Dark Carnival

Rating:
Summary: Overpriced classic, but buy it anyway!
Review: Just a few words about this timeless classic. I have just received this deluxeedition of what is probably one of the best collections of dark tales ever. But i have to admit that i am just a little bit disappointed about the overall look of the book. Sure it is printed on good paper, has a smythsewn binding and nice typography. Compared to the standard american/english hardback this one is definetely a lot better and will look good on your bookshelves in many years from now. But hey, [$$$]!!! Thats a whole lot of money, and when you think about what other smallpress publishers can make for only half or less of that price, then i find it too be just a tiny bit too expensive. The extras are nice, especially the old letters, which unfortunately are badly reproduced here. I had also hoped that the magazinecovers that preceed each story had been bigger and in color, as they are too small and blurry.
I know that the publisher will say that the book could not have been made any cheaper, especially taking in consideration the low printrun of about 700 copies, but why not have doubled/tripled the printrun which would surely have lowered the price, or made it possible to use colors inside the book. I know that mr. Bradbury probably wouldnt want to sign this many books, but then a certain part of them could have been sold unsigned. I personally would not have minded if it have meant that i would have a more beautiful book!
Just my thought, and maybe i am just used to seeing better produced books here in denmark. The firsteditions here are often much more nicely produced than even expensive american limited editions!
But anyway, great book and its fantastic to finally seeing it back in print!

Rating:
Summary: Book Great but WAY Overpriced
Review: Stories receive 5 Stars. Book Value Regarding Asking Price Receives No stars! I ordered this new limited edition book of Dark Carnival. While the stories are some of the best ever from one of our greatest living writers, this book is a complete RIPOFF! When I ordered this book for a whopping $...I thought this book was supposed to be signed by Bradbury and Clive Barker and come with a slipcase and a CD. I found neither signature in the book (no signature page) and no slipcase or CD. Only a printed facsimile of a letter to Bradbury's parents from 1947. I later found out that I would have to shell out another $...for a slipcase and the CD. Pricing an unsigned book with no slipcase at $... on a book that should be priced as a trade edition for about $...-$... is outrageous. Although I love the stories, Gauntlet is overpricing this book, especially when they are misleading as to what customers are actually getting for this money. Of the handful of signed limiteds I own, many have much higher production value for a lot less money. I would hope that more writers would take caution when allowing their books to be published here, and they should know what customers are getting for these signed limiteds. This prohibitively priced book that lacks a lower priced trade edition means that only 700 people will be able to own the book. What about the 1000's of other Bradbury fans?

Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected...
Review: The book itself is an awesome find. But I was disappointed to find out it was not signed by the author. This obviously lowers the potential value of the book.

Rating:
Summary: Tempting yet revolting...
Review: Unfortunately, I haven't had the pleasure of reading this collection of stories, and I probably never will. I would LOVE to have a copy of DARK CARNIVAL, but this limited edition is outrageous. For such a price I would expect the absolute works, and based on the reviews, this book offers nothing more than being an expensive and intentionally rare book full of great stories.

I'll continue to adore Bradbury, but hopefully he'll have the sense to allow these stories to be republished one fine day (or hopefully I'll simply have the extra cash to drop on this sucker).

Rating:
Summary: Tempting yet revolting...
Review: Unfortunately, I haven't had the pleasure of reading this collection of stories, and I probably never will. I would LOVE to have a copy of DARK CARNIVAL, but this limited edtion is outrageous. For such a price I would expect the absolute works, and based on the reviews, this book offers nothing more than being an expensive and intentionally rare book full of great stories.

I'll continue to adore Bradbury, but hopefully he'll have the sense to allow these stories to be republished one fine day (or hopefully I'll simply have the extra cash to drop on this sucker).