Dune Chronicles

Given that Denis Villeneuve will direct a new Dune movie next year, based upon the 1965 novel Frank Herbert, do you think the Folio Society will consider this to be a good time to publish the five remaining Frank Herbert novels in the Dune Chronicles series? I adore this series and want to own the entire series in a fine format, however so far I have only seen the full series for sale from Easton Press on Ebay, and while I also like Easton Press I much prefer the illustrated Dune edition from Folio Society which I already own.

So I am torn between waiting to see if the Folio Society commit to publishing the full series, or purchasing the full series publish by Easton Press soon. Thoughts?

>1 didaho:

Only the Folio Society can answer that one. The best you can expect here is speculation.

Oh, and welcome to FSD!

Edited for omission.

Someone from customer service did mention that they'd like to do the whole series if the first one sells well. Which it clearly does. Whether or not they'll actually do this is another question, and one none of us can answer. Personally, I also find their Dune a lot more appealing than the Easton Press version.

'Dune Chronicles series' - would be an instant buy for me!
I think, they might do it - eventually, pestered by fans, and if the stars turned out to be in a favourable position.
They did the entire Hitchhiker's guide series, after all.

I think Centipede Press is doing the whole series. The first volume is coming out later this year. I'm sure it'll be beautiful, although probably quite a bit more expensive than what Folio would do.
You can sign up for the Centipede newsletter to keep abreast of what Jerad is doing.

>5 Auberon:

I doubt there will be any copies left unless you preordered. Should be amazing.
It's worth signing up for the newsletter. Jerad is an interactive guy. We actually
exchanged several emails about Dune. I suggested trying to get Jodorowsky to sign
it, but apparently he wasn't interested...what a shame. Obviously, Lynch wouldn't
touch the project with a ten-foot pole...lol.

Jerad (Centipede Press) is doing the whole Dune series (only the ones written by Frank Herbert) and, as I understand it, the first volume (Dune) will ship in December. It is probable that they will cost more than Folio editions would.

I just emailed yesterday and got a response. The Dune chorinicles will still be available for preorder later this year if anyone else is interested. I'm looking forward to it. :)

>8 Roccosem: Thanks for inquiring with them. That will be a definite buy.

>5 Auberon: I visited the Centipede Press website, but couldn’t find the Dune hexalogy mentioned. As I’m interested in the books and prices, does anybody have a direct link to share?

I also inquired with FS about doing the whole hexalogy and got hopeful response. I love the illustrator and the first book is so well designed, I would snap up the successive volumes!

>10 NLNils: I would just contact Jerad: jerad@centipedepress.com
He's super responsive to customers and can give you more information. He tends not to offer pre-orders, but you may be able to get on a list to receive advance notice of publication.
Also, he sends out a weekly email newsletter that frequently maps out publication plans for the coming year(s).

None of Centipede's Dune offerings are ready yet. And when they are, it'll likely be one at a time, starting with Dune.

Yes, be one at a time, starting with Dune.

I'm not familiar with Centipede as a publisher. Will their Dune likely be illustrated?

At the end of last year I met centipede press. And in my opinion after the Folio Society, it has beautiful publications. I'm sure Dune will come with superb illustrations.

>14 amysisson:

You can find some information about that here:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.852593721544048.1073742010.37023002644...

>16 SF-72:

Oh my, that work is stunning. Sadly, that book will be far out of my price range. I wish they would do a non-limited run at a normal-ish book price, but I guess we can't have everything!

>17 amysisson:

That's exactly how I felt.

I'm really interested in the series, but the estimated price is likely also out of my price range. But I would like to keep up with the release.

>11 Auberon: Is there a way to get the newsletter on the website or is it only through personal mail at Jerad?

>19 c_schelle:

I think you have to email Jerad.

I believe Jerad uses the Constant Contact service to issue his newsletter. He sends it out nearly every Sunday, and no more often. It definitely provides a heads up on forthcoming titles and prices, moreso than the website. It's also very personable - you can reply directly to him with questions, concerns, requests, ideas and he'll get back to you, too. Conversely, he often requests feedback about things. It's not like being on FS or EP's mailing lists.

I would certainly hope that Folio would at least publish the trilogy, as it must have been a very good seller for them, and has undoubtedly made a significant number of new people aware of them as a publisher. To just leave the book as a one-off risks sending many of those people off in search of alternative, as the OP demonstrates.

>1 didaho: "So I am torn between waiting to see if the Folio Society commit to publishing the full series, or purchasing the full series publish by Easton Press soon. Thoughts?"

The reproduction of the illustrations in the EP editions will likely be down to their usual standard, but the whole set is available, so I suppose your choice will be determined by what is important to you.

Edited for vino-induced typo.

