Dave McKean on illustrating the limited edition of The Gormenghast Trilogy

[@Beantbeantbeant]

Been obsessed with Dave since The Sandman. It is fantastic to see him being chosen for this project, that claustrophobic gothic style works so well with Gormenghast.

[@Mike-gd4zd]

Ordered Mine! I actually read Gormenghast whilst the process of leaving a highly controlling religious cult. It helped me identify incredibly serious and machiavellian behaviours which were leading to blackmail against my family (financial and psychological). It was an incredibly cathartic experience reading them whilst living some of its truths. Gormenghast is a series of books which means a great deal to me for this reason, so I absolutely had to order this - especially with the visual sensibilities of Dave McKean. I would have forever regretted not doing so. Mervyn Peake is one of the few dead authors I wish I could have met in person, himself having grown up with religion... and that playing a big role of his upbringing in China. I reflect on his writing with great endearment, and I absolutely cannot wait to receive my pre-ordered edition for my 30th Birthday.

[@kikidee3204]

I brought the trilogy for my son last Christmas to read to my grandson but had not seen these I might rebut for myself xxxx

[@elliotwalton6159]

A dream project for collectors' libraries.

[@elliotwalton6159]

This is the crown in Dave's career!

[@irinaj8716]

I would genuinely sell my soul for this edition 😭😭😭

[@danielwilliams8397]

Just wonderful!

[@kikidee3204]

I love the gormenghast blood the way they are written is so rich

[@ralphjenkins1507]

My favorite high fantasy novels.

[@elliotwalton6159]

Yes, it's a financial sacrifice and not the most prudent given the times. but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to marry a writer and artist both of legendary status on a work of mythic cultural importance.

[@lazeacalin664]

I second that.

[@jackjaws004]

I wish I could get this, but holy hell is it expensive!

[@SecureBread]

will you be releasing a non limited version? seems i am a little late to the party

[@vincentlignereux5117]

Hello, will these books be available in French please?

[@TheFolioSociety]

Hi Vincent! Apologies, but we only publish our books in English.

[@JustAPrayer]

I’ve always loved the Ghormeghast Trilogy and would LOVE too own this but Folio Society you are charging WAY WAY too much for these.

[@ForestBeans]

That garish shiny red on the box is so disappointing though. Flat ink would have been much less an eyesore.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

The Folio Society must be commended for their often interesting choice of illustrators but for Gormenghast only Peake's drawings will do

[@tinderbox218]

I agree with you. Not sure most people are aware that Peake illustrated his own work.

[@cathousecaller8168]

I hope this doesn't seem offensive but, as someone that has no experience of owning an open spine book, are they known for being durable and sturdy? Sorry if this seems rude.

[@robertkay8585]

At £745, you shouldn't even contemplate reading these books. As the artist Dave McKean remarks towards the end of the above video, "it's a piece of furniture"! And as with any fine crafted furniture, it's there to be gloated over and treasured by the owner rather than put to general use. Get a paperback reading copy from the charity shop for those occasions when you want to read the text and keep this in a safe place. Limited editions quickly lose their value once they show signs of wear and tear so it's advisable to use white gloves when handling something as exquisite as this. I doubt if Folio Society will bring out a "budget" version of this set as some commentators elsewhere are hoping....

[@TheFolioSociety]

Hi! Don't worry, it's not a rude question. Each of these sets have been carefully crafted at Graphicom in Italy, with one special quality being the open-spine binding. The page sections of each volume are printed, folded and gathered to create the title from small marks on the fold of each signature, giving a uniquely hand-drawn effect, and the loose threads on the spines are a feature of this technique. While not widely used, it is a long-established technique and produces sturdy and durable books - our books are made to be read and enjoyed! It also means that you can lay the books entirely flat while reading. For this edition of The Gormenghast Trilogy, the binding threads are secured with a protective layer for additional strength. I hope this helps, but if you have any further questions, please do contact us at [e-mail].

[@cathousecaller8168]

@@TheFolioSociety Thank you for the information in your reply.

[@cathousecaller8168]

@@robertkay8585 thank you for the sound advice, bud. 😂

[@elliotwalton6159]

@@cathousecaller8168 Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain. Books weren't meant to be entombed like pharaohs. Books are to be open, read and enjoyed. The greater the craftsmanship, the greater the enjoyment of the experience. I have this set on order and I plan to read this set of books. I just finished Suntup's #d edition of Blood Meridian (also with the open butterfly binding) and it was a magnificent experience. Why would anyone devote years of their life to producing fine editions that are then to be walled up and never opened? Puh-Leeze!

[@chuychongas]

Sandman

[@judiemueller2664]

Absolutely the wrong choice! Folio opted for a "Gaiman" name instead of artists (there are many) who have toiled over years. The lettering and design are trashy/flashy...