Grapes of Wrath

I want this book. Did anybody here order it? I haven’t read it but suspect that it will be a very interesting book to read. I only heard about it. How many of you read this book and what is your opinion about it?

>2 Betelgeuse: Most people love it. I found it maudlin, melodramatic, and depressing. But I'm not a big Steinbeck fan. I thought "Of Mice and Men" was better.

Edited to add: You should definitely read it. It's an American classic, winner of the Pulitzer Prize. And after you read it, watch the movie with Henry Fonda. The book was just not my cup of tea, as my grandmother would say.

>2 Betelgeuse: yes, thank you. I definitely want to read it especially is such a beautiful edition. My mom wants to read it too so my parents ordered this DLE.

>3 fancythings: My father, 80 years of age, is a huge Steinbeck fan. He and I have some overlapping tastes in literature, but with Steinbeck we could only agree on Travels With Charley!

>4 Betelgeuse: GOW is very serious book and probably difficult to get into. I never heard of Travels with Charley. What you think about East of Eden?

Pardon my repetition as I posted much of this note in another thread when the book was announced.

The Grapes of Wrath is my favorite 20th American novel. It doesn’t really fit the horror/sci-fi theme of most signed-by-the-illustrator DLEs, but the illustrations are splendid, and I’m really looking forward to it. At 560 pages, though, it will be a heavy book, similar to the Foundation Trilogy: https://www.eastonpress.com/whats-new/grapes-of-wrath-3369.html

Perhaps the reason I like it so much is that I can relate to it to a certain extent. The first part of it takes place in 1930s Oklahoma not far from my home, so I grew up hearing stories from my parents and others about the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl that we’re occurring simultaneously.

If you read it, expect a depressing story that is quite accurate in its depiction of time and place.

>5 fancythings: Never read East of Eden, but I probably should, many regard it as his finest work. Grapes of Wrath isn't difficult to read, but it is very somber in tone. You will be glad to have read it, it is a culturally important work. For social commentary, though, I prefer authors like Dickens. Dickens could definitely lay it on thick with the tear-jerking scenes, but he was, in my opinion, essentially an optimist about humanity. He believed in the power of redemption, and most of his novels end with some hint of optimism. That's good, because it takes dedication to read hundreds of pages of unrelenting despair.

>6 jroger1: yes, beautiful book and challenging read. I’m looking forward to it. Although many people are complaining about sudden and unhappy ending in this book.

>8 fancythings:
I don’t want to give the ending away, but it is the scene that sticks with me the most, and I’m sure that was Steinbeck’s intent - a high impact ending.

By the way, you should see the movie starring Henry Fonda if you haven’t. It is very faithful to the book.

>7 Betelgeuse: awesome commentary. Thank you. I also loved Dickens and watched all BBC shows based on Dickens book. Loved Little Dorit miniseries. I really enjoyed a tale of two cities. Glad to hear that GOW is not difficult book to read

>9 jroger1: I agree with all these comments. The movie is itself a classic and well worth watching.

>9 jroger1: yes, that would be great to watch GOW movie but only after I finish the book. Can’t wait to read this book now. A lot of people told me that Steinbeck is great writer but I did not read any of his books. I read another American classic Rich man Poor man by Irwin Shaw and it was a great read. I really enjoyed it.

>12 fancythings: BTW I see from your profile that you are a Princeton University student. I grew up near there, in Princeton Junction. Hats off to you with your impressive course load of biology and math, my elder daughter is studying bioengineering at U of I. I hope you enjoy GOW and I look forward to your review once you've read it.

>13 Betelgeuse: lol thank you very much. Yes, I will be graduating this coming May. Can’t wait to graduate. Bioengineering is very impressive. Your daughter must be great in science to study that. I would like to become a dentist and want to specialize in oral maxillofacial surgeries like my dad. I will post a review as soon as I finish GOW. Nice to know that you from Princeton, it’s beautiful there. I live in Short Hills, NJ

>1 fancythings: the DLE is impressive and I applaud your purchase. Equally impressive is you are going to Princeton. You inspired me to read next my beautiful Franklin Library Bicentennial Edition (1980) of Grapes of Wrath with the photo portfolio of Erskine Caldwell documenting the devastation of the depression and drought on tenant farmers such as the Joad’s, who set out for California along with thousands of other "Okies" seeking jobs, land, dignity, and a future.

>15 HugoDumas: Glad to hear that. Enjoy reading GOW. Thank you, but I had enough of Princeton and can’t wait to graduate this May. Lol I also can’t wait to get GOW DLE and start reading it. EP books take me far away from my everyday school stress. Anyhow, I would like to hear your opinion about GOW when you finish reading it. Please let us know.

My parents read GOW and my mom wants to read it again. My parents told me that on one hand ‘Grapes of Wrath’ is a quiet protest against economic injustice. On the other, it's a bitter-sweet tribute to those who refuse to be victims of circumstance.

