Gift Guide

Gorgeous Versions of Your Favorite Classics

- by Lisa G
Dune
Dune

Immerse yourself in a scene of pure enchantment. Picture a nook where you’re nestled by the soothing crackle of a fireplace, a cup of your favorite warm brew cradled in your hands. Now, imagine adding a book to this idyllic picture – not just any book, but a genuine work of art. The Folio Society’s holiday collection has graced us with its presence, and it’s nothing short of breathtaking. And here’s the icing on the cake – the book’s cover and the box it comes in are as gorgeous as the stories within.

Our standout gem in this collection is the magnificent “Dune,” a book that transcends the bounds of ordinary paper and ink. It’s not the type of book you’d grab at an airport; it’s more akin to a treasure you’d peruse in the soft glow of a fireside. Frank Herbert’s monumental tale of far-future desert warriors and intricate interstellar politics comes to life in a way that words alone cannot convey, thanks to the spellbinding illustrations by Hilary Clarcq. But that’s not all; if you’re a dedicated fan of the series, don’t forget to explore Folio’s edition of “Dune” ($145) before the second film’s eagerly anticipated release next year.

Now, here’s the pièce de résistance: a glimpse of the exquisite book, nestled elegantly on a grand piano. It’s a sight to behold, a testament to the artistry that The Folio Society pours into every edition.

But the wonders of this collection don’t end with “Dune.” The holiday treasure trove has so much more to offer. Brian Cox and Andrew Cohen’s “The Planets” ($135) will take you on a celestial voyage through our solar system, with breathtaking color imagery from the latest space missions. Diana Wynne Jones’s “Charmed Life” ($65) invites both young and old readers to a world of magical training, reminiscent of beloved tales like Harry Potter.

Nostalgia awaits with Enid Blyton’s timeless classic, “The Enchanted Wood” ($65), while fantasy enthusiasts will be captivated by Ursula K. Le Guin’s “Tales from Earthsea” ($70). Marvel fans have their own treat with “The Avengers,” carefully selected and introduced by former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Roy Thomas ($135).

History aficionados will relish Hilary Mantel’s historical fiction, “Bring Up the Bodies” ($150), which complements Folio’s edition of “Wolf Hall” ($150), along with Antonia Fraser’s “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” ($125).

Fiction lovers can savor a trove of titles, from Kazuo Ishiguro’s “The Buried Giant” ($110) to Agatha Christie’s “Ordeal by Innocence” ($75) and Cormac McCarthy’s “No Country for Old Men” ($70).

The collection also features iconic titles such as Italo Calvino’s “Invisible Cities” ($90), Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” ($90) with enchanting illustrations by Angela Barrett, and Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” ($75).

And then, there’s the diary, a gem that’s every bit as gorgeous as the books themselves. Every page is a canvas for your thoughts, a work of art in its own right.

As you embark on your holiday book shopping, consider these masterfully crafted editions from The Folio Society. These books are more than stories; they are works of art, both inside and out. They’ll be your companions for years to come, transporting you to realms both familiar and fantastical. So, dive into the world of literary excellence, and bring home the magic of the season with these stunning editions, including the crown jewel, “Dune.”

Lisa G