1AMindForeverVoyaging
It has begun and runs through October 10, with savings of 20%-50% on everything.
2mr.philistine
I was waiting for this...
3dlphcoracl
For collectors looking to add a high-end book, the Kelmscott Press edition of 'The Book of Wisdom and Lies' selling at $3,800. is an outstanding price (believe it or not). It is a classic collection of Georgian (Asia) stories and fables from the 17th century and the book is in fine condition.
https://www.oakknoll.com/pages/books/58061/sulxan-saba-orbeliani/book-of-wisdom-...
https://www.oakknoll.com/pages/books/58061/sulxan-saba-orbeliani/book-of-wisdom-...
4A.Nobody
Sale time again, through October 8.
5PatsChoice
>4 A.Nobody: A very interesting lot, thank you!
A PSA for all lovers of literary classics: One of the best deals listed is THE DIVINE COMEDY, featuring the Hollander translation and Beisner artwork. Although this edition is printed offset, the 100+ illustrations are marvelous and the typographic design, including very generous margins and the elegant Centaur typeface, within a large quarto makes for a pleasant read. Frankly, the only weak point is the paper, but some sacrifice had to be made at this price point when accounting for the other novel elements. The production was carried out by Stamperia Valdonega (Mardersteig's younger "son") on behalf of Edizioni Valdonega
At the $500 USD MSRP, this is a fair deal; at $275, this is a great bargain.
A PSA for all lovers of literary classics: One of the best deals listed is THE DIVINE COMEDY, featuring the Hollander translation and Beisner artwork. Although this edition is printed offset, the 100+ illustrations are marvelous and the typographic design, including very generous margins and the elegant Centaur typeface, within a large quarto makes for a pleasant read. Frankly, the only weak point is the paper, but some sacrifice had to be made at this price point when accounting for the other novel elements. The production was carried out by Stamperia Valdonega (Mardersteig's younger "son") on behalf of Edizioni Valdonega
At the $500 USD MSRP, this is a fair deal; at $275, this is a great bargain.
6Shadekeep
I have to say, it's pretty nice seeing an immediate savings on Hypnertomachia Poliphili of $30,000. "Buy this book and we'll throw in a free car!"
My last couple of purchases here resulted in books that I felt were too generously graded, but I may cave in and take another gamble.
My last couple of purchases here resulted in books that I felt were too generously graded, but I may cave in and take another gamble.
7GardenOfForkingPaths
>6 Shadekeep: My experience has been a bit hit or miss too, but some of the titles that were 20% in previous sales have now been reduced to 50%. I ordered the Midnight Paper Sales 'House in the Country' at 50% off.
>5 PatsChoice: Very tempting indeed. When you say the paper is the weak point, how weak are we talking? Also, does the edition have notes?
>5 PatsChoice: Very tempting indeed. When you say the paper is the weak point, how weak are we talking? Also, does the edition have notes?
8DMulvee
>4 A.Nobody: Thanks for posting. I decided to order The Intruder from Midnight Paper Sales, Further Interiors from Whittington and Weeds and Wild Flowers from the Two Horse Press.
9affle
>7 GardenOfForkingPaths:
I disagree with >5 PatsChoice:, the paper is not a weak point at all, it's thick and creamy, carries the text and paintings well. Really good value set, I'm amazed how long it's taking to sell out (though there is an Italian edition dating from a couple of years earlier, of 300 copies if memory serves me right). I've never looked at another Divine Comedy since acquiring it.
I disagree with >5 PatsChoice:, the paper is not a weak point at all, it's thick and creamy, carries the text and paintings well. Really good value set, I'm amazed how long it's taking to sell out (though there is an Italian edition dating from a couple of years earlier, of 300 copies if memory serves me right). I've never looked at another Divine Comedy since acquiring it.
10PatsChoice
>7 GardenOfForkingPaths: The paper is moderately heavy, thick and stiff with a light glossy finish. If you are familiar with the Folio Society, this paper is doubtlessly superior to the ubiquitous Abbey Wove.
This edition does not feature notes. If you are interested in a fine press edition of Dante with extensive annotations, you may want to take a look at the John Henry Nash publication (though it is roughly 1 order of magnitude greater in cost compared to the currently discounted Edizioni Valdonega imprint).
