I’d never in my life given so much attention to the paper quality, the cover design of the books I’d bought in the past. During my years in Britain I had to avoid to accumulating too many items, as I would move all across the realm as a mercenary locum. My poet friend is very fond of books mad by the ‘Folio Society’ and presents them to me with a similar sensual pleasure as you do. Now that I have acquired the Proust from Everyman’s Library I can only agree with your judgement. I begin to enjoy the aesthetic quality, while I’d only concentrated on the content hitherto. Kindle had been useful as I could carry around a huge library under my left arm. And also reading books in other languages I could quickly get access to a translation by just tapping on the word. How lovely to witness your love and respect for books. If reincarnation exists I wouldn’t mind to be reborn as a precious book with a lush navy blue cover on your bookshelf.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

3 жыл бұрын

Folio Society are absolutely gorgeous. That's a great recommendation for another review. Premium books but very much worth it. I think my Tolkien's Beowulf might be a Folio? They make great gifts. Kindle is certainly a linguist's dream. I've still got Japanese ebooks (ahem... manga) stored on my one... I think Proust may have believed in reincarnation - he's living in the pages of his weighty tome!

I just recently signed up for the LOA subscription and got the Steinbeck series. Beautiful, quality copies that lay nicely on my hands as I read them.

LoA is my favorite publisher hands down. I love the silky thin paper they use. Their design ethic has a minimalist feel but they don't need to be fancy because they are so well made.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

They make the physical sensation of reading a dream - top publisher! :)

This is so useful and finally an explanation for why the paper is so thin! I’m currently switching from Kindle to actual books because I want to write and highlight in them, so will need to stick with thicker paper for that, but it’s so helpful to understand why and how they’re made.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

Жыл бұрын

I remember when I made the switch from Kindle to actual books, Lara. It was magical :) My ereader was my constant companion for years because I was travelling extensively. Returning to physical books felt like returning home. I would find it difficult not to be able to do marginalia now!

We want this review on Everyman's Library

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Consider it done :)

LOAs are special in that they are looking great on the shelf with or without the DJs.

The only issue I have is that LOA compiles several works of an author together into each volume, but I also enjoy these editions! Some great American writers are included and they do have other special published works that aren't in the standard LOA series which have different covers and design.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Ah, yes - this is true. I thought it would be good for readers who already have the separate volumes and wanted a heavy tome of their favourite authors. A first time Le Guin or Baldwin reader may not want everything in one volume!

Take the jackets off if you wish, but never discard them.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

This is the correct answer!

This is a wonderful video and I’m excited for the upcoming videos in this series! It introduced me to LoA as I hadn’t really taken them seriously before (cost, unappealing dust-jackets etc) - I’m going to look into ordering those Eiseley volumes, and I think LoA might be an awesome option for a Vonnegut collection as well! Thanks for the effort and thought that obviously went into this 👍🏼

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you :) Oh, I've been so tempted to grab LoA's Vonneguts - I'm sure he will be the next one I purchase. And thank you for your kind words - I appreciate it!

@DisHammerhand

2 жыл бұрын

I have the Vonnegut set. It's gorgeous. I love it.

First of all I want to say how much I really enjoy your postings. I get fresh insights to classics I have read and I have been inspired to read other classics that I have not previously considered. You have also inspired me to change the way I approach reading. But in regard to this video I am so glad you featured the Library of America. I used to subscribe and have a goodly number of their titles in my collection. Through the this subscription I have been introduced to a number of American authors I would not have known about otherwise. Authors like William Maxwell and Dawn Powell. One advantage of subscribing is that each volume comes without the cover but with a nice slip case. The look great on the shelf. Another publisher you may want to consider is the New York Review of Books Classics. These are all paperback editions of a very eclectic selection of authors. Even though they are paperback they are very well put together and have distinctive covers.

When you mention being "in sympatico" with an author... that's quite a unique thing, maybe you should do a video on that

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Great idea for a video :) Thank you!

I appreciate you highlighting the quality of this series. I love them too. You brought up your appreciation for Eiseley. Are there any other authors in the vein of science/nature/cosmos writing that you would recommend?

Just came across your channel. Immediate subscribe and like. Mainly because of the quality of your perspective, but also because of our shared love for Ms. Le Guin.

Oh what an interesting video. I would be interested in more of these.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Caroline :) More on the way!

Just discovered your channel and have been going through multiple videos the past couple of days (began w/ Anna Karenina, and I was hooked). You do a great job--love how you condense so much into one video, and they're a very good length. I only have one volume from LoA (Susan Sontag Vol. 1), and absolutely love it. There are many others I would be eager to purchase, but the one (and only) problem I have is that the font is a bit small and a strain on my eyes--maybe some reading glasses will solve that problem. Regarding the price, I've found that they're a good value if you consider how much content is contained in a single volume and, likewise, as you mention, the quality is of a high standard. This new subscriber very much appreciates your videos--sincere thanks!

