Centipede will be releasing.....

[saginawhorror]

I've ordered a couple of older books from Camelot this year and they shipped the next day.

[dannyboy121070]

Congrats on snagging a copy…I suspect you’re going to really enjoy it and wonder why you ever hesitated.

Shame to hear that about Camelot…I knew Kim had been ill a while back, but thought the situation with her (and the store’s operation) had improved. If that’s not the case, I’m sorry to hear it and hope Kim gets better soon.

 

Kim is supposed to be doing better, according to the website updates, but the store has pretty much ground to a halt. They've listed maybe three new books since December, and they are bogged down in shipping new releases that customers pre-ordered, at a rate of, I think it was ten packages a day, max. And, really, considering what they've been through the past few months, definitely don't overdo it. Hopefully a full recovery is in the cards for Kim, even if the store has to take a backseat.

As for JOHN THE BALLADEER, I am REALLY looking forward to digging in whenever my copy arrives. Now I just have to keep my impatience in check, since this guy CLEARLY does not like to be bothered by customers, lol. Again, thank you guys for your input on the book and the stories!

[RonClinton]

 Thanks for the feedback, Ron & Mhatchett. ..I'd feel better if a store that I trusted, like Camelot, had copies in-stock, but they're pretty much out of commission,.

Congrats on snagging a copy…I suspect you’re going to really enjoy it and wonder why you ever hesitated.

Shame to hear that about Camelot…I knew Kim had been ill a while back, but thought the situation with her (and the store’s operation) had improved. If that’s not the case, I’m sorry to hear it and hope Kim gets better soon.

 

[sholloman81]

  No Notice.  I wouldn't bother contacting him for awhile, as that seems to be a trigger of some kind.  I feel sure it will turn up for you, as it did for me.

Just got my copy! I cannot express how happy I am to finally have this off of my pending pre-orders list! Can't wait to get home from work to flip through it more closely.  

[dannyboy121070]

The thinking didn't last too long, lol. I just bit the bullet and ordered direct from Haffner. I'm wondering about the chapbook that is shown in Mhatchett's picture...It isn't mentioned as being included with the books, only with the sold-out slipcased edition. A few sellers had the chapbook included with their copies on e-bay, so I'm really hoping I get a copy with my order. The collector's OCD, you know.....

[dannyboy121070]

 Thanks for the feedback, Ron & Mhatchett. I've been debating about picking up the Valancourt edition for a while now, but seeing this 2 volume hardcover set, which has ALL of the stories and the novels really appeals to the OCD side of my collecting mania. I'm still hemming and hawing because I really can't afford to spend that kind of money, and I'm a little uneasy about ordering through Haffner, because they just come off like a-holes with their "Don't bother us!" rant. I'm still thinking, but I would REALLY like to just take the plunge....I'd feel better if a store that I trusted, like Camelot, had copies in-stock, but they're pretty much out of commission, and I couldn't find copies anywhere but Haffner and e-bay.

[sholloman81]

  No Notice.  I wouldn't bother contacting him for awhile, as that seems to be a trigger of some kind.  I feel sure it will turn up for you, as it did for me.

Truly appreciate that info and will be keeping an eye out!

[mhatchett]

OK, you people have me drooling over this John The Balladeer set, so....level with me: Is this readable stuff, or turgid old-timey stuff? I'm too old to waste time or money on dry classics that I'm not going to enjoy. I trust you fine folks with recommendations all the time, so let me know what you REALLY think. I'm counting on you!

  I love the short stories, they are pretty timeless I think.  If you are put off by a bit of mountain/Southern dialect, these might not be for you.  I will say this is a pretty comprehensive introduction at a reasonable price point.  Valancourt has a very nice edition as well that is cheap in comparsion.  Maybe dip your toe in there, if you aren't sure LOL!!

[mhatchett]

Did you receive a shipping notice beforehand, or did they just arrive? I've been holding off on contacting Haffner to ask about my order status per their last newsletter; so, I'm glad to see that someone has received their copy. Gives me hope that mine might eventually be on the way! 

  No Notice.  I wouldn't bother contacting him for awhile, as that seems to be a trigger of some kind.  I feel sure it will turn up for you, as it did for me.