Although >9 affle: and I diverge somewhat in our opinions (Affle—I may have been unclear, but my meaning is the paper is a weak point relative to the illustrations, translation and typographic layout, all of which I find to be first-rate. I think the paper is the weak link in comparison to those elements of construction, but that is an understandable and necessary sacrifice given the price point of the production.), the common-ground message is that this is an exquisite reading set for the Divine Comedy, and it is a true bargain at its currently listed price.
This edition does not feature notes. If you are interested in a fine press edition of Dante with extensive annotations, you may want to take a look at the John Henry Nash publication (though it is roughly 1 order of magnitude greater in cost compared to the currently discounted Edizioni Valdonega imprint).
Although >9 affle: and I diverge somewhat in our opinions (Affle—I may have been unclear, but my meaning is the paper is a weak point relative to the illustrations, translation and typographic layout, all of which I find to be first-rate. I think the paper is the weak link in comparison to those elements of construction, but that is an understandable and necessary sacrifice given the price point of the production.), the common-ground message is that this is an exquisite reading set for the Divine Comedy, and it is a true bargain at its currently listed price.
11Shadekeep
Well, had to give in and get Light Station on Tillamook Rock from The Press of Appletree Alley, as it's been on my watchlist a long while and this is the best looking one I've found. At 50% it was unmissable. Threw a few bargain chapbooks in with it, but had to forebear from so many more juicy titles.
Surprised that The Taaris of the Feeld from Tern Press remains available as of this writing. It's one of the numbered limitation of 25, and if I weren't having to watch the purse-strings this month I'd have grabbed it myself.
Surprised that The Taaris of the Feeld from Tern Press remains available as of this writing. It's one of the numbered limitation of 25, and if I weren't having to watch the purse-strings this month I'd have grabbed it myself.
12GardenOfForkingPaths
>9 affle: >10 PatsChoice: Thanks both, that's really helpful and sounds fine to me. I thought we were probably talking about paper at that sort of level, I just wanted to make sure! I guess for the Hollander translation there's also the recent Suntup edition but that's a very different package altogether.
>8 DMulvee: >11 Shadekeep: Nice acquisitions! I need to make a wishlist for Oak Knoll. I can never remember what to search for when the sales come around, and the catalogue is huge.
>8 DMulvee: >11 Shadekeep: Nice acquisitions! I need to make a wishlist for Oak Knoll. I can never remember what to search for when the sales come around, and the catalogue is huge.
13jbrnewman
>9 affle: >10 PatsChoice: >12 GardenOfForkingPaths: I tend to agree with the stated bargain of this edition. I have it and couldn't be more pleased with it overall.
Even though I purchased it previously during Oak Knoll's annual sale, had I known it would have been available for this price I'd have likely waited.
I hope someone gets it who will be happy with it, perhaps if they missed on the Suntup offering. It's certainly well worth the current price.
Even though I purchased it previously during Oak Knoll's annual sale, had I known it would have been available for this price I'd have likely waited.
I hope someone gets it who will be happy with it, perhaps if they missed on the Suntup offering. It's certainly well worth the current price.
14dlphcoracl
>5 PatsChoice:
>7 GardenOfForkingPaths:
>9 affle:
>13 jbrnewman:
FWIW, I also own the Stamperia Valdonega edition of The Divine Comedy and it is my reading copy. I could not be more pleased with it because the Hollander translation is (imho) the modern translation of choice and a pleasure to read.
The paper is Gardapat Klassica by Cartiere del Garda and, although the paper is neither hand-made not mould-made, I consider it a strong point of this edition. It is very pleasant to the touch, slightly thick and its brightness and whiteness are perfect for displaying the colorful Monika Beisner miniature illustrations. I agree entirely with >9 affle:.
>12 GardenOfForkingPaths:
Don't outthink this. If you wish to add a deluxe copy of The Divine Comedy in the preferred Hollander modern translation, this is it. At $250, it is the proverbial no-brainer. Just buy it.
>7 GardenOfForkingPaths:
>9 affle:
>13 jbrnewman:
FWIW, I also own the Stamperia Valdonega edition of The Divine Comedy and it is my reading copy. I could not be more pleased with it because the Hollander translation is (imho) the modern translation of choice and a pleasure to read.
The paper is Gardapat Klassica by Cartiere del Garda and, although the paper is neither hand-made not mould-made, I consider it a strong point of this edition. It is very pleasant to the touch, slightly thick and its brightness and whiteness are perfect for displaying the colorful Monika Beisner miniature illustrations. I agree entirely with >9 affle:.