>16 fancythings: "My parents told me that on one hand ‘Grapes of Wrath’ is a quiet protest against economic injustice. On the other, it's a bitter-sweet tribute to those who refuse to be victims of circumstance."

That sounds about right. :)

>16 fancythings:
Steinbeck wrote to his editor: “There are five layers in this book, a reader will find as many as he can and he won't find more than he has in himself."

Edit: Here is a more complete quote: “I’ve done my damndest to rip a reader’s nerves to rags, I don’t want him satisfied. . . . I tried to write this book the way lives are being lived not the way books are written. . . .Throughout I’ve tried to make the reader participate in the actuality, what he takes from it will be scaled entirely on his own depth or hollowness. There are five layers in this book, a reader will find as many as he can and he won’t find more than he has in himself.”

The repeated injustices that are thrown at the Joad’s is hard to read at times and can make your blood boil.

I found it interesting how some of Steinbeck’s personal experiences shaped the novel.

Surely one of his best works if not the best

Motivated by this post, I just completed my Franklin Library bicentennial edition of Grapes of Wrath with a photo portfolio by Erskine Caldwell of this horrific period in U.S. history. It’s a great book, as relevant today as it was then, certainly in my top 50 and worthy of that special EP DLE treatment.

For those who want to explore the themes and symbols in this book, here is a good guide. https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/grapesofwrath/themes/

>20 HugoDumas: Interesting article, thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to get this dle and read it. May be we can have discussion after

Finally, received my Grapes of Wrath ep limited edition. Where do I start describing absolute beauty of this book. It’s just gorgeous with incredible illustrations and, guess what? A very large font. EP was very generous with this dle and it worth every penny that my parents spent on it. Do not miss this lovely book. I got number 53. When sold out it will be in a thousands on the secondary market, easily. Also, easily one of the most beautiful dle’s in my collection. Much more so than even our letterpress editions. Everything from font to illustrations to margins and so on. Well, get it and judge it for yourselves. Don’t miss this one.

Can’t wait to read this beauty but only in my bed while it rests on the pillow. It is very large and heavy book.

“Grapes of Wrath' Movie Adaptation Dispute Headed to Supreme Court “

Read this article. Too bad that we probably won’t see this movie for a long time. I’m sure Spielberg would have done a great tribute to this book.

>23 fancythings:
Here is a link to the article: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/amp/thr-esq/grapes-wrath-movie-adaptation-disp...

American copyright laws have become so complex that even the courts can’t understand them. Neither can educators or anyone else. They are in need of a serious overhaul and simplification. It is unbelievable that the heirs of an author can benefit for a century from an ancestor’s work. I certainly don’t benefit from my father’s or grandfather’s work, and I doubt if many of you do.

>22 fancythings: you might be interested in Owen Smith’s wonderful art at this link. He reminds me of the New Deal artists especially Thomas Hart Benton.

https://www.owensmithart.com/

>24 jroger1: exactly, some own rights and percentage while other own royalties. It is confusing. They need to change it. If you his heir you can basically live off his works all your life lol

>25 HugoDumas: awesome art. Thanks.

Illustrations in GOW by Owen Smith are incredible but I don’t want to look at them all before I start reading this book. Awesome book, novel and DLE. Happy to have it in my collection.

>22 fancythings:
Mine arrived today following a couple of shipping snafus, and I have to agree that it will be one of my favorite DLEs and perhaps my favorite of all the signed-by-the-illustrator editions. The art is spectacular. There are 10 full-page color illustrations, one of them a double-spread, but there are also black-and-white drawings at the head of each of the 30 chapters.

As I noted before, this title doesn’t fit the usual sci-fi/fantasy/horror theme of most other books in the series. If it represents the beginning of a “modern classic” set, I look forward to future installments.

>29 jroger1: awesome. Congrats. Most beautiful Dle from ep. yes, I want ep to make rich man poor man by Irwin Shaw. Hopefully, they will produce many more and as beautiful. Yes, double spread illustrations surprised me. I did not expect it. Nice touch. Are you reading it?

>30 fancythings:
I’ve read it twice before, but it’s been a few years. I’ll start on it again this week.

>31 jroger1: me too. I can’t wait to start reading it i never read it before. I bet this is the most beautiful edition of this book that was ever published. You have to reread it just to enjoy this beautiful piece of art.

Just ordered mine as a result of the reviews here

>33 GOBOGIE: get ready to be blown away by how beautiful this book is. Very well put together

Just one of the books that I can read over and over again.

Hmmm that sounds like the topic of a good thread 👍

This is a beautiful book from Easton Press. I am seriously considering it myself.
Also, my suggestion for all fans of this novel is to look into getting a copy of Limited Edition Club's version, illustrated and signed by Thomas Hart Benton. It comes in two volumes, and, like that from EP, it is limited to approximately the same No. of copies (LEC's edition is slightly more limited for this book than EP).
With patience, this edition can be acquired in an excellent condition for a price of only slightly higher than that of the EP version, and it is printed letterpress on an excellent paper and features some of the best work of Thomas Hart Benton!

