I won an Ebay auction for one of my favorite science-fiction books last week - it is an Easton Press edition of The Forever War by Joe Haldeman.

I understand that Easton is associated with the Franklin Mint, and works by subscription only - no retail. I received my book, and I loved the leather binding and other nice touches. But it cost me around $50. Does anyone know anything about these books? Will they last a lifetime? Is there another publisher who lovingly binds and sells "off-beat" classics, not just the 100 "greatest" novels?

Thanks.

Never heard of 'em, but it sounds like a beautiful edition. Is it a limited press run? Do they do first editions, or just reprints? Where did you buy it? Website?

I just bought my first limited edition book. It's a collection of Ender stories by Orson Scott Card published by Subterranean Press. Limited to 350 copies. I'm hoping it gets here soon.

I've seen several Easton Press editions. They're nice books, but a little over-priced. I wouldn't have minded getting their science fiction collection, but just couldn't justify the expense.

I have probably 20 of them - mostly Science Fiction - some first eds some signed. They are all very nice, well made, good leather, etc. They are very expensive if you buy from Eason Press Direct. I only bought 10 through them so that I could get the signed Ender's Game copy that I wanted. I usually get them off ebay or other book sellers since USUALLY they are cheaper through them than Easton. However you do have to watch out as i have seen books Eason sold fo runder $45 delivered sell for over 100 on ebay. Sad.

One thing I don't get is their claim that these are first editions. I don't know about all of them, but many had quite a few previous printings by the publisher. Are they just the first leather printings? I asked a friend who's a serious book collector type and he said big collectors don't buy Easton stuff usually.

I don't really know. I have seen a couple of their books and thought they were quite nicely done and they look really nice.

Easton Press publishes "instant" collectables and most are not TRUE first editions either, although they do have a few different series that feature signed books that may have appeal to some collectors. The books are marketed towards people who in general don't collect books but want an impressive looking "library", hence the leather bindings with the faux hubbed spines, etc. Most of the "classic" editions are reprints of the books published by George Macy's LIMITED EDITIONS CLUB (and it's offshoot THE HERITAGE PRESS) which started doing business in 1929 and these books were truly works of art; designed and printed by people who lived and breathed books and illustrated by some of the greatest artists of the early 20th century. Somewhere along the line in the 1970's or 80's Easton Press aquired the publication rights to these and they were off and running. You are right, bibliophiles don't take them seriously.

They are not affiliated with The Franklin Mint which also has issued their own line of leather and leather-like bound classics.

I bought "The Chronicles of Narnia" directly from Easton Press (retail $45 per book). They are nice editions and look great but I doubt they are regarded as true collector's editions. They should last a lifetime (acid free paper). I am a Stephen King fan and I have found a couple of sites that issue true first editions and collectible limited editions of gothic horror/ suspense authors.

Subterranean Press (The Green Mile)
Cemetery Dance (From a Buick 8)
Centipede Press (Salem's Lot...I missed out on this one)
Gauntlet Books (bought a signed Ray Bradbury here)

to name a few. Basically, Easton Press are overpriced "rip-offs" but still are bound nicely and look great.

I believe the Franklin Mint is no more. They had true signed first editions. I bought a copy of Timeline by Michael Crichton published by the FM.

The King collectables listed are very fine books indeed. Horror and fantasy small press operations have carved out a pretty good nitch in the area of signed limiteds. along with the King books listed above; the Scream Press limited of SKELETON CREW is a pretty amazing volume, and any of the Donald Grant published Stephen King volumes are beautifuly designed and printed. Can't go wrong with them and they are a pretty good investment if you choose to look at them that way. I don't....

Beware those "signed" Franklin Mint books, which aren't really signed at all.

Buy books because you love them or because they look cool on the shelf. Don't ever buy books thinking you'll make money off them. 99 times out of 100 (or worse) you'll be wrong.

Sorry, I meant Franklin Library. They look pretty legit to me. And I'll never sell mine unless I am really in a bind.

The Crichton books aren't really signed; they're autopenned. And I wouldn't be surprised if it were the same for some of the others.

I agree completely. With a few exceptions investing in books is worse than the stock market. One NEVER knows what will become popular or why (The Harry Potter series...who knew?), where a dozen factors that come into play make it almost impossible. Buy what you like because you like it. You have no one to please except yourself.

Besides, if you have a really cool book that turns out to be worth money, you won't want to sell it anyway! I do have some in my collection that are worth $100 or so, but I'd never part with them.