Given the lack of more Dune releases from the Folio Society in their current line-up, and the serious delays on the Centipede Press books, I've decided to go with Easton Press from Ebay as at least they are available right now, and frankly I like their books (with the exception of their illustrations).

I may end up selling my copy of Dune from Folio: they really need to start committing to publishing full series, as that means a lot for collectors!

>23 didaho:

So it does. Unfortunately, they clearly have an easy enough time selling the two Brontes, Dune or Wizard of Earthsea, so it's unlikely they'll change their method.

Quite honestly, I think Dune is a bit different from, say, Earthsea or other known series. Dune is not the type of novel that is normally thought of as being just one part of the series, the series being an indispensable whole. People interested in A Wizard of Earthsea will also buy The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore and, to a significantly lesser extent, other post-original trilogy books. Most people buying Dune, including myself, won't buy its sequels. Limited editions will surely sell out among the fans of the series, but the number of copies of Heretics of Dune or Charterhouse Dune that Folio could sell would be a small fraction of Dune's. Perhaps Folio could still make money on them, but the Dune cycle is not among the first that normally come to mind when people think of series. I doubt FS would ever release the whole series.

I have to agree, much as I would definitely buy all of them. Also, think FS would have to stick o the current price, which is probably too high for sequels that are not as “popular”. Think I’ll email and ask them though.

Not so long ago FS were at the very least interested in publishing vol. 2 and 3 of Dune, which do seem to be quite popular. While I personally only really like volume one, it does end in such a way that it makes one interested in what will happen next. Unfortunately what came afterwards never was as good as the first book and actually ruined what was created and told there, at least for me. I know that there are people who see it exactly the other way around and think the series improved with later volumes.

I must say I was really impressed with the Centipede Press illustrations I've seen online, but those prices will definitely keep me from going with that edition.

>25 elladan0891: I have to agree as well.

I heard back from FS...they said not to expect a new Dune book in the Christmas collection, but that they are interested in producing the whole series.

>29 RRCBS: Huh, interesting. Even if they do produce the next couple of books, I'd still be really surprised if they complete the whole series. But I could be wrong, of course.

I haven`t read Dune yet. But i know many value Dune as a stand alone novel, meaning `the others` in the series don`t count as much. That is of course subjective. But if so, it would somewhat be strange also if the FS would publish the other books in the series, especially if they were to value it`s design compared with the original lovely Dune illustrated by Sam Weber for books that are not put as high in regard as the original. I am clearly not speaking of the die hard fans who dress themselves as sandworms whenever they feel like it.

What i am saying is: If the FS were to publish the rest of the series, would they then be up to the standard of the gorgeous original? .. if not the series would look strange, if yes, well, if there is high enough demand probably.

I've read the first Dune book. I wasn't much of a fan but I recognize it's universally deemed a classic of the genre. Having said that, weren't all the subsequent novels pretty much panned? I don't often hear much about them at all.

>32 adriano77:

I can't speak for anyone else, but I've heard some people say they only liked the first, some people say they only liked the first 3, and some people say they liked all the ones penned solely by Frank Herbert.

I've read up through 4, and I liked 1 and 4 the best.

I only own a nice copy of Dune. I liked the first book but enjoyed each following book less. I stopped reading the series after book 4.

>32 adriano77:

Panned? Not sure by who...

Books 1 - 4 are all great in my opinion. I think at the time there were many people (including the publisher) who didn't understand what Herbert was trying to do. Book 2 turns the hero-cult of Muad'Dib inside out and shows the horrifying viscera underneath. Books 3 - 4 are about the struggle to cure humanity of the human worship of human beings. Books 5 and 6 were unnecessary but not terrible.

>31 Pellias:

For someone who hasn't read Dune you sure know a lot about sandworms! j/k

>35 MobyRichard:

Book 2 turns the hero-cult of Muad'Dib inside out and shows the horrifying viscera underneath.

I love the way you put that!

For me, the overall "message" of Dune, if there is one, is about the horrible burden of prophecy upon the prophet, the subject of the prophecy, and those who believe in it. Each of these roles is cursed.

I love them all, if you stop reading at 1 then you really miss out on a lot of the meaning from Frank Herbert. 1 and 4 are also my favourite, in fact 4 is just amazing. For example, Duncan Idaho plays a minor role in book 1, but a central role in book 4 (in a very unexpected way).

>35 MobyRichard:

"Book 2 turns the hero-cult of Muad'Dib inside out and shows the horrifying viscera underneath."

Yes you have nailed it! If you stop reading at book 1, you are left with the impression that Muad'Dib was a successful hero figure, but his fall from grace thereafter is profound. And books 3-4 deal with the children of the prophet becoming an overbearing dictatorship (becoming what their father despised), whereas the final books while weaker still have merit, in dealing with the demise of that older world order when faced with a far greater threat. Wonderful space opera.