This post is not intended to convince fellow book lovers not to purchase the EP edition; I just wanted to let you all know (in case you are not aware) about another fantastic historical edition of Grapes of Wrath.

>36 booksforreading: nice but not as beautiful as EP DLE of Grapes of Wrath. Also, don’t like it’s margins and illustrations. EP DLE has much better illustrations and overall looks much better. Just my personal preference. The font on EP GOW book is large and clear. Just like I said before in this forum, in my opinion, ep dle is the most beautiful version of this book that was ever produced so far.

>37 fancythings:
I feel the opposite - the Limited Editions Club version has an "understated" level of beauty that is more appropriate for the novel, and I love the illustrations in the LEC; however, this is what makes books wonderful: while certain editions speak more to some people, other edition appeal to other bibliophiles, and, with time, opinions often change to the opposites. How wonderful it is that we have so many beautiful books to consider and enjoy! :)

>38 booksforreading: we have a lot of letterpress books but it seems to me that all the effort was put in letterpress and none in illustrations and overall presentation. Unless, fine press book companies that produced it don’t have enough budget to produce beautiful illustrations on top of making letterpress books. Letterpress means nothing to me by itself unless it comes with overall beautiful presentation. I think Easton press is on the right track by contracting artists to do unique illustrations for their limited editions and mix them with other dles that have classic illustrations like Gustave Dore

>39 fancythings:
"...produce beautiful illustrations on top of making letterpress books." "...contracting artists to do unique illustrations..."
You are describing Limited Editions Club's approach. Maybe you should try getting some of your favorite novels in LEC cheaper versions sometimes (a lot of LEC books can be found for $60 and under in fine condition) and see if you like it?
Again, I am not trying to persuade you to change your opinion about Easton Press - I love it that you are so enthusiastic about their books. My journey to acquiring my library actually started with loving Easton Press books, and I still have several of their editions.
I agree that letterpress in itself does not define a good or attractive book - it is usually a combination of design that is appropriate for the meaning of the text, binding, and illustrations that make a book attractive to some readers.

>40 booksforreading: my favorite novels were acquired from EP and FS limited editions lol.

>38 booksforreading: having just read Grapes of Wrath in the Franklin Library bicentennial edition with the photo library of Erskine Caldwell, I was intrigued by your revelations regarding the LEC edition. Here is a link to a recently sold edition for $475. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Grapes-of-Wrath-John-Steinbeck-1940-Limited-Editions-Cl...

According to the description there are only two Thomas Hart Benton illustrations across the two volumes. I do not think it is a particularly stunning edition compared to the EP DLE with 10 full page color Owen Smith illustrations. So >37 fancythings: might be correct that this Grapes of Wrath may be the most beautiful edition ever made.

Maybe >37 fancythings: will lend it to me to read?

>42 HugoDumas:
I am not at home now, but I believe that Benton did AT LEAST 60 two-color lithographs for the LEC edition! I think more than that. Somebody might be able to correct me, but, in any case, the number of the illustrations in the LEC edition FAR exceeds that in the EP version, and I believe that this is also one of the very best work by Benton.
The incredible and very appropriate art together with all other exceptional aspects of the LEC edition make it one of the most desirable editions of the Grapes of Wrath.
Again, this is not to discourage you from buying the EP version...

>42 HugoDumas: you already read it. Can’t read anything so many times (hint) lol

>43 booksforreading: did not like his illustrations at all and prefer more vivid EP GOW illustrations. For me quality over quantity of illustrations as well as other limited edition features that EP edition has. To me EP is much better looking book with much better illustrations. In my opinion, LEC GOW is absolutely no match for EP GOW but again to each it’s own.

>45 fancythings:
Again, I am not saying which edition is better, and I do not intend to have an argument about this, but please don't dismiss the quality of the edition that I love.
I completely understand disliking illustrations. Everybody has different tastes - this is why life is so interesting, and it is good to socialize/converse with people of completely different opinions. I, for example, dislike Owen Smith's illustrations, but I am not saying that they are bad or low quality for the sake of an argument.
And, therefore, please don't be so repeatedly dismissive of the quality of LEC's art. Quality has nothing to do with personal tastes, and I can assure you that it is absolutely the highest in the edition I was bringing to everyone's attention for everyone's benefit - if one does not want it, does not like it, etc., it is fine - this thread is about Easton Press beautiful edition of Grapes of Wrath.

Since you have referred to quality of art a few times, I would like to point out that, objectively speaking, Owen Smith is by far not in the same league with Thomas Hart Benton as an artist, not even close. But it does not matter... Really. One can like an artist or not, it is fine either way.

I am not here to argue which edition is better. I do not care. All I wanted to do is to let people know about other options in case they might be interested.

