Penguin Classics Publishing Songs of a Dead Dreamer and Grimscribe Volume

[Lord Jim]

Morrissey is a verbal peacock for the most part, and while I enjoy his music myself, it's easy to understand why folks would be turned off by the personality he so often displays.

Ligotti receiving a Penguin Classics edition is an aberrance, as I see it. A very welcomed one, and abnormality and deviance go with the territory. If this turned out to be more than a reprint of a previous edition I'd be overjoyed, though based on Jeff VanderMeer's chosen words, I could not expect such a thing. A celebratory occasion, regardless.

I must admit to being hyped at the idea of some kind of titanic Penguin omnibus of the order of The Nightmare Factory, although should it turn out to be along the lines of a slimmer Penguin omnibus volume like Machen's Holy Terrors (from way back in 1947?) I'd still be rocking.

Hell, Ligotti in Penguin? What's not to celebrate?

The best Weird fiction IS literature. Works for me.

Mark S.

[xylokopos]

This is Jeff VanderMeer's comment from his blog:

Quote

It’s probably not giving away too much to say Songs is included. I can also say that I’m much more interested in exploring Ligotti in the context of Kafka and David Lynch than Lovecraft. I think the emphasis on Lovecraft with regard to Ligotti, when it occurs, misses some crucial points about Ligotti’s fiction.

I can hardly wait.

[Mad Madison]

Quote Originally Posted by xylokopos

This is Jeff VanderMeer's comment from his blog: Quote It’s probably not giving away too much to say Songs is included. I can also say that I’m much more interested in exploring Ligotti in the context of Kafka and David Lynch than Lovecraft. I think the emphasis on Lovecraft with regard to Ligotti, when it occurs, misses some crucial points about Ligotti’s fiction. I can hardly wait.

Songs of a Dead Dreamer!!!!!!!



So . . . this could still, potentially, be a reprint of The Nightmare Factory?!

[Speaking Mute]

I suppose it's good exposure for Ligotti, but the quality of Penguin Classics is terrible. They're also not particulalry nice so far as publishing rights for contemporary authors, meaning that this could likewise rule out a nicer omnibus in the near future.

[klarkash]

Quote Originally Posted by Speaking Mute

I suppose it's good exposure for Ligotti, but the quality of Penguin Classics is terrible.

Mostly agree as regards physical quality - paper and binding are not great and cover design is OK.
Disagree as regards contents - at least for the Clark Ashton Smith volume, the editorial apparatus (introduction, notes, etc) and proofreading are killer.

[dr. locrian]

I have it on excellent authority that the book will be of higher quality than, say, the del Toro Classic Horror Books or Joshi's American Supernatural Tales with completely different cover-art. They also won’t have black edges that bleed into the pages of the books.

By all indications, it will be a fine volume. But I think it can't be over-stressed that this affordable book and the marketing that will go with it will make Ligotti's work noticeable and available likely to many readers who would not have otherwise read him.

[Lord Jim]

Authority is a wondrous power in itself, from certain people in any situation. Thank you, Doctor, for the continuing news. Our patience is barely perceptible.
I'll be disappointed if Tom L doesn't paint the cover himself, though.

[Ascrobius]

I agree with Jon. And of course, I believe that people will be in for a big surprise. And as always, Tom's work being re-printed is ALWAYS cause for celebration. He's got a great agent, who I think is largely responsible for lots of good things happening for Tom, which is a real blessing for him. I also think that having that person take care of all business and publishing-related work takes a big burden off of Tom. By the way...sorry I've been absent lately. I've been dealing with one ####ty thing after another. But who am I to complain...

[hopfrog]

Quote Originally Posted by Dr. Locrian

I have it on excellent authority that the book will be of higher quality than, say, the del Toro Classic Horror Books or Joshi's American Supernatural Tales with completely different cover-art. They also won’t have black edges that bleed into the pages of the books.

This seems to suggest that this collection will be in Penguin's hardcover series--yes?