The Centipede Press edition of Dune is apparently delayed until May next year (2019).

My friend made me read Dune in high school. The mere mention of sandworms still gives me nightmares.

>39 narbgr01: Actually rather pleased about that. Funds should be much more agreeable then!

>39 narbgr01: Thank you for the useful information. How did you find out about this, if I might ask?

>42 NLNils: I got the information from their newsletter.

>43 c_schelle: I reread the newsletter to find I missed the one line update. Thanks for pointing this out.

Dune away your thoughts ..

Referring to Brian Herbert`s afterword from 2005 in the Folio Society publication. Read it. Here is a man that lived with his father for almost 40 years and they held a very close father / son and professional relationship. Also the introduction by Michael Dirda, they both give some clues and answers to the world that is Dune and the chronicle it came to be. I really hope FS will publish more in this series, but they will probably not for a long while.

Not to give anything away. But Herbert based Paul on a Lawrence of Arabia kind of character, and i can only imagine if Dune went to become a sort of different kind of read after 9/11

By the way .. saw this .. look in the comments section

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN5lKiLh8l8&feature=emb_logo

Probably just someone that had some fun at the office ..

>46 Pellias:
Oh man, if they actually do all six, that would be splendid

oh, my....

I have seen proofs of illustrations - all magnificent portraits of characters in Dune. My recollection is that Jerad does plan to do all the Dune books written by Frank Herbert himself. I also recall that it was going to be expensive but Jerad's production is always at a very high level. Lastly, I should mention that Dune was supposed to be out late last year, so it is obviously delayed.

>49 coynedj: Liet-Kynes' gender swap is strange. How can he not be man, when he is .. (read the book to find out why that is) .. and he will always be a `he` to me

Alia and Feyd-Rautha apparently will participate in a part 2 of the movie ?? ( i don`t now, just read it somewhere)

I like Villanueves movies (that i have seen) and i`m a grown man i can take it - but, i think he causes unnecessary unrest for the many fans with changes that finally were hoping for a good adaption of Dune. Buhu, poor them one might say, but to their defence they have been waiting for a long time.

Personally i was really looking forward to this movie with book fresh in mind and all, now i`m more .. `naah` .. don`t know, not sure .. will there be more radical changes, probably ..

It could be a master stroke of genious approved by the Herbert family or whatever, but it`s politics and it`s already dividing.

Not a fan when messing to much with the classics, it gets confusing, where there is no need to, there are also strong female characters in this book already .. (don`t believe my word for it, read for yourselves)

Some years ago i made a rule of thumb for myself, that is : `if i have the book of a movie, i shall always read that book before the movie` .. so play your tricks elsewhere Hollywood. I`m a reader, lol.

>50 narbgr01: Very true, and will sell out in an instant. Personally i might be interested, that depends on some personal what if`s, if i lived abroad in the US it would have been a no brainer for me .. Centipede Press / Jerad is very much hailed for his offerings. The link in >46 Pellias: though is referring to (possible) future published by the Folio Society, and before the champagne flows all around in here, i`m curious if it was serious or not. Taken it so far, i will write them. Probably to get a `i will bring it on to the board. Thank you for your kind words` :)

>51 Pellias:
Villeneuve is my favorite director working today. Except for "Enemy" I've seen every film he's made from 2009 to now, and I've absolutely loved or greatly appreciated them all. And especially after what he's been able to do in Sci-fi with "Arrival" and "Blade Runner 2049," I fully trust him with one of my favorite books in "Dune." I think "Enemy" was on Netflix last I checked, so I should really get around to watching it.

Nothing about Liet requires the character to be male, so the gender swap isn't an issue at all in my mind. It was the character's father who started the work and made inroads with the Fremen, and he/she is carrying on the vision. If anything, it speaks more to the value of the vision if a female is given the position in the patriarchal Fremen society that Liet has.

>52 sdg_e: It will be a good film, a great film most probably. But will it be the `Dune` the fans require .. hope so. I truly do.

- Liet is a father himself. How can he be a father when he is suddenly a younger woman. Curious how they will show that.

Kynes was a tall, thin man with long, sandy hair, a sparse but mussed mustache and beard and under heavy brows, eyes that were fathomless blue-within-blue

I am most happy because i have read the book. So the movie can have all the creative freedom it wants for my concern, the book is what is the real deal, this here will be pure entertainment, but i`m sure it causes some unnecessary `baluba` when expectations (which is in the eyes of the beholder) of a movie to some degrees are suddenly turned to skepticism because anything shall go political these days. I have already gone to far as to having an opinion about it :)

Arrival, Prisoners fantastic movies. I have not seen Blade Runner 2049 (will read `do Androids` first) ;)

>53 Pellias:
I'm with you on reading the book first -- though I often end up giving the movie a miss to avoid spoiling my idea of it. I haven't seen Blade Runner 2049 either, but the first Blade Runner had so little left of Do Androids... that you might not realise what it was based on. For once, for me, the movie was better than the book. Dick had an endless stream of brilliant ideas, but rarely fleshed them out adequately, and wrote paperback prose.

