Gorgeous new BEEK/MREG editions!

[vicki]

The gorgeous new editions of BEEK (http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780312427368-0) and MREG (http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780312427375-0) from Picador are now available for purchase online and are making their way into stores this month, so be watching for them!

These covers and those of the new Picador editions of LETT and MOOR (both due out next month) were on display during Laurie's signings at B'con and drew much attention and admiration. If you've been wanting to introduce someone in your life to the Russells, you can make quite a stylish job of it with these beautifully designed editions!

[Strawberry Curls]

I think these covers are just gorgeous and I would point out they should be looked at very carefully there is a clever little devise on each that tells a tale about the two characters from book to book. :rolleyes: I want them, and as my poor paperback copy of BEEK is about to fall apart I think I can justify purchasing it, and if I have one then I should have the set shouldn't I? Well, that's my logic and I'm sticking to it. LOL

[vicki]

I want them, and as my poor paperback copy of BEEK is about to fall apart I think I can justify purchasing it, and if I have one then I should have the set shouldn't I? Well, that's my logic and I'm sticking to it. LOL

Biblio-rationalization sister! :D

[Strawberry Curls]

Biblio-rationalization sister! :D


If I can't snooker myself then who? ;)

[vicki]

Very true--and practice makes perfect! :D

[Carlina]

*covets along with the new Granada boxed set...enters a deal with Moriarty over soul, especially if he throws in Klinger....*

[Elizabeth Chase]

Oh my, I fear I'm going to be a contrarian! :o I don't care for them at all. BEEK is a good design artistically, but IMO MREG isn't and doesn't give me a clue what the book is about.

[vicki]

Contrarian alert! Contrarian alert! <alarm bells sound>

JK! :) S'okay--it's just not your cuppa, design-wise. It might strike you differently in RL--I'm sitting here with the actual book and to me, it seems to have a stronger impact in RL than it does in the thumbnail--I like that the stained-glass effect is more apparent, for one thing. That aspect is very attractive to me. From the perspective of someone who knows the story, the skirts and shoes remind me of Margery's well-heeled inner circle and the knife recalls the attack on Margery and the danger hanging over that inner circle. But if I hadn't read it already, I'm not sure how the images would strike me.

At one of the B'con panels, there were some publisher remarks about covers and how they need to be able to attract eyeballs in a noisy marketing environment. If they're eye-catching enough to cause someone to stop, pick up (or click on) the book and read the description, maybe you'll gain a reader. I think these covers would probably catch my eye, but then, I've got a weakness for cool stained glass designs. :)

[Meredith47]

I actually like them quite a lot, though of course tastes differ. I like the MREG waaay better than my paperback with the oval photo of a foggy gate -- that evoked a bit of a "what the heck is that?" response, though it could be the entrance to the Temple (etc. etc.). My swell excuses are: when we buy anything NEW Laurie gets a royalty (not available, alas, on resold books) AND I've decided I probably should have all of the paperback versions of BEEK for historical record (or something.... and there's a swell slippery slope there) and you can always give one as a gift... you get the idea. --Meredith T

[vicki]

I'm all for excuses to buy books--biblionomics at work! With my new copies, I'll be able to give my old ones (including the old foggy-oval edition--I'm not a big foggy-oval fan) to potential Russellholics, and get them caught in the LRK tractor-beam. Mwahahahaha! </diabolical>

I'll also be giving out lots of these new editions as Christmas gifts, also. I'm planning on those for teacher gifts, the school library staff, various family gifts, etc.

Carlina, I haven't even seen most of the Granada episodes--I'll be on the look-out for that boxed set.

[andopmq]

... if I hadn't already have become addicted. BEEK reminds me of a text book, & MREG just doesn't appeal. And yes, I do know better than to judge a book by its cover: I picked up my first LRK in an old library many years ago, it was MREG, and as the lighting was very poor and the jacket of the edition quite dark and murky looking I didn't notice the Holmsian deerstalker & pipe featured as a shadow in the artwork, otherwise I probably would have put it back on the shelf, and then where would I have been?

[vicki]

Hi, andopmq--it's great to have you in the VBC!

I might never have picked up BEEK or several other of my "Beloved Bookshelf" books based on the covers that were available when I first read them. The pb of BEEK was okay, but it was definitely the recommendation of my online reading buddies that got me going on the Russells, not the covers. Another of my favorite books is Cordelia's Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold. I read that one on the enthusiastic recommendation of a friend, but I had to ignore the dumb, cheesy-looking cover when I ordered it. And I'm glad I did, as the book really knocked down and called me Edna. <Happy dance> My copy of Ender's Game is another case of an unimpressive cover wrapped around a fantastic book.