This is about the tenth video of your's I've watched. Good start to what will be a great series. So glad I stumbled upon your channel.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thank you for bingeing my stuff :) I'm so happy to have you watching!

This is a great presentation!! Love the touch/feel of books, too. I enjoyed the details of the physical book, the quality of materials. I thought we/society had quashed the negative talk about American writing? Moverd on. Thank you Benjamin! Youre doing a great job.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much :) I really appreciate that!!

What a great video idea! I would love to see this done with Persephone books

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Erin :) I've been intrigued about Persephone for some time now. I'll do it!

I would love if you looked at the history of oddballs like Black Sparrow Press at some point, but my favourite would be Picador - just so many iconic writers with their iconic works came out from them

@BenjaminMcEvoy

3 жыл бұрын

I had to look that one up! What a fascinating press - founded specifically to publish Bukowski by the looks of it? I used to go on regular Bukowski binges so I would very happily collect a few of these and do a review of them. I see they've published D.H. Lawrence, Joyce Carol Oates, and John Fante too. Amazing recommendation, thank you :)

@80aj21

3 жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminMcEvoy BSP books are even printed and bound in a weird way - there's collectors who hunt down old BSP books as collectables. Its their history of publishing those who (At the time) weren't accepted by traditional publishers. This means there are some amazing and ground breaking authors (and some ...ah.. duds) on their list.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

@@80aj21 Wow - I'm definitely hunting these out and doing a review of them!

Re-visiting this video because I was gifted the collected essays of Baldwin today - can confirm the LOA produce a stunning edition. The dust jacket (not usually a fan) feel great and the text is so crisp! Happy holidays everyone :)

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

What a nice gift! The paper quality is beautiful, isn't it? Enjoy your Baldwin, and happy holidays :)

Hi Benjamin ! I love your videos, I've randomly stumbled upon your channel a few weeks back and loved every video you put out. Your content is amazing which is, in "the booktube" world, quite rare to be honest (no shame to the KZreadrs/Booktubers though). I'm looking forward to this new serie and I was wondering if you could review the NYRB Classics ? I've been looking at some of Grossman's books but am hesitant to pick up this publishing house ! Love from France 💛

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Ferouz :) Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate them. NYRB Classics! Absolutely, we can review those. Great recommendation. Merci beaucoup!

I was not aware of this publisher but I really like these editions, they look beautiful. Like you I prefer paper books to Kindle but I do buy a lot on Kindle these days and that's just because all the usable space in my apartment is already covered with bookshelfs and I don't have any more space - Ha Ha. Paperbook that I have been buying are the Everyman Edition of P.G. Wodehouse which I think look so good.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

3 жыл бұрын

I can totally relate to that. Today has involved me packing a fraction of my books into boxes - they're the only reason I need a moving van. When I was travelling, I built out a Library of Alexandria on my Kindle, and I'm tempted to return to it. I was reading one of the Everyman Wodehouses last night - they always lift my spirits and are very beautiful :)

Thanks for Smyth sewn binding. I believe Britannica uses it for both the encyclopedia and The Great Books collections. The salesman was quite intent on impressing upon me the quality of their products. I bought both sets 30 years ago, when it was to me quite expensive, as a head of family. I did so for my son, which he used for school reports. Most of the information is still valid.

As an Englishman living in America (from Rochdale) these are the best hard bound books l have ever seen.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

Жыл бұрын

I completely agree! Gorgeous books!

I'm building a new library in a spare bedroom. I am wrapping all of my dust jackets and then pulling them off of many. And then I will have a dedicated drawer to hold them stored flat.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

Жыл бұрын

That's so cool! I'm desperate to build myself a library myself.. Fingers crossed I get to it soon :)

A very tactilely pleasing publisher indeed. Am currently obsessed with them and planning to get all their crime fictions after getting and currently enjoying the Kurt Vonnegut, and Philip K Dick sets. I really enjoy your videos, you're the most enlightened book reviewer i've seen on booktube!! Your passion in the Ray Bradbury vid for example demonstrates that exquisitely.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Very nice. I would love to get my hands on the Vonnegut and Dick sets too. And thank you so much for the kind words - I really appreciate that :) Ah, Ray Bradbury, I have endless passion for this man!

@brianbaker5938

Жыл бұрын

Of the crime fiction, try David Goodis, very enjoyable!

I have many LOA volumes. I usually buy them from a used bookstore but I have purchased some new. Fabulous!

