An Update on the 25th Anniversary Edition of Little, Big by John Crowley
Those of you who love Little, Big, the novel by American author John Crowley, probably know of (and have put money down for) the 25th anniversary edition. This edition was to have a very limited print run. There were to be under 3,000 copies with about a third of them numbered hardcover editions and just a few of them signed by the Author. All new illustrations were created, depicting some of the book's best-loved characters and scenes. The anniversary edition was to have been printed on acid-free paper, archival quality, sewn bindings, etc.
If you haven't read Little, Big (subtitle: "or, The Fairie's Parliament"), I of course highly recommend it. Very few books are worth lavishing this sort of attention on. For a book that you can find for $5 used, it really says something that people were willing to shell out close to $1,000 for a numbered/signed edition.
I've always described it as the kind of book you buy every used copy of that you come across- not because you collect them, but because if someone borrows it you will NEVER get it back. I always have a spare waiting for the next person to ask "do you have anything good to read?"
Since the project began, there have been a few stumbling blocks. A book first published in 1981 is just a tad overdue for it's 25th anniversary edition. But the nature of the project, an undertaking by a dedicated fan who is doing practically everything except inking the plates at the printer's, makes it easy to forgive.
However, I am happy to report that I received an email today with some good news: they're looking at a print run to start in February or March, with delivery to commence in June or July. We've had similar news in the past. But I remain hopeful and full of anticipation for the day that my copy arrives.
