In a way, publishing began with special-edition books. They were often hand-painted and customized for their customers, no two books exactly the same. Even after the invention of the printing press, patrons would still customize books to ensure that their copy was exactly to their liking, including adding illustrations within the pages.
As time went on and the process for printing became more standardized, stylized and artistic special--edition books became rarer. But there’s just something about a pretty book, and companies such as the Folio Society and Goldsboro Books saw an opportunity to bring the artistry back to publishing.
Since then, special-edition books have exploded. Custom covers, sprayed and stenciled edges, limited edition runs, and exclusive illustrations are all becoming more common in not just anniversary or limited edition books, but on first print run as well. Here are seven of the prettiest special-edition science fiction and fantasy books that collectors will swoon over.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Roman Numeral Edition
There are special editions and then there are hand-carved marble case special editions. Inside the case you’ll find a gorgeous hand painted leather book gilded in copper and filled with handmade bespoke pages. It’s signed, numbered, and illustrated. This special edition isn’t just for the die-hard fan—it’s for the unhinged fanatic.
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
Limited Edition Dragon Reborn Set
Juniper Books special-edition sets are always a beautiful edition to any bookcase. And if you managed to snag one of these sets of the entire fifteen-book Wheel of Time set, your bookshelves received a stunning glow-up. Each set is hand numbered with your choice of either gold or silver metallic foil.
The Nevernight Chronicles by Jay Kristoff
10th Anniversary Archive Set
The Locked Library worked with Jay Kristoff to bring a brand-new set celebrating ten years since Mia Corvere stabbed us all in the heart. Each set has redesigned dust jackets and intricate sprayed edges that line up whether you display them pages in or pages out, metallic foil details on the cover, and illustrated character endpapers.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Deluxe Illustrated by the Author
Nothing could make an edition of The Lord of the Rings more special than including actual art by the author himself. But this version doesn’t stop there. This includes thirty fully color illustrations, fold out maps, recreated facsimile pages from the Book or Mazarbul, gold edges, and foil details stamped on the cover and case.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Special Illustrated Edition by Amanda Shaffer
Not just an iconic novel, but the book that launched science fiction as a genre had to be at the top of our list. With striking full-page original illustrations to help bring the story to life and an introduction paying homage to Shelley as being a trailblazer for all future science fiction writers, but more importantly, all women in every field, this edition brings the full power, mystery, and drama to life.
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinneman
DLX Edition
NEW ACHIEVEMENT!!! A deluxe special edition with brand new cover art by Victo Ngai. But that’s not all. The hardcover case and the inside of the jacket are also illustrated. And because Princess Donut would insist on more bling, the stenciled edges bring the entire design together. Speaking of the Queen Anne Chonk, inside there’s an exclusive Q&A with the author, conducted by Donut herself.
Kindred by Octavia Butler
The Folio Society Edition
Octavia Butler is easily one of the most important authors in the SFF space, so it’s only fitting that her most iconic novel has a breathtaking special edition. James E. Ransome brings the story to life through his illustrations and a powerful introduction by Tananarive Due takes a deeper dive into this seminal work. And you can keep this masterpiece safe in the decorative slip case.
Featured image: RedRising.com