>12 GardenOfForkingPaths:
Don't outthink this. If you wish to add a deluxe copy of The Divine Comedy in the preferred Hollander modern translation, this is it. At $250, it is the proverbial no-brainer. Just buy it.
15GardenOfForkingPaths
>14 dlphcoracl: You're right, thank you. I think I will order it. If the stock counter in the basket is accurate, Oak Knoll still have 78 copies. I guess I'll use paperbacks for the Hollander notes.
>13 jbrnewman: Thanks for your thoughts!
>13 jbrnewman: Thanks for your thoughts!
16anthonyfawkes
I'm tempted by the divine comedy but the shipping costs are eye watering, $115 to the UK. They only charge $50 on Biblio but the discount isn't live there.
17ubiquitousuk
>16 anthonyfawkes: I think Biblio has its own fulfillment infrastructure. Basically, booksellers send their order to Biblio's logistics partner who, in turn, forward it to overseas buyer. This economises on international shipping because a whole batch of Biblio orders can cross the Atlantic together. The eBay global shipping programme works in a similar way.
Not that this helps with your dilemma in any way. Also being located in the UK, I have often come close to ordering from Oak Knoll, only to be put off by the shipping cost.
Not that this helps with your dilemma in any way. Also being located in the UK, I have often come close to ordering from Oak Knoll, only to be put off by the shipping cost.
18anthonyfawkes
I emailed them and that was effectively their response, they also said that because of the weight that the divine comedy would be excluded from that programme and the shipping would end up the same. Though I went through the checkout process and that didn’t seem to be case though perhaps after ordering I’d be asked for the extra $67 or have it cancelled.
19DMulvee
>18 anthonyfawkes: I ordered 3 books from Oak Knoll and the shipping to the U.K. came up (directly) as $85. Later that day I received an email from them saying that this needed to be $100 and I could either pay the extra shipping or cancel the order
20anthonyfawkes
Thanks for the info, seems that’s just the cost of shipping these days for bigger volumes or collections.
21anthonyfawkes
I caved and ordered it, after spending a lot of time researching various editions I decided just to go ahead and order this one and having not read it before I will use one of the online tools as a companion to help me read and understand it as it seems the majority of fine editions of this book don't contain the translators notes anyway.
If anyone has any suggestions as to the best companion book to buy alongside this for a good (interesting but not full on academic scholar) reading then I'd appreciate it, I was also looking at the Everyman Library or the Franklin Library editions which have different translations but I believe include the notes.
If anyone has any suggestions as to the best companion book to buy alongside this for a good (interesting but not full on academic scholar) reading then I'd appreciate it, I was also looking at the Everyman Library or the Franklin Library editions which have different translations but I believe include the notes.
22abysswalker
>21 anthonyfawkes: the introduction to the Folio Society 2021 limited edition is good, and is a repackaged version of George Holmes' monograph which can be found separately. I also like Mazotta's book Reading Dante, which is a bookification of his Yale lectures. I believe the ebook of that is free to download.
The Dante scholarship is basically bottomless.
If you're just looking for the equivalent of notes explaining some of the references, the "Digital Dante" website from Columbia might be your best bet.
The Dante scholarship is basically bottomless.
If you're just looking for the equivalent of notes explaining some of the references, the "Digital Dante" website from Columbia might be your best bet.
23ChampagneSVP
>21 anthonyfawkes: I think you’ll be very pleased with it. If it makes you feel better, the full-price was $700 in 2021 when I bought my copy. $250 seems like a steal, even if shipping increases the final price somewhat.
As far as commentary, I’d highly recommend Robert Hollander’s own. You can get the paperbacks for about $15 each.
As far as commentary, I’d highly recommend Robert Hollander’s own. You can get the paperbacks for about $15 each.
24anthonyfawkes
Thanks for the advice, I am very excited to dive in after all the research I did on it before pulling the trigger on this version.
25rbee
I was more impressed by Oak Knoll's sales that other people on this thread. I went overboard. But I think I found some great deals. Here's my 21 book order!