>54 Jayked: A FS edition, i will likely read before a movie. I became somewhat more disciplined after i started collecting from FS. It has to do with the FS experience probably, imagined or true, it`s there, for me, most of the time :) A history book/movie can be of another matter as they supplement each other.

Thank you for your insight on Blade Runner, must read the Dick (sorry, i had to) first before i do any further commenting. I have read others of his though. Book vs Movie, can indeed be of different experiences.

>54 Jayked: I can't help but agree regarding Philip K. Dick - wonderful concepts, poor execution. Both Blade Runner movies were excellent, in my opinion, and I realize that many were disappointed with Blade Runner 2049. I'm looking forward to the Dune movie, now that I've finished the book.

The trailer for Dune is here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9xhJrPXop4

>57 sdg_e: Oh Baby!

Folio could make a killing on Dune sales if they released Messiah to coincide with the film's release.

>57 sdg_e:

Looks good, but I'm really hoping Villeneuve gets Herbert's point that Paul is not a Hero (or more accurately that Heroes are terrible people especially when people worship them). The trailer doesn't show any sign of that at all. Also Paul uses the word 'crusade' instead of Herbert's 'jihad' which is a bit cowardly, but *shrug. On the plus side Timothee Chalamet is easily the most talented actor of the 3 film versions of Paul Atreides.

>60 MobyRichard: The book is supposedly being split into two films so there's still plenty of opportunity to sow those seeds. That said I believe in the original Dune Paul was meant to be seen, in some sense, a hero of his story. It's not until Messiah that we're really shown the uncontrollably destructive force that Paul unleashes upon the universe in playing the role of a worshipped hero that we're meant to seriously doubt his crusade.

>60 MobyRichard:, >61 wongie:

I’ve only read Dune but never found any hinting that the character was evil or was meant to become evil. All of that must have been developed in the other books.

>57 sdg_e: The trailer looks quite promising and the Pink Floyd background music actually fits :) The 80ies movie was so bad this can't be worse really.

>62 treereader: I also missed that. Probably that side of the story is developed in the later books (which I also haven't read).

>62 treereader:
Paul isn't evil per se; he's just not a hero. Throughout Dune he has the inner turmoil with knowing that if he continues his fight for his and his mother's survival towards his goal of revenge for what happened to his family, it will unleash a jihad across the universe through his terrible purpose, slaughtering billions or even trillions of people. And in his naïveté at first he thinks he could prevent that fate but eventually selfishly resigns himself to it and manipulates the Fremen religion to do so. The undercurrents are all there in Dune but aren't really as explicitly shown until Dune Messiah. Even if you don't read the other sequels, I'd recommend reading Messiah; it's much shorter than Dune and serves almost like an epilogue.

>62 treereader: It's definitely in Dune. I re-read it last week and Paul spends significant mental energy trying to resolve his survival with the future horrors he know that his influence will create. He's constantly having visions of fleets and armies under the green Atreides banner, slaughtering their way across the known universe and recoiling from that destiny, trying to find a different way.

On good vs evil

So far into a future that is so far from our own (yet so similar, but still) one might look different onto what that makes someone evil also. And, with the hero business there also comes a lot of responsibility - on our superhero stories they often/always end on high and the aftermath is seldom addressed as much - there is also the famed butterfly effect of what we do or don`t do, in which we all play a part, some more, some less, but still.

Then the deeds, we do something in the name of good which for others could be bad and might also end up being used in a bad way. As is said also : `The way to hell is paved on good intentions` - more relevant to Dune as seen through our minds some thousand years before `Dune` is the `Messiah complex` probably.

There are no one that are just good out there or here (maybe if you hide under a rock all your life), if so that is based on the past, also to be good is not a constant, other than constant work to strive to be the best that is / which would end up making it "worse" for someone else

-

Dune is a work of philosophy as i see it, and is a work of the authors reflections on good vs evil and to make people reflect further onto what comes to being human, and how we deal or don`t with power.

`You can rule yourself, now you must learn how to rule others`

We have all seen people if only for a minor degree - change when given power (if again you have not stayed under a rock) :)

How would you yourself (meaning anybody and non in particular) rule an empire? It is quite different than the safeness of the reading chair, and the role of the observant, the critic

-

>57 sdg_e: Thanks for the upload. Looks quality. Still i am glad i have read the book first.

Not wanting to go off topic, just to say - I also got a teaser on the new (The Crow inspired) Batman movie (of which i was totally unfamiliar - i must literally have stayed under a rock) !