Some of the best covers around, imho, are those of Lois Lowry's more serious books for children, for which she often does the photographs and designs herself. Her cover for The Giver (http://www.loislowry.com/giver.html), one of her Newberry Medal-winning books, is just a fabulous design--it perfectly conveys the tone and content of the book and is greatly eye-catching.

[Younger Son]

I just got the Picador Beekeeper's Apprentice in the mail, and it is a beautiful thing. And it's inscribed, with like my name and everything! And a sentiment!

I am so pleased, my toes are intertwined like in a Don Martin cartoon.

[vicki]

Innit gawjus? I've got mine right here on the bookshelf, along with my Picador MREG, and they are both facing outward. Books that are lovely on the outside and the inside are a rare and happy-making thing!

[Strawberry Curls]

I found both new additions in Portland, OR this past weekend. Powell's bookstore is AMAZING!! I couldn't stop myself I bought both along with several Holmes' pastiche, books about Sherlock Holmes and other wonderful books. I had to have them shipped as I didn't have room in my luggage. Now I have to wait for them to arrive. I ponce on my doorstep after work hoping to find the package. Pant, drool...I want them. :o

[vicki]

Oooh--I'm glad you found such great stuff at Powell's! I've been to one of their Chicago stores and it was to. die. for. They also have an excellent online store! :)

[Arcadian]

I'll have to bop into Borders and check them out. My Beekeeper is tattered, it was 2nd hand when I got it.
Isn't it surprising how many books are stuck with covers that mislead, mismatch their contents, disappoint, or exhibit just plain poor design, art, or photography? Not like we have a shortage of graphic designers around.

[Strawberry Curls]

Carlina, I haven't even seen most of the Granada episodes--I'll be on the look-out for that boxed set.

The boxed set is amazing. Only 12 DVDs and the color is crisp and perfect. These are new pressings from the original negatives and the difference is night and day. You have said, Vicki, that you have never read canon so you must watch this series it is almost as good, and in some cases better. OK I'm ducking and weaving here I know that is blaspheme to many.

Quickly changing the subject -- I did want to say I received my new BEEK and MREG today and they have a place of honor on my overburdened bookcase. To celebrate I pre-ordered "Touchstone" so I feel I have done my part to support Ms. King. ;)

[vicki]

Oooh--boxed set is very tempting! Wonder if library has it. I'm really in the mood for a tv-and-crochet fest!

Aren't the new Russells lovely? If you win one of the sets in the drawing next week, you'll have a ready-made holiday present!


To celebrate I pre-ordered "Touchstone" so I feel I have done my part to support Ms. King.


Yay, Strawberry! I've read half of it (had to stop in middle for RL book-club book--ack--bookus interruptus hurts) and it's awesome so far.

[Strawberry Curls]

Aren't the new Russells lovely? If you win one of the sets in the drawing next week, you'll have a ready-made holiday present!

The thought occurred when I saw they were this months giveaway. You are correct, I could use them for fiendish presents, hooking another unsuspecting member of my family or extended family to the world of Mary Russell by the simple expediency of "gifting" the first two books. How devilish, how conniving -- how simply delicious. Thanks for the idea, Vicki. :rolleyes:

[vicki]

That's the ticket--catch those unsuspecting friends and relations in the powerful tractor beam of LRK-writing. Mwahahahaha! (Why don't we have a diablolical smilie?!) My daily contribution to such fiendishness is to attach the following to all my emails--

Try one of my favorite reads: http://laurierking.com/pdf/Beekeeper.pdf (http://laurierking.com/pdf/Beekeeper.pdf)
Here's another great one: http://laurierking.com/pdf/A%20Grave%20Talent.pdf (http://laurierking.com/pdf/A%20Grave%20Talent.pdf)
For more info: http://laurierking.com/ (http://laurierking.com/)

Now if I could just figure out how to make those links sparkly or something. Hehehehe! :D

[Carlina]

That's the ticket--catch those unsuspecting friends and relations in the powerful tractor beam of LRK-writing. Mwahahahaha! (Why don't we have a diablolical smilie?!) My daily contribution to such fiendishness is to attach the following to all my emails--

Try one of my favorite reads: http://laurierking.com/pdf/Beekeeper.pdf (http://laurierking.com/pdf/Beekeeper.pdf)
Here's another great one: http://laurierking.com/pdf/A%20Grave%20Talent.pdf (http://laurierking.com/pdf/A%20Grave%20Talent.pdf)
For more info: http://laurierking.com/ (http://laurierking.com/)

Now if I could just figure out how to make those links sparkly or something. Hehehehe! :D

That is absolutely wicked my dear Vicki...absolutely wicked...well I'm off to send some messages then to those who would enjoy Laurie's works....:D

[vicki]

Another sister in biblio-wickedness! Mwahahahaha!

I think we'll be ready to start drafting world-domination plans soon. :D