1 Sheridan, Richard Brinsley RIVALS, A COMEDY.|THE -20% 0 $24.00
2 Butcher, David STANBROOK ABBEY PRESS, A BIBLIOGRAPHY AND CHECKLIST.|THE -50% $150.00
3 SECOND UNCOMMONPLACE BOOK OF THE NEW YORK CHAPPEL.|THE -50% $11.25
4 Thoreau, Henry David WEEK ON THE CONCORD AND MERRIMACK RIVERS. -20% $36.00
5 CHRISTMAS LYRICS FIFTEENTH CENTURY. -50% $150.00
6 RAMPANT LIONS PRESS MISCELLANY.|THE -50% $55.00
7 Thoreau, Henry David FRIENDSHIP, AN ESSAY. -20% $16.00
8 AUCASSIN AND NICOLETE, AS TRANSLATED BY ANDREW LANG. -20% $40.00
9 Whitman, Walt FRAGMENTS FROM WALT WHITMAN, BEING A REARRANGEMENT OF SOME OF THE GREAT PASSAGES OF LEAVES OF GRASS WHICH PROVIDE A TALISMAN FOR THE ANCIENT TRUTHS OF MANKIND. -50% $17.50
10 DREAM OF THE ROOD, TAKEN FROM THE NINTH CENTURY ANGLO-SAXON.|THE -50% $162.50
11 Villon, François BALLADES & LYRICS OF FRANÇOIS VILLON -20% $16.00
12 Dill, Francis P. and Porter Garnett IDEAL BOOK, TWO ESSAYS JOINTLY AWARDED THE PRIZE OFFERED BY THE LIMITED EDITIONS CLUB FOR THE BEST ESSAY UPON THE SUBJECT. -20% $16.00
13 James, Elias Olan THIEVES OF MERCY -50% $10.00
14 Quintus Horatius Flaccus (Horace) LETTERS OF HORACE PRESENTED TO MODERN READERS.|THE -50% $12.50
15 Smith, Edward Lincoln TWO WARRIORS. -50% $7.50
16 Harlan, Robert D. CHAPTER NINE, THE VULGATE BIBLE & OTHER UNFINISHED PROJECTS OF JOHN HENRY NASH. -50% $10.00
17 Plato SYMPOSIUM OR SUPPER. -20% $16.00
18 Shelly, Percy Bysshe PROMETHEUS UNBOUND, A LYRICAL DRAMA. -50% $175.00
19 Porter, Max HILL.|THE -20% $80.00
20 Jackson, Holbrook PRINTING OF BOOKS.|THE -50% $17.50
21 Terence BROTHERS.|THE -50% $287.5
1 Sheridan, Richard Brinsley RIVALS, A COMEDY.|THE -20% 0 $24.00
2 Butcher, David STANBROOK ABBEY PRESS, A BIBLIOGRAPHY AND CHECKLIST.|THE -50% $150.00
3 SECOND UNCOMMONPLACE BOOK OF THE NEW YORK CHAPPEL.|THE -50% $11.25
4 Thoreau, Henry David WEEK ON THE CONCORD AND MERRIMACK RIVERS. -20% $36.00
5 CHRISTMAS LYRICS FIFTEENTH CENTURY. -50% $150.00
6 RAMPANT LIONS PRESS MISCELLANY.|THE -50% $55.00
7 Thoreau, Henry David FRIENDSHIP, AN ESSAY. -20% $16.00
8 AUCASSIN AND NICOLETE, AS TRANSLATED BY ANDREW LANG. -20% $40.00
9 Whitman, Walt FRAGMENTS FROM WALT WHITMAN, BEING A REARRANGEMENT OF SOME OF THE GREAT PASSAGES OF LEAVES OF GRASS WHICH PROVIDE A TALISMAN FOR THE ANCIENT TRUTHS OF MANKIND. -50% $17.50
10 DREAM OF THE ROOD, TAKEN FROM THE NINTH CENTURY ANGLO-SAXON.|THE -50% $162.50
11 Villon, François BALLADES & LYRICS OF FRANÇOIS VILLON -20% $16.00
12 Dill, Francis P. and Porter Garnett IDEAL BOOK, TWO ESSAYS JOINTLY AWARDED THE PRIZE OFFERED BY THE LIMITED EDITIONS CLUB FOR THE BEST ESSAY UPON THE SUBJECT. -20% $16.00
13 James, Elias Olan THIEVES OF MERCY -50% $10.00
14 Quintus Horatius Flaccus (Horace) LETTERS OF HORACE PRESENTED TO MODERN READERS.|THE -50% $12.50
15 Smith, Edward Lincoln TWO WARRIORS. -50% $7.50
16 Harlan, Robert D. CHAPTER NINE, THE VULGATE BIBLE & OTHER UNFINISHED PROJECTS OF JOHN HENRY NASH. -50% $10.00
17 Plato SYMPOSIUM OR SUPPER. -20% $16.00
18 Shelly, Percy Bysshe PROMETHEUS UNBOUND, A LYRICAL DRAMA. -50% $175.00
19 Porter, Max HILL.|THE -20% $80.00
20 Jackson, Holbrook PRINTING OF BOOKS.|THE -50% $17.50
21 Terence BROTHERS.|THE -50% $287.5
26Shadekeep
>25 rbee: Lots of great choices there! Particular kudos on Dream of the Rood, along with the Rampant Lions and Stanbrook Abbey Press titles.