>65 gmacaree:

Interesting. I definitely remember much of that but without knowing what happens in the later books, I just shrugged it off as a scared boy having nightmares. I also saw him as just trying to survive for most of the book, not a hero. At best, just the protagonist.

>67 treereader:

Yeah, it's definitely what set Dune apart for me, the subversion of the hero myth. It was so subversive that John W. Campbell rejected Dune Messiah solely on that basis. Which is kinda weird, b/c as others have pointed out the whole jihad thing is pretty clearly foreshadowed. No specific spoilers, but Frank Herbert also did the "anybody can be killed" thing long before George R. R. Martin.

Here's a really interesting essay by Frank Herbert written in 1980 on the origins of the Dune series and his intentions: https://vasil.ludost.net/dunegenesis.pdf

Excerpt from the first few paragraphs as a tease:
"I conceived of a long novel, the whole trilogy as one book about the messianic convulsions that periodically overtake us. Demagogues, fanatics, con-game artists, the innocent and the not-so-innocent bystanders-all were to have a part in the drama. This grows from my theory that superheroes are disastrous for humankind. Even if we find a real hero (whatever-or whoever-that may be), eventually fallible mortals take over the power structure that always comes into being around such a leader.

Personal observation has convinced me that in the power area of politics/economics and in their logical consequence, war, people tend to give over every decision-making capacity to any leader who can wrap himself in the myth fabric of the society. Hitler did it. Churchill did it. Franklin Roosevelt did it. Stalin did it. Mussolini did it."

Got the Folio email about upcoming "Children of Dune" -- the cover illustration and the one interior illustration they've posted look SPECTACULAR! Can't wait to add this to the other two Folio Dune books.

>69 sdg_e:

That's interesting, thank you. And I would add religious leaders to that list.

>71 SF-72: This is why I love the old forum model, people rediscovering and reactivating a 4 year old discussion as something new develops. Compared to the race to the bottom ephemerality of Reddit, it's a lot more fun.

>72 A.Godhelm:

Same here.

Reddit confuses me.

I prefer old-style forums like these!

Signed version of Dune: Messiah has just landed - 100 copies 10 minutes ago, already down to 82.

Dune Messiah signed by artist Hilary Clarcq:

https://www.foliosociety.com/uk/dune-messiah-signed-edition.html
https://www.foliosociety.com/usa/dune-messiah-signed-edition.html

Limited to 100 copies.

I hope they do this for the other two books as well.

42 left. Oog.

12.

1.

From the email at 1.03am, it took 42 minutes until they sold out at 1.45am.

I just dont get it. The author is dead and there is a signed bookplate by an unknown artist for a likely $100 upcharge? You can get a signed LEC copy of The Flounder by a nobel prize winner for cheaper. Sarcasm aside, i think id prefer folio_books' signature than Hilary Clarcq!

>82 Joshbooks1:

I'm flattered. And I'll do it for fifty, special offer.

>81 FitzJames: Well I don't get it either, but 42 minutes to sell out that upcharge shows why they do this. Anything else is leaving a pile of money on the table. We need to interview one of the buyers to investigate the mystery.

I am genuinely confused at the market response. Surely the biggest Dune fans would already own a copy?

Some people really enjoy collecting signed books.

How much extra did they charge for the signature?

>87 wcarter: An extra £85 / $120 -- more than the actual book itself!

They're just playing people for suckers at this point.

Some people obviously like signatures. Why don't make those few hundred people happy ? There is no " you have to buy me" sign anywhere. The normal priced version is available for everyone.
We talked about the recent LE'S and how non LE they seemed and how expensive they were, but most of those LE'S sold like hot chocolate cakes. So obviously people like the product with everything that is involved in it. (Price, quality, illustrations etc...)
I think we can be lucky that there are presses like Curious King, CTP, Suntup and many more, that in my opinion, do a way better job in creating a limited edition, which is better priced and higher in quality, but that's just a single opinion - mine. I bet there are people out there that think and feel the opposite.
That aswell doesn't mean that I hate everything Folio Society does, but currently iam not their biggest LE fan, mostly of the cost aspect, if I see what I get for my money at other presses (mostly even letterpress and upgraded paper, plus more Illustrations, colour and B&W, etc.)

In the end iam happy if Folio Society is doing well. There are so many presses currently I can buy from, that it's getting harder and harder to decide, where and what to buy. (Not only LE or books with signatures)

>89 RATBAG.: I don't see how someone can get played when the value proposition is made so clear. The people paying the extra hundred bucks are clearly motivated to buy the signature.
>90 Ragnaroekk: I think the arguments surrounding LEs and pricing levels, and judging their value proposition compared to the marketing is valid. With signatures, it's WYSIWYG? Just as a personal reflection on your comment, Suntup has gotten money I had intended to go to FS LEs this summer, which surprised me since I've been waiting for these books. I'll gladly pick up later SEs of them all, but I couldn't justify it to myself. At these prices I have to love every choice they made or it's just going to nag at me every time I look at the shelf.