>46 booksforreading: and I’m here to argue that EP DLE is absolutely better than LEC edition of GOW. Lol You said not to dismiss the quality of the edition that you love. But saying that Owen Smith is by far not in the same league with Benton, whose illustrations I don’t like at all, you dismiss it as well. What makes Benton’s illustrations better than Owens, just mere fact that you like it more? I think otherwise and find Owen’s illustrations much better and much more appealing for this work. That said, I’m glad you like LEC edition so much. However, I find LEC GOW pale in comparison to EP GOW. With all due respect to you. Of course.

>43 booksforreading: you are right. According to this Abe listing it has 67 illustrations by Benton. And the rawhide leather was the first used in book binding in the world of books.

https://www.abebooks.com/first-edition/Grapes-Wrath-Lithographs-Thomas-Hart-Bent...

Would love to borrow this historic set from you.

>47 fancythings:
I am not comparing the illustrations for a specific work, just the stature, achievements, and worldwide recognition of artists and their work. Objective comparison.
In any case, I have nothing to prove. Please continue enjoying your beautiful EP edition. I am glad that we all love books.

>48 HugoDumas:
I see that some ABE listings advertise 67 illustrations.
It might be awhile before I get home, but I will let you know.

>49 booksforreading: enjoy your LEC GOW too. Sorry if it sounded like an argument. I love books and get passionate when discussing them. Especially, my favorite limited editions.

For what it’s worth, I like them both. I used to own the Benton version in the form of an EP collector’s edition (there have been several with different covers), and I’ve always admired his work. Many copies of these EP editions are available in the $60-130 range. There is also a Heritage Press edition for $50 on eBay. I love his Huckleberry Finn illustrations too.

What makes me lean a little toward the DLE is its overall appearance, exterior as well as interior, and I also like Owen Smith’s illustrations. EP has hit upon a winning design with its signed-by-the-illustrator series.

Now if I could just find my Benton copy! Maybe I lent it to HugoDumas to read?

>52 jroger1: EP GOW is incredible. Just started to read

>49 booksforreading: For what it's worth, my reaction to the current Grapes of Wrath DLE was: "Meh." Like you, I'm happy for the people to whom it really speaks, but I was not among them.

On the other hand, thank you for bringing the LEC Grapes of Wrath to my attention. I am an enormous fan of illustration art, especially that of the Golden Age, and although I've seen and admired his exceptional illustrations dozens of times, I would not have been able to put Thomas Hart Benton's name to them. Had EP produced a DLE of Grapes of Wrath featuring his illustrations (which one imagines they may have the ability to do, owning the rights to all of the Heritage Press productions), it would have been an instant buy for me. As it is, I'll be looking into the details and the market prices of the LEC edition and look forward to acquiring a copy for myself sometime relatively soon.

Lastly, your argument about one being able to judge the objective worth and quality of art, irrespective of one's personal aesthetic tastes, is quite correct. It is fine to prefer Mr. Smith's art to Mr. Benton's, but there is clearly a depth to Mr. Benton's art that is lacking in Mr. Smith's. Of course, art criticism, just like literary criticism, contains a large measure of subjectivity, but there *are* objective criteria that can be considered and, again, considered regardless of the degree of pleasure one takes in a particular style.

>52 jroger1: thanks for the tip. I see some EP Benton Famous editions on eBay, some as low as $40 in past sales ; and yes someone bought the DLE for $499 rather than pay EP $375. I will be looking to upgrade my Franklin edition with the EP Famous edition.

>54 whytewolf1: well same thing here. If EP did not have Owen Smiths illustrations and had Bentons I wouldn’t buy it. Great that EP decided to do something new and original with it instead of using same illustrations over and over and over again

Finally received my copy of the Grapes of Wrath DLE.

First impressions:
- It’s big 😄
- The slip case is done well with a nice color photo on the front of it.
- Spine of the book is well done and and done nicely. I was scared the spine was going to be too overdone (I don’t usually personally like pictures on the spine) but this is tasteful IMO
- Paper stock is what you would expect from an EP DLE
- Illustrations are very colorful/brilliant and are very appealing to my liking
- Gotta be honest in that I’m not sure it’s worth what I paid, but I’m not sending it back and will add it to my collection. It’s the first book I’ve bought directly from EP in some time. Quality is top notch on this one

>57 GOBOGIE: you can say it was really made for discerning fine press collectors

I looked at this, but have passed. Looks fine, but I have the regular EP edition of GOW, and I'll stick with it. I Have yet to purchase an EP DLE, this was the closest, but is beyond my price range.

I am glad you all enjoy your various editions though.

-Shawn

Just started reading it. Incredible book

>58 fancythings:

I don’t think you can, really. It’s not really a fine press item.

>61 treereader: it is a luxury fine press book and more so than our letterpress editions. We already had this discussion lol

It’s as “fine” as some of the books discussed in the Fine Press forum — unless letterpress printing is the sole criterion. Call it “very nice press,” if you like. The language isn’t important. Most of the illustrator-signed DLEs are “nicer” than most LECs when the exteriors are considered.

