Easton Press; a book Review.

In this series I'm going to evaluate the quality of book manufacturing from various publishers. I intend only to focus on the quality of the physical book itself.

Easton Press is to books what Bösendorfors are to pianos: perfection. No expense is spared, nothing is left wanting, and long after the novelty of initial acquisition has faded appreciation can still be wrought. Many books in the Easton Press Library composes of public domain works and "the classics," but they also publish newer fiction; works they feel will be classics in years to come. In terms of contemporary fiction it's nice to see Gene Wolfe, Toni Morrison, and Gabriel García Márquez given the same treatment and held in equal regard as Fitzgerald, Proust, and Faulkner.

Full disclaimer: I own three works from Easton Press; all of which were bought from Atlanta Vintage Books, in 'mint' condition as defined by a book antiquarian. All have full genuine leather binding, 22 karat gold lettering and art on the front and back covers as well as guilt pages, thread sewn pages--not merely glue, raised bands on the spine that add a visual interest and an antique look, and a silk page-marker sewn into the binding. Think of Easton Press as the Henle Edition of literature: these books aren't going to fall apart, unless you try to take them apart.

While the books are expertly made, ironically the end result is that of a really old looking book. The gold trim, and cracked leather binding instantly give off the vibe of a much older product. The nicety of these products is that they are brand new, have the antique feel, and are heirloom quality.

There are discrepancies though. Oddly enough paper is the issue when most in publishing bemoan the cost of ink. Not all books come with the moiré silk pages in the front and back. (And if you've never experienced a silk 'page' it really is something to see. It's as decadent as it sounds.) The paper quality--texture and thickness--varies. All of the paper Easton Press uses is phenomenal and head-and-shoulders above other publishers, but it isn't consistent from book to book. Again, the 'poorest' of their paper is far better than most; the issue is only noticeable when multiple volumes are compared.

The price of these books will knock a casual book buyers on their ass, but for a collector or those who really appreciate a job done to the highest degree of quality Easton Press is worth the money. The summary is easy: There is no better book being made today.