What was once just a post about how there were SO many editions of a few popular books has now become a feature that I update every two years. In 2017 I made my first post discussing the many editions of Caraval, Tower of Dawn, and some others. I did an update in 2019 focusing on the ever growing number of Caraval editions along with the Folk of the Air series. I’ve been thinking about this 2021 update for awhile but wasn’t sure when or if to post it. It seems that as the years go by, people are split into a few categories: those who don’t care either way, those who are annoyed with all the special editions and see them as money grabs, and those who LOVE them and become irate when people in the second camp say something about their irritation.
I fall into the second camp. I really can’t put into words exactly why it bothers me so much when publishers put out several special editions of a recently released title, but it definitely turns me off of certain series and authors. As much as I loved Caraval when it was being published, I stopped collecting it once more and more editions were announced. Something about the blatant money grab by the publisher rubbed me the wrong way and put a bit of a damper on my love for the series. There are certainly series that I love and collect multiple editions of, but too many irks me and I can’t explain it.
I know other people are obsessed with collecting every edition and that’s totally fine too! Everyone shows their love of books differently and that’s how it should be.
Without further ado, let’s jump into it! (Note: I am only including US & UK editions in these counts.)
Caraval editions: 11
Legendary editions: 9
Finale editions: 12
Of course, we have to start with the book that began everything special edition here on the blog. Not much has changed in this regard, but I couldn’t go without giving a recap of every edition (excluding US paperbacks and foreign editions) that I’m aware of.
Starting on the left, we have the US hardcover, UK hardcover, and UK paperback of each book. Each UK hardcover also had an exclusive Goldsboro edition that was signed and numbered with sprayed edges. In addition, there was a Waterstones exclusive hardcover of Finale with sprayed edges. A B&N exclusive edition of Finale was also published. In the middle are all the hidden covers for the UK hardcover editions. These are special embossed hardcovers under the dust jacket that have different images or quotes. There is also an additional Caraval hidden cover that could only be purchased at Tesco. On the top right are the deluxe editions published in collaboration with Fairyloot. Beneath that are the Waterstones exclusive Legendary paperback, the Finale Fairyloot edition, and the Finale Owlcrate edition. On the bottom right are the exclusive Caraval paperbacks that could only be purchased at certain places in the UK (also shown is the standard UK paperback).
Only one additional edition has been published since my last post, the collector’s edition. This edition includes a slipcover and can be purchased everywhere online for $35. I’m not sure why a book with 10 other editions needed a collector’s edition four years after publication, but here we are. This is the single series with the most editions I’ve ever seen by far.
In my 2019 update I discussed The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black. Since then, more editions have been released along with a novella which also has five editions.
Next is the book that inspired me to update this post. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue was published in October 2020 and already has so many editions I could hardly believe it when each one was announced.
This book hit the shelves with six editions right off the bat. Starting with the top left is the standard US hardcover, the UK hardcover (first print had blue sprayed edges), Illumicrate edition, Waterstones exclusive (with gold sprayed edges), Owlcrate edition, and Forbidden Planet exclusive. Beginning after that are upcoming editions that will be published this September and October. First is the standard (?) collector’s edition, followed by the B&N exclusive. Then is a screenshot for a special “Autumn” edition from Waterstones that no one has much idea about. Finally is a paperback edition found for preorder on Forbidden Planet that I have been unable to find any information about. I’m genuinely not sure if there are or will be more editions of this book, but I feel like there’s definitely one or two I missed.
I haven’t paid much attention to Cassandra Clare’s books over the years because I don’t read them, but I couldn’t help noticing the frenzy around her latest release. Chain of Iron definitely had quite a few editions!
First in this bunch is the standard hardcover, which seems to be the same in the US and UK. Next is the Waterstones exclusive, Illumicrate edition, Fairyloot edition, and UK tour edition. The previous book in this series, Chain of Gold, seems to have the same editions, perhaps with the exception of a tour copy. At least, I didn’t find that one. Either way, it’s A LOT of the same book.
“So Tracy,” you may ask. “What book(s) DO you collect?” I actually collect a few and the most I have of one book is eight copies of Shadow and Bone. My collection includes two different ARCs, three foreign editions, the original hardcover, and the US and UK collector’s editions, which released nearly ten years after the book was published. All that to say, I do love to collect. Just because we don’t do it the same way doesn’t mean either of us is wrong! I can’t stand new releases with a hundred editions, but I’m happy they exist for those that love them!
