As special editions are created to cater for different groups of fans and readers, they can have a wide variety of special features and finishes. Designers and artists may be commissioned specially for these books, bringing their own ideas and hallmarks.
To explain the benefits of different sorts of editions, phrases like limited edition or slipcase editions are often used. But what do these terms mean?
We've put together a guide to the different sorts of special editions you can find in our collections and beyond, so you can understand and compare what these books will bring to your shelves.
Limited editions
A limited edition is a book with a limited print run. This means, once all the printed copies are sold out, no more will be printed. Often limited editions are also special, and special editions are almost always limited, because they typically cater to smaller audiences, and their exclusivity makes them more desirable.
Premium hardbacks
Some of the most popular editions today fall within a more accessible price range. These books often have many things in common with trade hardbacks, but may have different covers and special finishes such as foil, sprayed or stencilled edges, and illustrated endpapers. They might also be signed.
These editions do not arrive with slipcases, and usually have the same quality of binding and paper as standard hardbacks.
Examples of premium hardbacks include our Knockemout series, and the anniversary edition of Still Life by Louise Penny, featuring gorgeous covers and sprayed edges.
Special editions
When we talk about truly special editions, we typically refer to books that have features above the level of trade hardbacks. They might also be described as deluxe or collector's editions. These editions use premium paper and may be cloth- or leather-bound. They often come in a slipcase or other form of presentation case.
They may have other luxurious features, such as marker ribbons, foiling or gilded elements. They may also be signed and numbered, and typically come in shorter print runs. They might also include bonus extras, like prints and postcards.
Examples of special editions include our edition of John Grant: The Illustrated Lyrics, which comes in a stunning presentation case and features a signed print, and Joe Lycett's Art Hole, which is packed with bonus material and memorabilia.
Deluxe and author's editions
Some very special editions include ultra-deluxe elements that make them that much more exclusive. These books are designed to the highest possible quality. They are almost always signed, and come in luxury presentation or slipcases.
They may be extremely limited, such as lettered editions of which only twenty-six are made (one for each letter of the alphabet). They may include fine press or handmade elements, such as letterpress printing or hand binding, and include rare exclusive extras, such as original prints, recordings, or bonus material.
Examples include the artist's edition of Scarfe: 60 Years of Being Rude, of which only 26 copies exist and includes an original artwork by Gerald Scarfe himself, or the deluxe edition of Scattershot by Bernie Taupin which comes in a presentation case packed with unique extras, including a recording from Bernie Taupin, prints, memorabilia, and a certificate of authenticity.
Explore our full range of editions to discover the variety of features you can find in special editions.