My own modest order arrived and I was glad to see the books were in the conditions promised and well packed. So perhaps the negative aspects of my other recent experiences no longer apply. T'would be nice!
My own modest order arrived and I was glad to see the books were in the conditions promised and well packed. So perhaps the negative aspects of my other recent experiences no longer apply. T'would be nice!
27jbrnewman
>25 rbee: >26 Shadekeep: I have managed to find something every year during the Oak Knoll sale. And they do take exceptional care of the books. This year, I purchased a Press on Scroll Road book and a Cheloniidae press book at 50% off. They've yet to arrive but I am eager with anticipation.
28rbee
>26 Shadekeep: I find several of the books fairly spectacular. Brothers is Allen Press and it is in fine condition. Dream of the Rood, Rampant Lions and Stanbrook Abbey are fabulous. Very impressed with Prometheus Unbound which is Essex House. A number of the other books are quite nices as well. The LEC WEEK ON THE CONCORD AND MERRIMACK RIVERS is an excellent edition I look forward to reading. Some books were low price and I took a chance on, such as .SECOND UNCOMMONPLACE BOOK OF THE NEW YORK CHAPPEL, LETTERS OF HORACE PRESENTED TO MODERN READERS. FRAGMENTS FROM WALT WHITMAN, BEING A REARRANGEMENT OF SOME OF THE GREAT PASSAGES OF LEAVES OF GRASS and Peter Pauper Villon. Excellent haul for most part.
30Glacierman
Oak Knoll has always been good to me. I've never had problems of any sort. Sometimes I find an OK book on eBay, but I buy it direct from their website and save a few bucks.
31DMulvee
My books arrived and the condition was as described. However one of the books had been listed at $500 and with 50% off was $250. This was betrayed by the pencil on the inside stating the price was $425! I would have still bought it, but feel a bit misled, 40% off is still good, but I don’t know if Oak Knoll typically inflate their prices just before a sale so will be cautious in the future
32ensuen
>31 DMulvee: I think it’s a little easier to just assume the prices for books are fake. Oak knoll tends towards more expensive. As a counterpoint I bought a book from them that had a higher price on the item than I paid on the site (at the listed full price).
Books sellers are whimsical beings when it comes to prices, if the price works for you I would assume the best and accept it as it is. Fine press in particular can be a bit illiquid at times, so you end can up with things like this.
A fun aside: I had a different seller ask me on a call what price they quoted me for an item and I was very tempted to pretend I forgot in hopes it was lower.
Books sellers are whimsical beings when it comes to prices, if the price works for you I would assume the best and accept it as it is. Fine press in particular can be a bit illiquid at times, so you end can up with things like this.
A fun aside: I had a different seller ask me on a call what price they quoted me for an item and I was very tempted to pretend I forgot in hopes it was lower.
33dlphcoracl
>31 DMulvee:
The price of $425 may have been written by a prior bookseller, not Oak Knoll Books. More often than not, booksellers will not attempt to erase pencil notations from books they acquire to avoid damage to the paper or an unsightly result that will greatly decrease the value of the book.
The price of $425 may have been written by a prior bookseller, not Oak Knoll Books. More often than not, booksellers will not attempt to erase pencil notations from books they acquire to avoid damage to the paper or an unsightly result that will greatly decrease the value of the book.
34anthonyfawkes
It looks like Oak Knoll have sent my copy of Dante to Delaware,US instead of the London, UK, from the looks of things they just put in the number and street name and then let it autocomplete without double checking. Hoping for a quick resolution and I hope whoever accepted the delivery enjoys their new book.
35kermaier
>34 anthonyfawkes: I had something like that happen with a purchase from a reputable London bookseller. It seems they used an external shipping service, who swapped my book with a 19th-century word puzzle pamphlet going to another USA customer (who happened to be Will Shortz, NY Tiimes crossword puzzle editor). Eventually, the mix-up was resolved, and I got my book -- but it took quite a bit of communication and investigation.
