Looking for some guidance on sourcing older FS editions

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Looking for some guidance on sourcing older FS editions

1ASheppard
Mar 25, 2021, 3:41 pm

I've been buying a few FS volumes over the last 12 months from online vendors because of lockdown. The published date of my purchases tends to be around the late 1990s to around 2005 - and I'm very comfortable with the vendors descriptions backed up by requests for additional photos. I haven't been disappointed at all - in fact I have been really pleased by the condition of the books. I haven't bought a pre 1990 book online.

Now - to my query. I recently bought the 2010 version of 'Hunting of the Snark'. The book condition is lovely - but I'm leaning towards the Quentin Blake illustrations for this volume - so the 1976 volume.

I just have a feel that for a volume of this date that I need to wait so I can look at the book in person rather than rely on vendor descriptions. I feel this also applies to some Hardy volumes as the gilt seems to rub.

Or am I being too cautious?

2teppi2
Mar 25, 2021, 5:54 pm

>1 ASheppard: If you are expecting a fine condition book, I would say you are probably not too cautious. If you still decide to ask for pictures instead of viewing in person, here are details that you want look out for the Quentin Blake illustrated Snark:

- The light blue slipcase is prone to discoloration (yellowing) and staining, the thin paper covering it tends to break at the edges
- The spine of the book tends to fade. The picture on the cover is grey-brownish, which tends to fade to blue-greenish tones if exposed to sunlight. In most cases the fading is obvious, but for light fading this can be a bit hard to spot on pictures.
- At least for my copy the slipcase was a bit too tight, resulting in a bit of rubbing on the boards.

All that said, it is a wonderful book and well worth pursuing. I own and love both Folio editions of the Snark. While the 1976 one is less flashy and colorful and I know many people here are not too keen on Quentin Blake, I think his style works great for this text.

3cronshaw
Mar 25, 2021, 6:31 pm

>1 ASheppard: you have excellent taste, Sir! I had both the 2010 and 1976 editions at one point and in slimming my library, I parted with the later edition as I felt Blake's imagery seemed much more faithful to the details of the text as well as better capturing Carroll's whimsical tone.

As >2 teppi2: has mentioned, I'd ask any seller whether the spine appears at all faded compared to the front and rear boards. Take note of the fading, take note I entreat! You will find I have told it you twice. Tis a Bandersnatch warning, the advice is complete. If only I've stated it thrice.

4ASheppard
Mar 26, 2021, 7:10 am

>2 teppi2: >3 cronshaw: Thank you both very much for your insights on the volumes. I shall track down the 76 issue. Whilst the later volume is a lovely book, I'm not drawn to the illustrations.

>3 cronshaw: I have taken note!

I will now go and look out my thimble.