Found this video very helpful since I’m debating with my myself whether to buy the Philip K Dick collection because I have some of his novels on my kindle but want physical copies. I’ve also been looking for a collection of H.P Lovecraft and Ursula Le Guin. I think this is the way to go instead of buying about 30 paperbacks which wouldn’t last very long.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

I've been coveting some first editions of Philip K. Dick recently. Gorgeous vintage sci-fi covers. I totally agree - I rather like having several volumes in one beautiful volume :)

Fascinating! Also, I noticed the title Heart of Darkness (by J. Conrad's I reckon) in the background which I read at the moment:))

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Ah, yes. I'm hoping to do a podcast on Heart of Darkness soon. Powerful literature on so many levels!

I’ve been a subscriber to the Library of America for about 17 years now. The editions sent yo subscribers are without the dust jacket but in a really simple and tasteful cardboard slip case. With the exception of a handful, all of mine are without the jacket. They’re beautiful but I must admit, as I age it becomes a tad difficult to read the spines. Well, it just requires me to look through the bottom of my glasses. I love the shear depth of the American literary experience the LOA provides. It’s a wonderful non-profit and the editions are a joy to read…especially with the Bible like paper and the sewn bindings. I typically jump around from volumes and typically read one novel, short story or several poems at a time. It’s always lovely to see which volume will show up at my door next.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

I've been considering subscribing to the Library of America for a while, and you just sold it to me, Jeremy! I've been buying their volumes ad hoc, but now I'm going to indulge and start building out my LoA collection. I've got my eyes on the speeches and writings of Abraham Lincoln to start with, and see what else turns up at my door. Such gorgeous volumes, really lovingly edited!

@jeremybreneman4508

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminMcEvoy I think you’ll also appreciate the little leaflets printed on cream paper included with the slipcase. I tuck these into the side of the book. LOA also offers the subscription at a significant discount, which is a lovely perk too. Subscribers also get titles up to 2 months before they are available to shops. I know you’ll enjoy your LOA subscription for journey. It’s a lovely monthly/6 week anticipation which really leads to a wealth of reading every day if you’re so inclined. My first LOA volumes were at set of 3 Faulkner volumes. I studied Faulkner in my last year of college and was happy to replaced my tattered paperbacks from that era!

@jeremybreneman4508

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminMcEvoy also, the Lincoln volumes are true gems. That would be a great place to start! The introductory offers are varied through the years. I truly think they have something for everyone.

Bought the Raymond Chandler box set and have pre ordered the John Williams edition. Have you ever read Stoner or Butchers Crossing?

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Very nice. I love Raymond Chandler. I have dipped into Stoner a long time ago, but not Butchers Crossing - would you recommend it?

@thomastaylor9896

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Have not read John Williams but have heard great things about his works. Raymond Chandler is one of my favourites, not the best plots in his stories, but his writing is incredible!

I like Library of America, Modern Library and Everyman, so this has been an interesting video for me. More on publishers, please. Le Guin is a favourite for me too. I love list of books too. I like the paper in the Library or America paper, and it is acid free, so no browning. I like that. I wish modern Everyman were produced to the standards.

Estraven… my favorite literary character. 😊

Folio Society is my absolute favorite … please do a review video on them

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely can do :) I love them too!

I really enjoy your content! I would love to see you review Penguin Classics, Penguin Modern Classics, and Oxford Worlds Classics. 📚 📖

So I went into a second hand book shop in Vietnam after viewing this episode. Sure enough they had 1 Library of America book. I see what you mean , I was very impressed. Too bad it was Nabokov so I wasn't interested. Planning on staying on the hunt for editions of my very special favorites though. I did pickup plenty of reading for the trip home though - Anna Karenina, Tess of the Durbervilles, Twelve Caesars (Suetonius) and The Odyssey (Chapman translation). Doubt very much I'll finish those even on a trans Pacific flight'😀 Cheers.

There is at least one "Library Of America" I wan t to own...The Vonnegut novels. MUST HAVE! But usually want to be holding the small nice compact paperback of a book.

Couldn't agree more I absolutely love LOA and have quite a number of the them.

I have a subscription to LOA, and they are a superior quality publisher. As a member, my books are about $6 per copy less expensive, and comes in a beautiful slipcase. Each slipcase comes with a beautiful printed insert with information on the author and the author's works. The insert also includes recommendations of similar authors, genre etc... For American Literature, LOA is my #1 choice. For literature from around the world, Everyman's Library is my "go to" favorite. This was an excellent video, and I would enjoy seeing more of the same. On a personal note, may I ask why Kerouac is no longer an author you feel "in simpatico" with, or is that too personal?