According to Jane Greenfield's* definition, which I like, fine books are "...well printed on high quality paper and handsomely bound so that mechanical components of the book work well together..."
While, "well printed" specification can mean letterpress, it does not have to be so in order for a book to be well printed. I do not personally agree with what fine press forum says about letterpress being a requirement for a fine press book. It actually does not make sense to me, as I have several limited-quality books that are certainly "fine", but not printed by a letterpress method.

From the information/definition above, a good EP DLE can be considered a fine book.

That said, I still love the feel of a letterpress page when I read a book.

>55 HugoDumas:
I remembered that there was another nice Franklin Library edition in the 1970s of the Grapes of Wrath. While not in the same category as the books discussed earlier in this thread, it still had nice illustrations (maybe newly-commissioned). I can look it up when I get home (still traveling).

*Jane Greenfield was a Conservator at the Yale University Library. She handled/worked with numerous rare and fine books, and she certainly knows about books and their definitions more than an average collector.

>64 booksforreading: exactly my point. Actually, I contacted antique and rare book store from which my parents purchased a lot of rare and letterpress books. The owner who is an expert confirmed that a fine press books do not have to be letterpress books to be considered a fine press books.

>64 booksforreading:
I should add that there is probably a subtle difference between a fine book and a fine press book. The word "press" implies more than just making a fine book - it probably does imply "press" as a form of expression on the page. Therefore, I would willingly consider Easton Press a publisher of fine books, but I would not consider it a fine press publisher.
Does this make sense? From this point of view, >61 treereader: is correct that DLE is not a fine press book (it is just a fine book), but, again, it really does not matter what we call a book. If we love it and it gives us joy, it is all that matters.

>66 booksforreading: yes, please see my previous post. EP considered to be a fine press book maker. Our rare and letterpress books were not made with all the features that our limited edition ep books have. We also have handmade letterpress books nice but not that nice and definitely not as pleasant and beautiful as ep limited editions. Some collectors say that only first editions can be considered as fine press books. I disagree with that as well.

My wife says my legs look “fine” in shorts. Wait sorry wrong forum 🥸😎

>58 fancythings: it’s beautiful for sure

>59 sdawson: It’s kinda funny how I feel. If I had to do this again I have to be honest, I’d probably pass due to the cost and size. I have the 8 volume Steinbeck blue and red set that I absolutely love and will admit that this was completely an impulse buy just because I love this story so much.

That being said - it’s really hard to not eat a candy bar (even if ur not hungry) after you open it and take ur first bite 😆

>70 GOBOGIE:

Yeah, so eye of the beholder, I would much, much, much prefer the 8 volume Steinbeck set than this DLE. Barring access to that, I still prefer my standard EP version (Famous Editions version?) over the looks of this DLE.

> others...
As for EP and the words “fine” and “press”, it’s really hard to match those together when so many (the majority, really) of their text blocks and illustrations are facsimiles (photocopies) with all sorts of error present. This particular DLE may have new illustrations and a fresh typeset and layout but it still has all the trappings of a standard edition. Without the slipcase, it’s an artificially limited instance of the standard treatment. For me, it needs a lot more than a slipcase to be deluxe or fine. I’m definitely not one to make letterpress a requirement, but I would rank it as a more deluxe attribute to have.

>71 treereader: So, this isn't my favorite DLE, as I've stated, and I also don't agree something has to be printed letterpress to be considered a fine edition. (If it's traditional to only refer to letterpress publishers as fine presses, well, whatever.)

However, I have to respectfully take issue with a few things you've said here. It's actually been pretty well-established that EP uses higher quality leather, higher quality paper, and other higher-end finishes, such as tipped-in illustrations in the better DLEs. So, it's actually unclear just how these artist-signed editions and the facsimiles of the vintage gift editions, illustrated by Rackham, et al. have the "trappings" of a standard edition with the scant addition of a slipcase.

It's also disingenuous to call facsimiles "photocopies." I know that with some of the facsimile gift editions, EP essentially did professional digital restoration of some of these images to be able to produce illustrations with such sharp lines and colors. I know that EP does cut corners on some of the lower-priced limited editions, and I'm not excusing that at all. But I would say that the artist signature DLEs and the facsimile gift edition DLEs definitely compare well to other publishers of fine limited editions in the $300-500 range.

