The Folio Society Antiquarian Collectibles: Beautiful Books Inside and Out
Steering away from the mass-produced paperbacks aimed at cultural consumerism, The Folio Society crafts high-end editions of classics for true book lovers to enjoy over many years. These superior-quality books are often acquired by bibliophiles, and as they age, the luxurious volumes make for great collectibles.
What make The Folio Society’s books collectibles?Thanks to their quality of production, these books last through time without degenerating. You can either acquire these books through The Folio Society’s membership or buy them used.
- Construction quality – The luxury company uses only the best quality paper and spends the time necessary to making the typography perfect. The binding is of an equally high standard, sometimes even made of leather.
- Originality – Although they mostly publish classics, the editors handpick authors to write new introductions, and hold a yearly Folio Society competition to select the best illustrators for their classics.
- Illustrations – The Folio Society’s purpose is to provide readers with beautiful books inside and out. The illustrations they acquire through The Folio Society competition are only the top of the iceberg: they commission the most famous illustrators to adorn their editions.
If you need some inspiration in choosing which appealing new or used Folio Society volume to purchase, here are several books that are renowned for their inner beauty, both visual and literary.
- The Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien
- Dune, Frank Herbert
- The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
- A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
Good news – The Folio Society volumes come with their own slipcases, which often means that the book itself is protected.
- Publisher’s packaging – Some Folio Society books are sold in their original shrink wrap, which guarantees a great condition for the book. The slip might have undergone some transport and show it, but the book should be fine.
- Slipcases – If the book comes with its slipcase, chances are the book itself will have suffered less damage, even if it might not look brand new.
- Limited editions – Many Folio Society books come in limited editions, or are not printed anymore. Although this might make them pricier, their rarity makes them all the more interesting to own.