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Oh, wow! That sounds wonderful :) you have made me want to get a subscription now too! As for Kerouac, I still appreciate the poetics of his writing, and his spirit, but returning to him after adolescence/early adulthood, I no longer read excitement in his writing, but rather a sad/jaded feeling of being beaten down. I do still love some of his writing, and he will have a special place in my heart due to his presence in my formative years, but I don’t feel that kinship so intensely now. He does still read like a true Pisces however, and it doesn’t surprise me that his birthday is just 5 days before mine!

Do you annotate on these beautiful editions?

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

I couldn't possibly :)

What about the notes Ben? Would love to know how extensive they are😊

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

The ones I have don't seem to have any unfortunately. I noticed Toni Morrison edited the James Baldwin one, so I was hoping for an introduction or preface. Alas, nothing..

@1siddynickhead

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminMcEvoy that's a pity. I like me some notes.

@chambeet

2 жыл бұрын

Library of America volumes typically do not have notes or introductions, although they usually have “A Note on the Text” section in the back. Actually, now that I think about it, they might have 1-3 pages of notes, but I’d go Oxford World’s Classics/Penguin Classics/Norton Critical Editions for notes.

@danielharper9596

2 жыл бұрын

@@1siddynickhead Some LOA volumes do include notes. It depends on the book. I am reading the USA Trilogy and there are plenty of notes and a timeline of events that correspond to the story. The H.P. Lovecroft edition, for example, has plenty of notes.

@danielharper9596

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminMcEvoy LOA volumes don't include introductions, but they often do feature notes and a chronology of events. The presence of notes depends on the book. As random examples, the H.P. Lovecraft edition and the USA trilogy include many notes. The two-volume set of reporting on World War II also includes notes. Now that I think about it, I believe every LOA book I own has notes (I have about 20). Reviews of different publishing houses are very useful. Discussing whether the editions have introductions, notes, chronologies, etc. would be helpful. I will not buy a book that has none of these things. Ideas for future reviews: Chiltern, Macmillan Collector's Library, and Folio.

I always prefer having my dust jackets on!

Ben, what's your day job?

Cloth over paper.

INFINITIVE We make too much history. With or without us there will be the silence and the rocks and the far shining. But what we need to be is, oh, the small talk of swallows in evening over dull water under willows. To be we need to know the river holds the salmon and the ocean holds the whales as lightly as the body holds the soul in the present tense, in the present tense. - Ursula K. LeGuin

Do you save your dust jackets?

I have been a fan of LoA. I know they are pricy but you tend to get several books per collection. I also like that they aren't full sized hardcoverd since i find them easy to hold and read. I have several collections like the philip k dick, the American Scifi and crime novels. I think if you have an author you know you an larger collection of their works they are a good value. I also debating getting replacing my LeGuin collection with their Hanish collection.

Why are you no longer simpatico with Kerouac?

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

When I was younger, I brought my own sense of optimism to his work. But now I read some cynicism and jadedness in Kerouac that I never saw before. I still relate - Kerouac's temperament is very similar to mine. He's too keenly sensitive. But I haven't given up on life. I also haven't burnt as bright, so there's that. He's still very special to me though.

@DressyCrooner

Жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminMcEvoy So Kerouac is a Schopenhauerian and you are a Nietzschean. Wonderful.

Never ran across one but am now intrigued Do you enter a lot of marginalia in THESE? 😎

@BenjaminMcEvoy

Жыл бұрын

I keep most of my Library of America editions completely clean :) But my LOA copy of Emerson's essays is absolutely covered in marginalia..

@strelnikoff1632

Жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminMcEvoy makes sense....recently discovered you and many enjoyable episodes....in Vietnam, returning America soon....reminds me a story how I discovered Murakami years ago, found a used copy of "Kafka By The Shore" on a chair in SF airport before transpacific flight.,.started it on the trip over and a fan ever since....I think you might like him if outside classic lit per se...keep up the fine work

4.5 out of 5 as they should have proper introductions

@BenjaminMcEvoy

Жыл бұрын

They have such great editors - it really is a shame we don't have an intro from them!

I love LOA. I’m a current subscriber which gives you a slight discount and sends you a book at a pace of your choosing and they are a boxed edition. To me they are amazing. I have also found many at $5 a pop at used book stores. My collection is growing weekly. I love the collection.

i love library of america, i really would love their pk dick books and mencken books, i've got 10 currently, i grab 'em when i see 'em cheap, i found a first printing of the benjamin franklin volume with his autobiography for $1.50 today. usually most of their library of america books are over ten bucks each, but the place often has wildy varied inscrutable pricing (also found a signed salman rushdie there today) as for other publishing houses to cover, how about modern library? the viking portable library is an old series i kinda like.. taschen does the most amazing art books, and on the opposite end of the scale, dover thrift editions keep reading cheap.