>72 whytewolf1: my opinion as well. I’m getting tired of explaining it. So, thanks for setting it straight.
>71 treereader: highly doubt that you have deluxe ep GOW or you wouldn’t be saying that. Also to generalize about ep books with all sorts of error presen like you said is very subjective. Generalizing is a key word in your analysis of ep dles

>73 fancythings: You're welcome. Also, I' happy for you and everyone else who is so happy with the Grapes of Wrath DLE. I want to be clear that I don't have any specific criticisms of it, but we all have different tastes and having been out of collecting for a number of years and "back" for less than a year now, my EP wish list is loooong. lol So, there are some things that I just have to pass on. ;)

>74 whytewolf1: well, I hope you will get most ep books on your list. Feel free to share your ep list. I’m very interested in what other collectors want to buy and or currently reading. My finals are behind me so I’m working in my dads office; working out in my downstairs gym and reading a lot. I received 5 ep dle books from my parents so can’t complain here. I got GOW; Animal Farm; Pride and Prejudice peacock edition, from the earth to the moon and Joan of arc by Mark Twain. Reading GOW now and enjoying every page.

That's awesome. Since I started collecting again, I've bought the Dracula and Alice in Wonderland DLEs, which I have on my bookshelves. Also, the Beowulf DLE has just shipped to me, and I have Nineteen Eighty-Four on order.

I collect a number of other fine edition publishers such as Folio, Suntup, Thornwillow, and others, so my EP purchases have to compete with all these others. However, I've decided I really want to collect many of the DLE facsimiles of the early 20the century gift editions featuring illustrations by such giants as Arthur Rackham and Edmund Dulac, so I think I'm going to be forced to order copies of The Tempest and Wagner's Ring Cycle sooner than I'd like since they're slowly but surely headed for final sell-outs!

I don't want to bore everyone with my whole list, but the Complete Sherlock Holmes is also up toward the top (and seems a good value at only $267 for three profusely illustrated volumes), as is that Pride and Prejudice Peacock edition you just picked up. :)

>73 fancythings:

Correct, I do not have it. I would not want it. Its styling is not to my taste. As you say, subjective is the key word here. (Do note that I excluded this book from the generalization of the errors normally present in EP facsimiles.) This book, and this style in general, just doesn't do it for me.

>72 whytewolf1:
Disappointing "trappings": same moire fabric (so far as I've read here), same ribbon, same gilting quality, same leather. More pictures / non-facsimile pictures is indeed an improvement, but I'm perfectly happy with no illustrations, so the improvement is a little lost on me. Is the page weight significantly better or just comparable?

>76 whytewolf1: very impressive. I don’t have those dles but really want Beowulf. I do have three books of complete Sherlock. It was the very first books that my parents purchased for me from ep You got some impressive dle collection. I also love arthur rackham illustrations of Tom Sawyer I also have Wyeth illustrated books 5 volumes from ep

Brought my limited edition to our shore house but my parents were not thrilled. Lol. I’ll be very careful

>55 HugoDumas:
I have finally been able to look at my Grapes of Wrath books. The Franklin Library book is very beautiful, in full red leather decorated with gold, with usual for limited FL books "bells and whistles". It was printed in 1975 "exclusively for subscribers" and illustrated by Robert Heindel. The illustrations are not numerous, but I like them - their mood seems appropriate. I do not know what the going prices are currently for this book, but, if it is not too expensive, I would recommend it to any lovers of leather-bound books, as a beautiful but cheaper alternative to the editions discussed above.
The edition by Limited Editions Club has small illustrations at the beginning of each chapter - unique for each chapter, and there are full page illustrations in most of the chapters. I did not count the illustrations, but there are plenty - every few pages there is a new illustration.
Completely unrelated to the illustration question, but still nice: the paper in the book is watermarked "Grapes of Wrath", which is a nice touch.

>80 booksforreading: looks like Franklin published 4 editions with different artists. I have the Bicentennial edition. I now see that Franklin has a Benton illustrated edition too, though they only include 6 illustrations. I am happy with the quality of my Franklin edition, but would consider a swap with the LEC Benton edition printed by EP.

Reading The Grapes of Wrath EP DLE and it’s really rainy in NJ. Great day to read. What a book, great literature and beautiful illustrations

Anybody else reading this book in EP DLE format and what is your impression?

>16 fancythings: Own opinion? "My parents read GOW and my mom wants to read it again. My parents told me that on one hand ‘Grapes of Wrath’ is a quiet protest against economic injustice. On the other, it's a bitter-sweet tribute to those who refuse to be victims of circumstance."

https://tolitasmusings.blogspot.com/2017/04/classic-book-review-grapes-of-wrath-...

Ending of last paragraph: "This is perhaps the greatest achievement of Steinbeck’s novel. On one hand ‘Grapes of Wrath’ is a quiet protest against economic injustice. On the other, it's a bitter-sweet tribute to those who refuse to be victims of circumstance."

>81 HugoDumas: I have replaced my Easton Press edition of Grapes of Wrath with a curiously handsome cloth-bound edition by The Franklin Library - Franklin Award Winning - edition illustrated with a portfolio of The Great Depression era photographs.

>84 EPsonNY: and my parents read the same article about it and nobody said it was my or their opinion. It is our favorite novel from Steinbeck. Therefore, we purchased limited EP edition of it. You have to mind your own business. You sound like an old bitter man.

>85 fancythings: "My parents told me that" followed by a word-by-word quote from a review blog without bringing up the source. I rest my case.

