Amaranthine Books

[St. Troy]

I wanted to post some general news from Amaranthine Books (https://amaranthinebooks.com/) but didn't see a dedicated thread (please merge or delete if I am mistaken). AB has been mentioned in other threads and some people here own some of their work (hopefully they can post some here as well so that those still unaware of AB’s work can see what the fuss is all about).

They will begin using lettered and numbered designations for future editions:
https://amaranthinebooks.com/the-rights-stuff/
https://amaranthinebooks.com/about/matching-rights/

...and they have a new title in preproduction that has yet to be named.

[Munnecom]

I'll copy my post from the Other Authors thread...


Okay, here goes!

Like I said, I ordered a copy of the Scholomance Edition on Sunday night. It was dispatched the following morning and in my hands by Tuesday afternoon. Less than forty hours from order to delivery; I know some companies that can learn a thing or two from that. *cough cough*

I bought this book to replace my copy of the Centipede Press edition. That allowed me to cover some of the cost of this edition, which is admittedly quite high. Is the book itself worth €299? Are the upgrades of the Scholomance Edition worth another €450? I don't know... It is certainly a unique book and I feel like I got my money's worth - but for me, it was not €749 for a new book, but rather around €200 for an upgrade from the CP edition.

This is the most expensive book I ever bought directly from a publisher. Even Suntup's Rosemary's Baby was cheaper. Although that book has fewer gimmicks, it does have a couple of signatures, letterpress printing and high-quality paper. I guess what I'm saying is this: this book is undeniably very expensive, but also a joy to (be)hold. Everyone thinking of buying a copy should ask themselves how much unicity is worth to them. Then again, that goes for all the books we collect. Hell, Dracula is in the public domain, which means any amount you spend on it, no matter how small, is "wasted" to some extent.

I'm rambling... On to the pictures!

Here's the book in its case:

https://w15osa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mLdXoO5QF4oka1-cqKOcmREPKT_8h9x5pMDDot6GaaNftwT7g0JrWnihEq-5YsAK8eprPzUl_Zwfb_gnBzAiKRnDVTJAm3UeP6n9ctRsnkvQb I9N0VehE8btvfv1LvI1KaEwL94h-2w258mGjDf1j45qT-x8EZ-GnBLNOH4KSG6nvjgQ4D6emZd9ARaXU_GCzOMAaz7pWpADPZuds IW1kNw?width=660&height=371&cropmode=none

Here's a close-up of the clasp used to close the lid. It's remarkably intricate:

https://wf5fsa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mhqkJmDpb-HFNQmhyz0E2Gt3xpK2O1Ozj5-vxH5C1scttI_zqgjOr8l0Ha832M4CB45-uuqyybWjM7Y6JuhmZv5rVeHwyb0eWq9rSbZt0v3wBTRnIg6ZDu z36XL5v54okUjFjKkpEsP5FCISkK4FSiAJM4qsegljDvpO9_6V uy-VfQ24SpDaJz60IYmaqzqKreLALUqC8umC9g4s6_Sue1A?width =371&height=660&cropmode=none

The publisher's logo on the front of the box (it also appears like this elsewhere), with a bat hanging upside down. A nice touch, I think:

https://wv5osa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mk8L4fIPCqarZzr99He3oKWeX2nDk_aHyOtM_fyFl_S-Cl6J5nGcYp97NB047lmJNOIsL94M5unnI3OX3lNP5rAtVkUwGC qNP3UXoLK1fyuNdab42GMneUluGqdAppGQ5e1CNQKm8YB5t7Mu 9BqcAj3B4riaE3hw91Wh0SEqvc2S__fb0VlrbdGKTPU0X_zU12 SIHXuekeno4rhWd8CNl7Q?width=371&height=660&cropmode=none

The plexiglass window with the dirt behind it. I was surprised to see that they didn't pack it tightly in there. I would say it's about a centimetre deep and when you move the box, the dirt shifts around. Pretty cool!