>90 Ragnaroekk: There is no "you have to buy me" sign anywhere.

Sure, but taking that position all the way there would never be any basis to complain or disagree about any company raising prices, reducing quality or whatever. Other than for absolute monopolies there is always the option to just not buy.

I think it’s reasonable to disagree with what feels like pretty cynical business practices when one sees it.

>92 cyber_naut:
But can you really blame Folio ? They offer something and people obviously like it, so they spent money on it. I mean most of those signature books have sold in record time. I do not see something wrong or cynical here. If people wouldn't buy those books with signatures, Folio wouldn't sell them any more or lower the prices until people feel comfortable .
People play f2p mobile games and spent thousands of dollars each month, because they like what they getting/playing. Otherwise there wouldn't anyone trying to sell you micro transactions in mobile games. Just to have another example.
You can only sell something, because people think it's worth their money, or not ?

>93 Ragnaroekk:
I'm happy with the SE'S aswell ☺️

>93 Ragnaroekk: Sure - I’m not saying it’s unethical or anything like that. Rational firms will seek to maximise profit without breaking the law but it doesn’t mean we can’t complain about it!

>90 Ragnaroekk: I believe judgment is rarely directed at the people who make these purchases. The concern here is with what seems like a predatory business practice, one that’s becoming increasingly common. It appears to be deliberately aimed at a small group of highly engaged customers who are making purchase decisions driven more by anxiety rather than genuine interest. As >85 DMulvee: noted, people who really wanted the book most likely purchased it already.

>94 cyber_naut:
You can always complain :)
>95 bacchus.:
I bought some books myself in the past, that I didn't really wanted, but I was anxious to somehow not get a copy and it would sell out without me owning one. Maybe it's an addiction, but you can't really blame anyone for youre buying habits or cravings, can you ?
I know what you mean in general. I expressed my unsatisfactory about recent Folio LE decision more than once.
Hoped they wouldn't sell, so Folio would need to make a rethinking progress, but ... yeah, you know how the story ended.
That's doesn't mean we cannot discuss or talk about, what we think, isn't that what this forum is all about ? Sharing books and thoughts ?

>96 Ragnaroekk: You've mentioned gaming micro-transactions; I believe Roblox is a clear example. It targets kids under 12, relies on less than 1% of its 200 million user base for revenue, uses aggressive psychological triggers, and exploits addictive personalities into buying things that are essentially worthless. I can't really blame the kids but I do feel compelled to judge the company for these practices.

That's doesn't mean we cannot discuss or talk about, what we think, isn't that what this forum is all about ? Sharing books and thoughts ?

Definitely! :) I hope I didn’t come out as too aggressive and I don’t want to discourage you from sharing your thoughts. Just sharing mine too.

>97 bacchus.:
Kids need to be protected, so where are the parents ? Shouldn't it be even more important that parents know and control what such young people do on the Internet in our actual world ? You can visit really hefty stuff, not only porn, with one wrong click or search, which isn't aways good for youngsters, whose brains and body's are still in development. Easy to say for someone that has grown up with a windows 94 PC and a Sony ericson old school handy. I can remember sending songs via infrared, which took along time, there was only one game, which was snake and the phones battery lasted for month 😂
Today's times are different though, the Internet is present everywhere and alot of people would do suicide without it.
I think it's right to judge here, with the Roblox example, but in the end everyone can make his own decisions. We are no brainless zombies. Kids are a different matter though and should be protected as best as possible by their parents, if at all possible in today's world.

Everything OK. You are more then welcome to share youre thoughts and opinions here :)

>98 Ragnaroekk: You’re fighting a losing battle. The people arguing with you are either being deliberately disingenuous, or lack a surprising amount of self-awareness of how wrapped up in their own little worlds they are, such that someone else liking something they don’t is an alien concept.

They can’t fathom it to such an extent they’ve decided people now need protection from themselves. As if Folio Society deals crack cocaine, or is advertising sports betting.

Either that, or the Folio Society is abusing them or scamming them, never mind prices and products are clear, and these are all luxury items, not insulin.

The goalposts have now moved entire counties, comparing the Folio Society’s practice of selling books people want, to micro transactions aimed at kids. 🤦‍♂️

This entire discussion has jumped the shark, lol.

>99 What_What:
🙈🙈

>99 What_What:

This

>86 Noel_G: Indeed. I don't get it either, but as long as those collectors are happy and Folio makes money without damaging their brand, it's a win-win situation.

>89 RATBAG.: There's no deceit, nothing hidden (as far as I can see!) so no-one is being 'played'.