[RonClinton]

OK, you people have me drooling over this John The Balladeer set, so....level with me: Is this readable stuff, or turgid old-timey stuff? I'm too old to waste time or money on dry classics that I'm not going to enjoy. I trust you fine folks with recommendations all the time, so let me know what you REALLY think. I'm counting on you!

Very readable, but with the caveat that these stories are enmeshed in southern folklore and the music, attitudes and, at times, linguistics of the Appalachian territory. It does not feel contemporary, per se, but it also doesn't feel old-timey, either...it's very distinctive and of its backwoods region and era with a flavor all its own. Manly Wade Wellman's work is one of those rare exceptions from the pulp era whose works feels relatively timeless...not perfectly so, but better than most. That said, like any collection of pulpish stories featuring a particular protagonist who finds himself battling a series of creatures or fantastical situtations, one after another, in a particular region and utilizing a similar approach involving his resourceful minstrel wit and silver-stringed guitar, a certain sameness does tend to creep in, so it's best to dip in and out. I recommend it, but not so enthusiastically that I've (yet) pulled the trigger on this omnibus because I need to read the novels...I'm tending to think Silver John is best encountered in small bites.

[dannyboy121070]

Very nice. I still haven't pulled the trigger on this as I have the Night Shade set, which I believe has all the short fiction (but lacks the novels these reprint) -- but I really should give these serious reconsideration, as I know I'm going to regret not going for them.

OK, you people have me drooling over this John The Balladeer set, so....level with me: Is this readable stuff, or turgid old-timey stuff? I'm too old to waste time or money on dry classics that I'm not going to enjoy. I trust you fine folks with recommendations all the time, so let me know what you REALLY think. I'm counting on you!

[sholloman81]

  Full Circle!  Guess what arrived today?  Haffner's Omnibus editions of Manly Wade Wellman's John the Balladeer look fantastic.  I was worried about the font size, that can be an issue sometimes with anthologies/omnibus titles, not an issue here.  Artwork looks good, cover art looks good.  He included extra book jackets, that was nice.  I would say, it was worth the wait(almost 3 years) and $100.00 price tag.  I'm not letting him off the hook for horrible customer service and virtually non-existent communication.  He will never get another pre-order from me, but I might in-stock titles directly from him or Zuber.  I have really cut back on pre-orders.

Did you receive a shipping notice beforehand, or did they just arrive? I've been holding off on contacting Haffner to ask about my order status per their last newsletter; so, I'm glad to see that someone has received their copy. Gives me hope that mine might eventually be on the way! 

[RonClinton]

  Full Circle!  Guess what arrived today?  Haffner's Omnibus editions of Manly Wade Wellman's John the Balladeer look fantastic.  I was worried about the font size, that can be an issue sometimes with anthologies/omnibus titles, not an issue here.  Artwork looks good, cover art looks good.  He included extra book jackets, that was nice.  I would say, it was worth the wait(almost 3 years) and $100.00 price tag.  I'm not letting him off the hook for horrible customer service and virtually non-existent communication.  He will never get another pre-order from me, but I might in-stock titles directly from him or Zuber.  I have really cut back on pre-orders.

Very nice. I still haven't pulled the trigger on this as I have the Night Shade set, which I believe has all the short fiction (but lacks the novels these reprint) -- but I really should give these serious reconsideration, as I know I'm going to regret not going for them.

[mhatchett]

I did pre-order a copy of Haffner's The Complete John the Balladeer. I'm a sucker for those Wellman titles. I also have the Nightshade set. One of the best they did, I think.

  Full Circle!  Guess what arrived today?  Haffner's Omnibus editions of Manly Wade Wellman's John the Balladeer look fantastic.  I was worried about the font size, that can be an issue sometimes with anthologies/omnibus titles, not an issue here.  Artwork looks good, cover art looks good.  He included extra book jackets, that was nice.  I would say, it was worth the wait(almost 3 years) and $100.00 price tag.  I'm not letting him off the hook for horrible customer service and virtually non-existent communication.  He will never get another pre-order from me, but I might in-stock titles directly from him or Zuber.  I have really cut back on pre-orders.

[Sock Monkey]

Thanks, guys. Just wanted to make sure that I wasn't missing out on one.