https://wv5qsa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mkrxUNWIlufPtF1r2Z5WnCAOqgboqTaTxe9q86j4mEaTkbRG NF9AvHEOLdzTpsbiRIKho898hszEtB9XQcGhNZCejogNJ_Q_tU PJZIe-aM1OBxhrT8fshG2e7ULM3qO3D3LPVCKTeKjdFd-g-YgDbi5f2whCFivg8hHIUNl5k4fmzJqkx07hseQyYXccHROdUN8 u6bzB9v0Gs7_PNgS_WBg?width=371&height=660&cropmode=none

(By the way, I did some research on Google and Wikipedia. Turns out the place where this dirt is from, Bran Castle in Romania, has no real connection whatsoever with Dracula or Bram Stoker, other than tourism. The book's description of Dracula's castle does not match the design of Bran Castle and it's unclear if Stoker even knew of this place's existence. However, it is located in Transylvania, so for the stated purpose - letting Dracula rest on his native soil - it "counts," as it were.)

The material used for the cover of the book itself is incredibly soft and has a lovely vibrant colour. It's the kind of fabric you can draw on, if you know what I mean:

https://wv5ksa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mp49wyEhgZtNeFpwHEYIVd2310MZ5hIKvmJpxK-rfG2bWE4MlPuhlz05Z0HmbYtd64FbrZiffYAaOy0h7LRgPJLCo vMSnez1nlmQQXmiWoLCkNAEWJZEXgdJpgyv3s6fx64k-OtxXlwpIAvK7ajVQPTcv-_eDvgm3kHWESe3IiPXx-ifIyAl7nohENQKJI1BOifmgwHzNd2hXNq8gA-6GrA?width=371&height=660&cropmode=none

Endpapers:

https://wv5jsa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mor1ZmvZizLcypvcMLoJ_mI7Tqtg-ESKmaOIvPIzzSMV3DBRM7KKf_nstgxwaYf7_ULOsAa3zIWBiVU SJVI2MAUlPWtYukPGBA_2_SCr-CpZrS2MfzI_UPprHpgo7c00Bvbae_wNv1n89U-4Vmy8MP_-TTvg7HNJLjrHeTBoFPkwsGtE-J35I-Zl0hI0HZAQ2wOtioWoFLWDPjrIowJSU3g?width=371&height=660&cropmode=none

The title page with the bloody calligraphy. This was a major selling point for me. I love the creepiness of it. I got number 6/50 (stated here on this page and engraved into the side of the box's interior):

https://w15nsa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mSggLtC2mJkKnOHeabLjJ4CophNOT05TlrmiGItY5WfiaBwu zQNsHnYy0gK_RcbPiOwvefHeoSmNNqUZV9yG3kJLa01paVpcKS 2aisN2n10Qg0DJlWie4Rvi9MGnP2oMRF_GnDOS6CLN7ApdYNm0 ZRVjqHpc1GTO7MCRl175B6oqiEi1fgMMHklTEm1m_rozqgqma9 CAM7ScsBrbutRvjow?width=660&height=371&cropmode=none

Table of contents. The afterword contains pretty much the same information that is already available on the publisher's website. They explain their creative process clearly, which I enjoy reading about. Another nice touch: the book's text ends on page 666. That cannot be a coincidence...

https://w15psa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mHk60QxNOgj2i3jXvMmawT5Haj0CRc7qNl2DPRBcS4sQ5nml ogsYoCeZkenYeOPxr-lQfP-eQlL6xmd7hATroCjXu183dP_j6vh8DY42VVolELQhZEwlrmOZM SoxKIQuYs6t3WKphN0Nn0b9d6HGcchmjZZ2U4yTVCcF17kcjcp 5N1txwbnIedFiDqyW_E147bgqgG2qiF1JlZxu8w_FhcQ?width =660&height=371&cropmode=none

Another nice touch: whenever there is an illustration, the respective piece of text is highlighted in bold, so you know what you're looking at. Small detail, but I like it.

https://w15ksa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mRA1Y4NmOBxHAPvUjyHh9GNnrQ6mQ8RwJHwwPhugbZTYLbJN ChVCy2Rvt4aFvGglOlowNBbTAPbE0UXwng-Y1IfwDpkgXqnEUM704haE3gOtjTlIZo0DtzoOc0XNb0sxlhgcX jO8Ezj5W9i-6HZLcwsCy0XskEbg6lDANkXoHQvHhpn5BYWdY0gl25RLPcjoJ3 vzevOQ8GldumJzQUNWrcw?width=660&height=371&cropmode=none

