Does anyone have this or planning to buy or has heard anything about whether
the product (paper, bindings,etc.) is worth the steep price?


Just stumbled upon this handsome looking tome although I see it's been out
for a few years now. Prices seem to vary from approx. 250$ US to 325$ US or so.
The higher prices are for 1st Editions. The lowest price is from the Publisher
although I didn't contact them to ask if theirs is also a 1st Edition. I really
can't afford it but you know how that goes,...

Thanks in Advance,

Cathexis

I can't speak to the Blackwood volume specifically, but I do own the Lovecraft publication in the same series. It is very well constructed--nicely bound (though I'm no expert, I assume it is sewn using one of the preferred methods), the fonts and such well chosen, and the paper and cloth used appears to be of the finest quality, including that on the slipcase. Actually the HPL offering comes in two volumes, one of photographs of the man himself and of various locales in Providence, RI. I assume the Algernon Blackwood piece meets the same high standards. One thing to note, though, is that these books are incredibly HUGE; unless you are a Schwarzeneggerian hulk, you would be unable to hold the volume, even in both hands, and comfortably read it at the same time. They are collector's items, and (I don't think) really meant to be read. You'd need a lectern, podium, or the like to set it on (a floor would suffice, but seems undignified).

That said, there is a copy on eBay for $225.

Very informative.

My Thanks,

Cathexis

Radovarl Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You'd need a lectern, podium, or
> the like to set it on

I would just use my standard reading podium.

Need a place to rest the pipe and the sherry glass -

I prefer to sit right up on a straight chair (a nice 1800s heritage of neo-rokoko lines), with the book in front of me on an old wooden country table (no book is too big), candlestick and oil lamp, on my right side a glass of cognac and (on rare occasions to save the belly) rich chocolate brownie cake with whipped cream. (Mind you, I sustain my books in clean condition!) It also depends on the author; when reading Arthur Machen, nothing is better suited than a glass of apple cider. For CAS, wine is given. For Vance? Amaretto or other sweet liqueur, perhaps.

If I sit in a comfortable armchair, I fall asleep.

Quote:

If I sit in a comfortable armchair, I fall asleep.

Ditto that.
I hope to save enough money to pick up a Victorian/Edwardian Wingback armchair
such as is shown in some of Paget's illustations of Sherlock Homes' study. The
prices for the genuine article are such that a reasonable reproduction would do.
The side table is a must - whatever you chose to put on it. <wink>

Cathexis