Someone on the Facebook group spotted a post from FS that 100 copies of Dune signed by Sam Weber will be released at 4pm today.

The signed Dune is 315 Pounds in the UK, 360 in ROW. Seriously?!

>105 SF-72: Six lucky people have bought it so far.

Signed regular Dune being sold for more than half the price of the LE is insane (Thesaurus suggests "bananas" as a kinder word to use) lol.

£210 premium for a signature…surely this is Folio testing the water to see what they can get away with.

That premium is basically what I paid for my copy of Conversation Tree Press Flowers of Algernon (which came with a signature!)

LOL....$450 USD.

It seems FS have judged their marks well, I mean customers well. 35 sold in half an hour.

Makes the LE in retrospect value for money, which at the time would have sounded absolutely ridiculous.

>110 assemblyman: Nearly all by speculators. They'll all be on Ebay within minutes of them selling out for double the price. A year from now, more than half of them will still be.

>112 chrisrsprague: They are still being bought so it will give licence to FS to continue these practices. It's not a good look though.

As others have said, they're testing the waters. This has reached a point where I'm disgusted, and I'm usually relaxed about their signed options. This is really taking it too far. It's a shame anyone is buying at this price. I certainly wouldn't.

Hahaha what an absolute joke. At least pretend you care about your customer base. I give credit for those who still remain Folio Society Devotees. I wonder if these short term monetary gains is worth it in the long run.

Those signature sheet books let the LE look cheap.

The last two signed editions (Messiah and Children) had a 100% (+£80) premium for the signature. For Dune, the premium is 200% (+£210).

Now, Dune a much bigger volume but we’re not talking about an upgrade to book here. A signature glued into a short book is no different from one glued into a long book.

There is no conceivable reason they should be charging so much more for this one than the previous (other than, obviously, that people will pay for it).

Perhaps they’re thinking of completionists who simply must have the full set of the signed trilogy.

>114 SF-72: This has reached a point where I'm disgusted, and I'm usually relaxed about their signed options.

I agree. Utterly appalling. Folio reaches a new low.

Ms Omnichannel is now ready to join the ranks of Bene Gesserit.

This is the pure creation of artificial scarcity for the sole purpose of extracting rents--the worst of economic excess. I repeat my earlier sentiment that the organisation is utterly cynical and nobody should be calling themselves a "Folio Society Devotee" without some modicum of shame.

>117 cyber_naut: 'There is no conceivable reason they should be charging so much more for this one than the previous (other than, obviously, that people will pay for it).'

One reason springs to mind: different illustrators.

I would guess that Folio thought that established illustrator Sam Weber's name is worth more than that of up-and-coming illustrator Hilary Clarcq. The relative slowness of sales suggests they may have misjudged although I don't doubt these will sell out soon enough. (37 left now.)

£315 is too rich for my tastes but if others are willing to pay that, that's their choice, they know what they're getting and nobody is forcing them.

Guess it depends on what a Sam Weber autograph is worth. On eBay, there's currently two signed Dune prints for $200/each, and two signed Gothic Mermaid posters for $100/each. Suntup is also selling a signed Finders Keepers print for $95/each. A $300 premium seems a bit excessive to me, but with over 65 sold in five hours, I guess there's a market for it.

Today the Folio Society jumped the shark.

>123 What_What: - I disagree. The shark jump came some time ago, with the publication of comic book collections.

>123 What_What: >124 coynedj:

Agree. The landscape changed a long time ago. I’m still a Faddict, but much more so aligned to the Folio I knew 15 years ago. More pre-Vatican II than post-Conciliar, more Republic than Emperor, more Guinness Extra Stout than a widget in a can.

What a horrible, greed-driven, company the Folio Society have become these days. There isn't even a single comment defending their ridiculous practices this time, so things must have gotten really bad.

Much slower selling than other signed standard editions. Still 25 left. I wonder why??

>127 wcarter: can only assume because it’s a more egregious money grab than previous ones.

There aren’t even any listed on eBay so seemingly too rich even for the scalpers.

At least they fixed the website this morning - they were showing the Children of Dune autograph by Hilary Clarcq all day yesterday instead of the Weber one that they were actually selling....

>126 Levin40: Wait long enough; the foliosplainers will square the circle.

Only 13 left. I guess FS saw the resellers' marked-up prices and thought: "that's our cheddar."

I think they've priced it correctly, if not generously. But seeing how fast their signed books sold and how many of their books are usually picked up by flippers, good for them.

>131 PartTimeBookAddict:

Not so good for people who would actually like to buy and cherish such an edition, but now can't due to the excessive price. I know that scalpers play a huge role in this, but that doesn't make it more tasteful for me.

>132 SF-72: People who are going to "cherish" a piece of paper with some stranger's signature on it will find a way to pay 3x the price of the regular book they already have. This just gave them a longer opportunity to pick it up.