I love the illustrations in this edition. The ones in the Centipede Press edition are nice, but I was never a fan of the faces of the human characters. They look too happy and upbeat, considering their situation. The illustrations in this edition are far more gritty.

https://wl5qsa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mKdv66CgTd7gVpY1e_bA5_kBdIeoWGq5XM9-BPIuM-3ORtmgvbpwLRdl2Acu1G4tGjZbum5zRlHAd0ywcP1FBlD4HjZ6 49IFlny0dfnBIML9mQIpbeFNHRYII2X0xJIALGBffLfFGR1KHu Mvjqgq_j41Mxw-DnJf2PUfvPgS6yuI_1TbMxUTYDHKD3BddUtiSbq6_4zqEMYGtb jaDAzifMw?width=371&height=660&cropmode=none

Last batch of pictures to illustrate another nice touch. Seeing as how this is an epistolary novel, it consists entirely of diary fragments, letters, etc. They included little illustrations next to each section. There are dozens of these throughout the book:

https://wl5fsa.db.files.1drv.com/y4msM6bzPrugPQZbOgk6WphO3UYdyFj7QAEKiPsTcWV-mfSf3LNgqWsmWemBUcFNta70QlCClCTYT4OKTvBsVo-HZAAOBtus0fPLywY08_Mkhvj8lj2bodm3jSTnSfMDOGwYY_3Zs AoqkSdwn5KsBRWdW2J8fMwhK2l1LjWpieQDyhCumZkuCx5DBEY qDEM-MQPf4LgNO4V6wu_cR47njjh9Q?width=660&height=371&cropmode=none

https://wl5jsa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mYzDRJmpoeOguXWv07idgVYkzdkj2RDELpgqUqPXrlsVqwX9 PKtX9hAfjfPP6SuRrEB5KiWygodE3UZ7b-yb4HQgsOMkvK7LG_Nf2XnfcWCzqhIc3qb7v0nbMOI_2y_ROp5F YD82STn6UjkQw9PCpcv3ELdf_NbWzC3jqX4rh3NVjOuRBuEDOW pmTIzTfD1nAUD9RTmbpa9bgb1Tgy57s2w?width=660&height=371&cropmode=none

https://w15jsa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mZeRLIiqF_fiizg3C1IJxHvu72kl8PWNxX4FeO0PnYs0-JbIUcv6zdjgy6FZMychljUPm8fbjd1fG0xGBI7lf-lKNNLcJpUSPktLCp57bxiOKK8cpQZYeLoAsSVaQNYyV9nXlvk6 ZDUUqiO_2XRY0tgl8zHNG_c4mtNuNmKiLpi_pvtW83lET_dnj4 WmvKeio_Sokd8UYa_1NLzKz4ifHgA?width=660&height=371&cropmode=none

https://wl5msa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mxH9-gZJcg_VxDU4QU40-5JYle0K_j41NARCsnvQC-gmksyeEUb_jGYs2Fht5wgpRQv4ef9ppyj9mqQiYZO19eerejDe 8yhuz4tYnLlHdLuoPfWJ6iwbwvnZl12zQ0mchOaxjlazS6Av4q yr3CbkK1Q0OEXeo-tWjIpFfs-2sxmXrYT7e_tXH1Xlo9_n8AI0qYNPbdgxfM3WP2BvG47FguA?w idth=660&height=371&cropmode=none

https://w15lsa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mZV5Eqjh_XT6EjPbUkg9ZHFFFYHIjMpsvUZwJdFZ3eeskMOu SCxJNV68XCel54iiw2B0lIfnyd4CbL85JOocssqGtP5Y6O_PwL nQ-a6nBpQ3L7fbNNDPNTuzCA5U4oLwVICQhOdrjtNTPo7_Rehwnon ZDU5cFz_KrgTZR6PR9SjJj_d_ATBW-EK0__Sbktnqsu4lIhw6yNE0qmnLKxh76OA?width=660&height=371&cropmode=none

https://w15msa.db.files.1drv.com/y4mTjFxaIDLS0x7g3JiVI3jFMCwuOQ_pyvQKl1eptdfr32S_D4 7SwD3zwhPnL45OLDmRtUPuCCUW-UXGhV2bsEmuA17sDZViGRlBdirxHCjKhL8uDoh0O7-isAzF8F1_6Kd6CsKKgqMheklOTMdpbTyD3qtlbTHLIosb6YXrv NOqQ4V5F8yCaPVHN1cYnx0HJ6JJeF3_kfyczVKSZbFcH01qQ?w idth=660&height=371&cropmode=none

