrafts for me!

[swintek]

Those Penguin Classics are my favourite HPL covers. They totally nail the feel of the stories.

Actually, the Penguin Classics covers for Beaumont, Ray Russell, Ligotti, Matheson, Dunsany, S. Jackson are some of my favourite covers ever.

And- I agree about the line's covers. Very evocative.

[herbertwest]

There will be something very cool for Lovecraft fans announced next week :)

[St. Troy]

Hmm...

[herbertwest]

The publisher will not officially / publicly announce it until next week, but it is available on their website and told me I can share it I want
There is also a discount price until sunday :

AT THE MOUNTAIN OF MADNESS, reproduction of the original manuscript !
It's here : https://www.spbooks.com/155-at-the-mountains-of-madness-9791095457152.html


https://www.lessaintsperes.fr/1867-large_default/at-the-mountains-of-madness.jpg

https://www.lessaintsperes.fr/1868-large_default/at-the-mountains-of-madness.jpg


https://www.lessaintsperes.fr/1871-large_default/at-the-mountains-of-madness.jpg

https://www.lessaintsperes.fr/1870-large_default/at-the-mountains-of-madness.jpg


In horror, the publisher also have the manuscript of "FRANKENSTEIN" :
https://www.spbooks.com/75-frankenstein-9791095457459.html


All of their manuscripts :
https://www.spbooks.com/14-manuscripts

[St. Troy]

Awesome.

[JeremyM]

Angel Bomb published a really nice little edition of 'The Beast in the Cave' recently - https://www.angelbomb.com/the-beast-in-the-cave

[swintek]

Wow, those last two items refenced by Herbertwest and JeremyM, respectively, are really nice! Both a little pricey, too, but hope to add each to my collection at some point. Thanks for bringing the news here!

[mattgreenbean]

I have all of the books illustrated by Francois Baranger
Available are The Call of Cthulhu, The Dunwich Horror, and The Mountains of Madness Vol 1 & 2.

https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AFrancois+Baranger&s=relevancerank&text=Francois+Baranger&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_2

These are large size books with absolutely amazing artwork that set the scenes as the story unfolds.
I couldn't tell you if this is the complete text. But, I hope Francois continues putting these out.
Reading these with a little Cthulhu background music playing gives a great reading experience.

[herbertwest]

Wow, those last two items refenced by Herbertwest and JeremyM, respectively, are really nice! Both a little pricey, too, but hope to add each to my collection at some point. Thanks for bringing the news here!

Can't wait to see this book in person !
I already have the "Frankenstein" manuscript and it's a cool collectible !