>86 EPsonNY: you have to rest yourself. I didn’t know that i was working on academic paper and not just talking about the book I like. Nobody was trying to take any credit. You have no idea what “ I rest my case means”.”

>87 fancythings: You were not just talking. Your lifted words from an obscure review blog and claimed them as your parents', verbatim. In case they have not taught you that in Princeton-that-does-not-award-double-majors, there is a certain responsibility that comes with using other people's words or work, which you will perhaps learn one day, hopefully, not the hard way...

>88 EPsonNY: once again, we were discussing book and I didn’t know that I was doing a paper here and will offend someone like you. Minding your own business and be polite to other people is a lesson, which you will perhaps learn one day, hopefully, not the hard way (I used some of your quote to answer you. I’m sure you happy that I quoted now). I bet you very lonely to take time and complaint to me about something like that. Sorry to offend you by not quoting and explaining everything in details about me and my parents conversation about grapes of wrath.

>89 fancythings: We are indeed discussing books here (or at least we used to before you and other trolls started popping up) and as a self-proclaimed Princeton graduate, I would expect you to take higher ground and show us some integrity by either giving us your, however limited, opinion rather than plagiarizing that of others or attributing the source. That is the right thing to do unless of course you do not have the integrity or have not even graduated from Princeton-that-does-not-award-double-majors, which your language and attitude "kinda/sorta" point toward...

I wonder what Margaret and other Gummi Bears' "antagonists ... mischievous incarnations of the fairy tale monsters" (Disney Wiki, Fandom) - see what I did here :D - would say?

>90 EPsonNY: I’m glad you spelled Princeton right. You obviously right and I should have. Don’t take it so personal though. Using some of my personal information (Princeton) over and over again just shows that you are bitter and angry man. Do not be so jealous that some stranger on this forum graduated from Princeton and do not be jealous of the books I have. Take your bitterness and jealousy and turn it into something positive. You should definitely learn how to speak to people and approach things in a more polite and positive way. You don’t know me at all. But by having such limited social skills like you, I can’t really blame you. If you have approached it in a polite and respectful way I would have apologized 100 times for not quoting, which was purely accidental in exciting discussion that I had about grapes of wrath.

And, yes Margaret and other names that she used and probably still using also made fun of Princeton, which absolutely had no affect on me. It’s not surprising to you that your opinion about if I graduated, grapes of wrath and Harper Collins edition of LOR does not concern me at all. Once again, you need to mind your own business

And, yes I agree that I should have quoted not to offend strangers like you. It completely escaped my mind that I have to be careful in here in this forum and provide every detail. Yes, my parents were quoting from the article and I didn’t mention it. I know that this information will prevent you from sleeping today.

I've not yet read my copy of Emily Post's Etiquette (which is from EP, incidentally) yet but I'm reasonably certain that it will point out a minimum of these three things:

1) That I am breaching etiquette by writing this post.
2) That in a group conversation like this, whatever you voluntarily share with the group is, at least in some part, now part of the group's business.
3) Plagiarism is always bad.

I sincerely apologize for item (1) so I'll make up for it by venturing back on topic. I've not read Grapes of Wrath. I think it was assigned to me in high school but at the time, I felt I had better things to do than read such a lengthy book. One of these days I'll get to it.

>91 fancythings:

I'm confused: I thought Margaret said she also graduated from Princeton. Why would she make fun of it? Did she? I can't recall seeing that now.

>92 treereader: well she was creating different names after she was flagged. She did say that Princeton is lowest on elite school list by not having law school like more prestige elite schools.

>91 fancythings: Mathematics major? Skipped Mathematical Logic classes perhaps?

You have just stated that you "should have quoted not to offend strangers like me," ergo you admit to plagiarism. I leave the judgement to each member's discretion.

I would like to take a moment and sincerely apologize to other members of this group for being so bitter and angry to have asked a few questions and been told untruth to put it mildly.

>93 treereader: >94 fancythings:

Margaret also stated to be a fellow Princeton graduate. Was she creating other names? I certainly do not recall nor can currently locate Margaret demeaning her own alma mater by saying that "Princeton is lowest on elite school list by not having law school like more prestige elite schools."

https://www.librarything.com/topic/335090#7600631

No party comes out looking better than the other in these virtual poo-flinging debacles. If anyone believes "Margaret" or another troll is diluting the quality of the forum, simply report to the Group or LT Admin(s); engaging just adds fuel to the fire.

>97 PatsChoice: My apologies. To clarify, however, I believe it to be more of an attempt at puncturing an overinflated poo-filled balloon even if I put myself at risk of being hit by the spatter :).

>96 fancythings: Your venomous comments; though edited, seem to project all the things you accuse me of...