Overall, I am very impressed with Amaranthine Books' quality of service and the book itself. I'll be keeping a close eye on what they do next.

That's all, folks!

[amd013]

Another feature, not mentioned in the above description is that each illustration is glow-in-the-dark (including the cover).

There is a certificate of authenticity that the dirt is from Bran Castl it also has the limitation for the dirt sample and is dated. It is signed by someone from Bran Castle and Amaranthine books.

Also not mentioned, (although pictured) is that it has a ribbon marker, and the page edges are gilded black.

I have 21/50 and one of the Transylvania editions (didn't notice any number, so did they not number them?)

[St. Troy]

Alice In Wonderland

https://amaranthinebooks.com/newsletter/get-ready-cause-were-going/

[cit74]

I know many people posted about Dracula in other threads too - but Alice goes up for public sale tomorrow @ 7 PM CET / 1300 EST / 1000 PST - they look to be beautiful editions

https://amaranthinebooks.com

https://fb.watch/2xZ2JpSi90/

[herbertwest]

Would be curious to see how long it takes to sell out

[cit74]

Alice is priced similarly to Lyra's Stardust - more copies...and his books are not as well known - smaller following for now. The high end Dracula was more (had 50 copies) and sold out. The lower priced Dracula (was less than Alice) but had 666 copies - is still available...unsure how many of those sold. But I am guessing if people liked the quality of Dracula - they'll get the numbered edition - so I think it will sell out...the question is how long? I will guess at a couple of days...

[webstar1000]

Would be curious to see how long it takes to sell out

I dont think it will for some time. Most of their past stuff seems still available on the site to... Interesting books for sure though.

[Hunchback Jack]

The Bandersnatch edition is quite extraordinary. Certainly a unique and impressive production. Certainly, if someone enjoys high end chess sets, and are a fan of the books and this publisher, I could see them going for it.

I like that publishers are pushing the envelope with respect to their productions. It’s not something I would ever own; personally, I prefer editions where the book itself doesn’t get quite so lost among the packaging and accoutrements. But seeing publishers spare no expense in realizing a vision they have for a limited edition is fun to see.

[swintek]

Wow. I liked their Dracula enough to buy it (but just barely, at a sale price of $225). This is an easy pass for me. Interesting how books are suddenly skyrocketing in price- in the middle of world economic chaos.

[webstar1000]

I heard half sold. That is not a good show

[kingfan2323]

SOLD SOLD SOLD Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde-Two Edition Set (Amaranthine Books) - $145 Shipped to U.S.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201224/8f2a3af7a711469956ab2181264490cf.jpg

[Randall Flagg]

I heard half sold. That is not a good show
That's not terrible. It may take some time, but I think they will be fine.

[Cook]

I heard half sold. That is not a good show
That's not terrible. It may take some time, but I think they will be fine.

I agree, half sold in seven hours ain't bad at all.
Also you gotta admit it's a pretty impressive looking release, I'm sold, I bought one.
(also free shipping)

[Garrell]

It is very nicely done imho.

[kkemikk]

I would personally like to see that more of the costs would go into the book itself not only everything that surrounds it. Books from numbered and lettered state are basically the same apart from different cover colour and endpapers.
Although the presentation looks stunning, I have a feeling it's more about the chess piece with included book that the other way around....

[webstar1000]

Just compare this sale with any King sale, suntup sale
And the latest newbie on the block... Lyra.
This is not a great success any way you you look at it guys... sorry.

[Cook]

I heard half sold. That is not a good show
That's not terrible. It may take some time, but I think they will be fine.

