Do you actually read your limited editions?

[frik]

Honestly - I can't believe how some people -not necessarily here- treat their limited editions. Some leave them in the box they came in, unopened, others leave the shrink-wrap just to preserve the value of the book, etc, etc.
To each his own, I guess, but this is beyond me. A book just has te be read - that's what books are made for... Yes, also limiteds.
Correction: especially limiteds. There no greater smell than that of a just-arrived Stephen king limited....No greater feeling than the texture of the pages of a newly arrived signed/limited King-tome.
Yes, I always read my King-limiteds - always. So what if the book loses some of its value. The pleasure of reading such a book goes way beyond monetary value.

Now I'm really curious: who else here actually reads his King-treasures?

sk

[jhanic]

I've only read the limited editions when it appears to be the only edition of that book. For example, I read my Eyes of the Dragon limited because, at that time, no trade edition was envisioned. (The limited came out in 1984; the trade wasn't issued until 1987.)

I've also read my limiteds of Six Stories and The New Lieutenant's Rap. I know the stories in Six Stories have since been reprinted, but at that time, they had not. The Rap has never (and it appears never will) been reprinted. If you want to read it, this is the only way.

I've opened all my limiteds, mainly to check on the limitation page and the signatures (and sometimes the art), but I don't read them.

John

[demorgan]

Nope.

[ChristineB]

I am not personally into collecting the limiteds, mostly because I think like you, a book is meant to be read. So if I owned these I would have to read them and possibly mess them up in the process, so I just don't buy them.

I will possibly in the future obtain a few of his limiteds, things like the talisman and the stand would be great to own and I have to say when I do I most likely won't read them, I just couldn't take that chance of messing them up. I know I would look through them though. And I know of atleast one of them that is a bit different then the trade edition and would have to read that.

[biomieg]

Great topic Siep, and I would definitely read them (if I were into collecting S/Ls, which I am not). I understand people wanting to keep their collectible books in as pristine a state as possible, but really: I've never damaged any other hardcover book by reading it, so I wouldn't expect to do so all of a sudden when reading an S/L.

[Panicbooks]

I really try to keep my limiteds put up. With 3 kids running around this house, something will happen to them if I take them out of the case. I don't know what, but I can see a juice box flying out of nowhere hitting it splattering everywhere or rogue crayon being picked up by one of the kids just looking for a place to draw a "pretty picture".

[ajw2910]

Yep, I read 'em. I just keep them out of harms way (i.e. kids, pets, etc) when I am not reading them. I am just always especially careful with all books. Hell, I even have paperbacks from 20 years ago that don't have a crease in the spine. I open all of mine the bare minimum to read them. I'm just weird that way.

Tony

[TheCollector]

Some I read, others stay on the shelf, just depends on the book and what other copies I have. I'll be looking thru Jerad's Art of Darkness book when it comes out, that's for sure though!

[Royalecheese]

For me, most are read if the trade edition is months, or as others have said, years from being published. Or, if a "gift" edition is available, I will read that one instead.

Also, most limiteds are made from sturdier stuff than trades so the pages don't crease the spine does not crack, sewn pages hold the book together better than glue, etc. etc...

I don't plan on selling anything from my collection, so I'm not looking for resale value. But, I do take great care when I read them and protect them the best that I can with Brodart covers and keeping them in the cases when I am not reading.

[srslipis]

Good morning and Happy Holidays Everyone!
I am a "newbie" to this site as of 1 minute ago! This is the most informative site I've found on SK!
I have been collecting SK books since I first "discovered" a PB copy of his book, "Salem's Lot" in 1976 or 77. After that first book, I was hooked! I then bought a PB copy of "The Stand" ( my all-time favorite ) and have been buying and reading his books ever since.
I joined the SK LIBRARY in 1997- to ensure I received his newest book and at a great price!! Sometimes I've gotten lucky with a 1st. ed.
I graduated from PB's ( couldn't wait that long for a copy ) to HB's. My first 1st. ed. HB was " Pet Sematary " ( just by fluke ). From there I have graduated to all HB's- mostly 1st. ed's.
My "Holy Grail" ( signed 1st. THE STAND ) I acquired 2 yrs. ago, along with a 1st. signed THINNER for $1250.00!!! What a coup!!
To answer the topic's ?, yes, I do read my limited editions IF I don't have another copy.
I have re-read all my SK's at least 4 times. I do, however, take the DJ off before I commence reading them.
Well, now that I've written a 1st chapter here, I'll send this on and let some other fan in on the fun!