I'm just happy the FS is syphoning the money directly, rather than some musty ebay basement dwellers getting their hands on it.

>130 LesMiserables: … and they’ve arrived!

Sam Weber needed a new furnace. Folio was happy to help out and his cut will just about cover it.

>133 PartTimeBookAddict:

Not everyone has ways to find that kind of money. Personally, I really don't give a damn about these editions, but there are people who do any not everyone has unlimited access to money.

>126 Levin40: I thought I was defending them. In a diffident, British sort of a way, obviously.

Moving on from your specific comment to respond to recent posts generally:

Just because this is not something I want to buy doesn't mean I think Folio are evil or immoral or anything like that, I'm just not an autograph collector and they are who this would appear to be aimed at. And buying an autograph with a really nice book attached doesn't sound all that awful.

Okay, it's not included in Folio's original mission statement but that boat sailed years ago.

Is it overpriced? If lots of them resell for much more, then no. If buyers hang on to them, maybe Folio got it about right. Perhaps, as I think somebody else suggested, Folio have been underpricing them and that's why they have sold out so quickly in the past.

It's been said before but these are discretionary purchases, not basic staples. Nobody needs one of these, but if somebody has the money and wants one, I don't think we should be demonising them or Folio for that. Folio still make beautiful books, I still love them (and, no, I don't see why the hell I should shoulder any guilt or shame because somebody else hates them), and I'm looking forward to the Christmas Collection.

(File under First World Problems.)

>137 Cat_of_Ulthar: Okay, it's not included in Folio's original mission statement but that boat sailed years ago.

I respect your general sentiment, but one can only wonder what the FS mission statement is these days.

>138 bacchus.: https://www.foliosociety.com/uk/about-us

'crafting exquisite, illustrated editions for book lovers of all ages.'

Or, in full:

'Folio is an employee-owned, independent publisher that has thrilled and delighted a band of dedicated readers since 1947. Today, from our workspace in the heart of London’s vibrant Shad Thames, we continue that tradition by crafting exquisite, illustrated editions for book lovers of all ages.

We publish books that have changed the world, books that entertain us, books that blow our minds … books that have stitched themselves into who we are. Which is why every Folio book is a labour of love, expertise and, frankly, obsession.

Our team of editors, designers and artisans will do whatever it takes to give each title everything it deserves, from outstanding intellectual firepower to extraordinary craftsmanship. Available exclusively from Folio through our website, for book lovers around the world, every book we make is a miniature work of art and we take pride in every single one.'

>138 bacchus.: Anyone who has worked in the corporate world can tell you that mission statements are almost always meaningless, and have been so for quite some time. I don't begrudge FS for shifting so as to succeed in the modern world. I like their books, and if I see some that I think are worth their price, I'll buy them. Many of them are, to me, not worth buying, but I recognize that my judgement is not universal.

>139 Cat_of_Ulthar: I've read the About page before posting, and as far as I'm concerned, this is not a mission statement. I could have cherry-picked phrases like 'Books that have changed the world, books that entertain us, books that blow our minds…'. It's just a lot of self-praise without any clear focus.

>140 coynedj: They do provide some guidance on what the brand stands for and help communicate the company’s commitment to its customers.

>134 cwl: Ha ha! Look, I'm not even going to pay what they're asking for their regular version of Dune. But if you ask me who should make the profit: the artist/creator and the publisher or some ebay flipper? It's no question at all.

>136 SF-72: No one has unlimited money. I've never understood the mania for autographs, but if they're willing to pay that much, at least let it go to an artist who, most likely, could really use it.

>137 Cat_of_Ulthar: Hear, hear!

LOL

Someone has been reading this thread and decided to up the ante:

https://www.foliosociety.com/usa/wolf-hall-signed.html?om_campaign=omme_90767c31...

$650 for signed Wolf Hall

>144 MobyRichard: $650 for signed Wolf Hall

There are unopened copies from the original 250 run on eBay for $464 and $497 if someone wants to save a couple hundred bucks.

Over on Reddit, a user posted confirmation from Folio that God Emperor of Dune is currently in production and that Folio will be doing all six books.

>146 HonorWulf:

That's nice. For a while, it didn't look like this would happen.

Strange that they don't grab the opportunity and bring the whole set as a LE.

I hope they switch the artists for God Emperor. That book really deserves someone much weirder.

>148 Ragnaroekk: I assume with big titles like Dune it always comes down to negotiating rights and what they can and can't do with the volumes they're potentially printing. If Folio were content to sell just a single LE set then the rights holder might have been fine with it but perhaps not if Folio also wanted to also have the right to sell a higher production run ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Prime example being Harper Collins and LOTR which I can't imagine them giving Folio much leeway in producing too many nicer editions that will compete and eat up HC's own sales.