I agree, half sold in seven hours ain't bad at all.
Also you gotta admit it's a pretty impressive looking release, I'm sold, I bought one.
(also free shipping)

Just wanted to clarify, I purchased the numbered not the lettered.

[webstar1000]

I heard half sold. That is not a good show
That's not terrible. It may take some time, but I think they will be fine.

I agree, half sold in seven hours ain't bad at all.
Also you gotta admit it's a pretty impressive looking release, I'm sold, I bought one.
(also free shipping)

Just wanted to clarify, I purchased the numbered not the lettered.

Oh that’s ok. I agree with that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Brian861]

Just compare this sale with any King sale, suntup sale
And the latest newbie on the block... Lyra.
This is not a great success any way you you look at it guys... sorry.

Those are mighty big shoes to fill.

[Hunchback Jack]

Just compare this sale with any King sale, suntup sale
And the latest newbie on the block... Lyra.
This is not a great success any way you you look at it guys... sorry.

A first day sellout is far from normal or average for a small publisher. Ask cemetery dance, subterranean press, PS publishing, etc how often they sell half the copies on day 1 for any title - especially one with no author signature. It’s not often. Yet, those titles are not considered “failures” by any measure.

[Brian861]

Just compare this sale with any King sale, suntup sale
And the latest newbie on the block... Lyra.
This is not a great success any way you you look at it guys... sorry.

A first day sellout is far from normal or average for a small publisher. Ask cemetery dance, subterranean press, PS publishing, etc how often they sell half the copies on day 1 for any title - especially one with no author signature. It’s not often. Yet, those titles are not considered “failures” by any measure.

In the early days of Suntup either.

[webstar1000]

Just compare this sale with any King sale, suntup sale
And the latest newbie on the block... Lyra.
This is not a great success any way you you look at it guys... sorry.

A first day sellout is far from normal or average for a small publisher. Ask cemetery dance, subterranean press, PS publishing, etc how often they sell half the copies on day 1 for any title - especially one with no author signature. It’s not often. Yet, those titles are not considered “failures” by any measure.

Great point. I still think this production will
Not appeal to book collectors.
Chess set collectors maybe... and I never called it a failure just not a great success.

[kkemikk]

I received my copy of Alice – Jabberwock Edition and it is stunning.

https://shrani.si/f/4/ya/30SousZY/img7725.jpg

https://shrani.si/f/X/YQ/1pGXH0lP/img7723.jpg

https://shrani.si/f/1i/Ls/3yxe4FEg/img7726.jpg

https://shrani.si/f/2g/Uo/1q0mk2Kz/img7727.jpg

https://shrani.si/f/11/3i/AItE3m9/img7728.jpg

https://shrani.si/f/3N/r7/3b1jdqGS/img7729.jpg

https://shrani.si/f/8/HV/47GOMc4b/img7730.jpg

https://shrani.si/f/2A/jG/1bXTzOtN/img7731.jpg

https://shrani.si/f/3g/2B/2Sxrmy3U/img7732.jpg

https://shrani.si/f/8/H8/D3WIwhN/img7733.jpg

https://shrani.si/f/2M/ud/152ZFNKd/img7734.jpg

https://shrani.si/f/1t/2k/lgXr7qM/img7735.jpg

https://shrani.si/f/u/12B/3UTsc6ra/img7736.jpg

[Garrell]

Wow, stunning

[St. Troy]

Great stuff; they do nice work.

[Dolan]

That Jabberwock Edition is really stunning. You can tell that a designer made that book - really keen eye.

The titles haven't appealed to me as of yet - but I do have high interest in what they're producing.

[webstar1000]

That Jabberwock Edition is really stunning. You can tell that a designer made that book - really keen eye.

The titles haven't appealed to me as of yet - but I do have high interest in what they're producing.

I have no interest in their titles yet either... and the chess board really threw me. This isn’t bad though...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dolan]

That Jabberwock Edition is really stunning. You can tell that a designer made that book - really keen eye.

The titles haven't appealed to me as of yet - but I do have high interest in what they're producing.

I have no interest in their titles yet either... and the chess board really threw me. This isn’t bad though...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's the price that threw me! haha