In praise of older and/or “standard” FS books

Last night I received an older version of Kidnapped that I had ordered over ABE (blue cloth version). It’s not fancy in any way but has a beautiful cloth binding that feels soft and beautiful paper. Sometimes I find the older FS books have a special beauty to them.

>1 RRCBS:

I agree, and would add that anything pre-eightysomething is printed letterpress, for those who care about such things.

I can only agree RRCBS. Can I also recommend 'Catriona', Stevenson's sequel to 'Kidnapped', which was published in series in an equally attractive and complementary yellow cover (same artist too)? They sit beautifully side by side.

I've found myself appreciating earlier FS editions more and more in the past few years. I do not wish to decry recent editions, some of which look fantastic, but there's something about the quieter, more understated style of of these which I've found increasingly more attractive than more recent counterparts. Fortunately, the FS hasn't abandoned this approach completely, and some of their recent editions (and reprints) are of similar ilk.

>1 RRCBS: The recent Maigret set harks back to that older era, with lovely soft cloth, understated design and woodcut illustrations.

>3 Willoyd: I have the Catriona and agree! A beautiful set

>4 HuxleyTheCat: I really want the Maigret! The only thing holding me back is my practical side thinks it’s expensive for 4 very slim volumes...but will prob end up caving at some point:)

>5 RRCBS: The only thing holding me back is my practical side thinks it’s expensive for 4 very slim volumes

Not wishing to pour cold water on the idea but actually 3 slim volumes. They make a great set, though, and I highly recommend them. As a bonus, I'm now a confirmed fan of M. Simenon.

More than 60 of these older FS editions have illustrated reviews in the Folio Archives here -
http://www.librarything.com/topic/266300

As a long time FAD patient, I relish going back and pulling out an early FS edition in the quiet of a late evening. Just sit back and let it take you away.

>4 HuxleyTheCat: You are quite right that the Maigret set brings back that earlier style/time. It has been sitting on my Wish List for that reason.

>7 wcarter: wcarter That's just so gorgeous, informative and enjoyable a collection. Thank you. I will admit to really envying many of those Limited Editions but I have to draw the line somewhere!

I recently received a couple of older FS books: The Complete Memoirs of George Sheraton and To the Lighthouse. Both are clothbound and have a simple yet elegant design.

Also to those who recommended the set, I finally received and read the Maigrets and agree that they have a similar simple elegance to their design!

Not an older book, but I just received the recent edition of Middlemarch, and I was surprised how massive it is, I think it is my biggest single Folio book (not having any LEs).

I received a copy of the Walter de la Mare ghost stories yesterday. I love new Folios and they are prettier on shelves, but I love the feeling and uniqueness of the older Folios, both in design and selection. It really is a beautiful volume.

Older Folios also have much greater variety in paper, and some of those old papers are really, really nice. I wish they still used laid paper once in a while.