> Going back to: https://www.librarything.com/topic/335090#7600631

"20 Gilded_Tomes1 Sep 11, 10:18am
>19 GOBOGIE: fancythings: fancythings this is stunning. You must have every single DLE out there! What an amazing collection. I saw on your profile you're a fellow Princeton graduate. That's soooo awesome!!! Please tell me you're a fellow Rockefeller College alum? :-)"

"21 fancythings Edited: Sep 11, 10:50am
>20 HugoDumas: Gilded_Tomes1: Thank you our library consist of only fine press books and mostly limited editions. I’m from Short Hills, NJ and was commuting. I know Rockefeller college residential building. It has nice gothic architecture. This is one among 6 residential colleges they have. I just graduated and feel really burnt by the school I’m sure one day I’ll be excited too when meeting another alum from Princeton lol"

- Wikipedia's response to the above: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockefeller_College

- Google's & Princeton's response to "Does Princeton allow double majors:" NO

- Language, demeanor, general knowledge, knowledge of the university etc. all seem to point away from the Ivy League...

>98 EPsonNY: thank you for your honesty and of course your sharing on this forum of books which give you pleasure. I have learned so much from this forum, and I am grateful. While this is an EP fan club, we are free to discuss EP offerings relative to other fine publications including Franklin, heritage club, LEC, Folio Society, Sweetwater Press, Imprint Society, etc. Not everyone can afford limited editions and sometimes there are better choices than EP. Our dialogues have helped me discover wonderful alternatives. And gasp! Some are not leather-bound.

>101 fancythings:
I’ve tried to be patient and stay out of this discussion, but no Princeton graduate or law school student would/should engage in ad hominem attacks rather than to address the issues he has raised. Please tone down the rhetoric.

Folks, end this now. There is no need for any of this. I am taking this group private til we can behave ourselves.

Received my Grapes Of Wrath and what a great edition the best illustrations I have seen in a book and the font is in large print so us older folks don’t have to squint!

>104 Carl64: I've received mine. as well, and I'm pretty pleased with it. Massive edition! Looking forward to reading it soon.

>105 whytewolf1: Nice enjoy!

It is impressive isn’t it

According to Easton press only 9 copy’s of Grapes of Wrath left. My question though is it really? I know sometimes you think it sold out than it comes back because they made more. I received copy 373 anyone receive a higher number?

>108 Carl64: I don't think they've blown through almost 1200 yet. What I do think (and I may be proved wrong) is that if they have it on "Last Chance," then they're almost sold through this batch and are ready to give the title a "rest" for a while before reintroducing it. But we'll see.

>109 whytewolf1: That’s my vote also

>109 whytewolf1: I concur.

We will see it’s sold out now.

>112 Carl64: It is not sold out, but the brisk pace at which it has disappeared may encourage EP to do another batch sooner. The only question is whether they sold 200 or 300 copies ;).

I consider such practice somewhat dishonest as it implies to customers that the title is about to disappear forever. Folio Society sold 700 copies of their Divine Comedy DE and IT IS SOLD OUT & GONE. That is the proper way to do it.

Also, I am curious as to why EP cannot do longer preorder periods (not print date announcements) for their more expensive titles to test the waters and drum up interest especially if they already have the designs, mockups, perhaps even materials to make the book. This could potentially allow them to better estimate the print run sizes and with a sizeable down payment requirement bring money in right away...

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference." Thank you for your courage to plant these flags.

To paraphrase Joan Cusack's character from Raising Helen - "By the way, you're not a bad person. But this is very bad behavior. Very bad behavior." - EP is not a dishonest company, but a company that on occasion may engage in somewhat dishonest practices.

As EP customers and fans of their products we have the right to call them out on their practices. We can even take it a step further and get in touch with EP to express our puzzlement or frustration and see if the company takes it seriously and implements any improvements...

fancythings please refrain from replying to someone you do not like. As you can see by all the flags next to your name, the community things you are causing a problem. Just chill out and talk about the books please.

>117 Wootle: this person insulting people and talks about things that has nothing to do with this forum like my education and books I buy. But, you absolutely right and I will refrain from talking to someone I don’t like that much.

moving along

>113 EPsonNY: I find many of EPs marketing practices laughably out of tune with contemporary times with an "used car salesman" feel. They seem stuck in bygone times. Take an email from 10/21. In this email EP uses an unattributed quote "Too often I waited too long to order an EP title and then it was out of print" and then has pics of 2 OOP books and mentions some typically absurdly inflated eBay prices which no one will ever pay. For example, Anne Rice Mayfair Trilogy (OOP)- EP price $414, used prices advertised online at up to $4128. This ends with the slogan - "don't delay - get your treasures today". Yeah it rhymes. Perhaps EP will figure out that this sort of marketing makes some customers, particularly the younger ones, less likely to buy their books. Very much in the Danbury Mint tchotcke mode. On the other hand, FS has figured out how to use social media, teasers, and videos to create anticipation for and promote their books, particularly the LEs.

>120 punkzip:

It would be really interesting to see EP fly on its own without Danbury/MBI holding them back.