Now I’m not saying for one minute that the most important thing about a book isn’t the words, but sometimes it’s nice if those words are carried in a book so opulent and so luxurious that you instantly declare that that book should only be read on special occasions.
Now take the Folio Society’s recently published Franz Kafka collection, Metamorphosis and Other Stories. I was very, very lucky indeed to receive a copy of this through the post recently, and when I first laid eyes upon it I had to designate it ‘special occasion’ only.
I seriously love this edition – translated by Michael Hofmann and wonderfully illustrated inside and out by Bill Bragg (you can see some of Bragg’s illustrations on the publisher page) – but it’s not like I need to add any more Kafka to my library. I have a fairly substantial collection already, with one of my favourites being the rather wonderful Vintage edition of Kafka’s The Compete Short Stories. Yet it’s still a joy to own such a luxurious edition because the feeling of running one’s eyes and hands over something so beautiful is indescribable. In fact for a minute, just a single solitary minute, the words contained within seem to take a backstage.
Now is that showing oneself to be materialistic, or is this the mark of a true book lover? You decide!
About Rob
says:
wonderful cover ,as are all folios ,I ve manage to pick a few over the years at book sales and flea markets ,all the best stu
says:
And you even have the kind heart to send one or two to your friends occasionally, don’t you Stu? Thanks aain for that Robert Graves edition!
Warmest
Rob
Dang it! You will never guess what I bought at my local Barnes and Noble last night! Unfortunately, it wasn’t this edition. Yours is both gorgeous and creepy at the same time.
says:
“Creepy and gorgeous” -quite the juxtaposition that, isn’t it Valerie?
Regardless of what Kafka edition you picked up V, it’s still Kafka so it’s still highly precious. As always, you have wonderful taste
Warmest
Rob
Oh my goodness, I **love** that cover! It genuinely looks like a giant bug is lurking in your room, Rob, and throwing its shadow across the book as you take a photograph of it. Wonderful cover art just makes me feel sadder about the growth in eBooks. What will it mean for books as luxurious objects, I wonder?
says:
Hopefully Kim, books this gorgeous will be able to coexist with their electronic counterparts. People will always be drawn by physical objects.
Warmest
Rob