Centipede will be releasing.....

[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.

[RonClinton]

Am I correct that there was no newsletter this week?

Correct, no newsletter this week.

[brlesh]

I didn’t get one either.

I think Jerad is doing a big newsletter the first Sunday of the month, and then smaller, announcement oriented newsletters throughout the month as needed.

B

[Sock Monkey]

Am I correct that there was no newsletter this week?

[RonClinton]

EDIT: Moved to eBay (oh, and when I took them off the shelf to photograph them for the auction, it turns out the numbers of the two Centipede volumes were not matching, after all). Still feel free to make me an offer here (not eBay) if interested.

Before I put these books up on eBay, I thought I'd check here and see if anyone is interested in my three ENDER'S books by Orson Scott Card:

SPEAKER FOR THE DEAD and ENDER'S WAY, both Centipede signed and numbered editions, both unread and in Fine/Fine condition, each in capped slipcase as issued, and with matching numbers. Both are unread...I carefully flipped through each of these beautiful productions to admire the craftsmanship and artwork before shelving them behind the glass of my lawyer's/barrister's bookcase, but both remain unread and pristine. It's time to admit that I'm probably never going to read these, and I already have one Centipede SF series (DUNE) that I'm buying with little likelihood of reading any time soon, so it's time to free up some shelf space and cash. Rights go with these, should Jerad publish any other Card books, as I won't be buying them...time, I think, to admit SF really isn't my bag.

I also have ENDER'S GAME, a signed Easton Press HC, in dark blue leather with gold page gilt, ribbon bookmark, in Fine condition, signed and with all the usual CoA stuff Easton issues. I did read this one before shelving it behind glass, but did so carefully and the binding is still tight and the book presents as unread.

The only signed and slipcased Centipede set I see on eBay at the moment is priced at $900 for SPEAKER FOR THE DEAD and ENDER'S WAY. That seems high to me...if interested, make me a reasonable offer for the three-book set and let's show that overpriced eBay seller how it's done.

[RonClinton]

Well, darnit, Ron- unfortunately, I'd have to call those impressions "flaws", as slight as they may be. I'm sorry to say that I just wouldn't be comfortable with those. I do appreciate you checking it first and showing me here exactly what you have. I'm sure the picture shows worse than the casual eye (especially mine these days), but I really do want as "perfect" a copy as possible.

*edited to add: those red dots don't bother me a bit. But, the impressions probably would, unfortunately.

Don’t blame you a bit, Ron — what I found on my copy is a surprise and disappointment to us both. Thanks anyway for the shot at the trade.