Christmas Problem - Giving the chronicles

[exnihilo]

Hi, new guy here. I have browsed this forum for about an hour over the past couple of days and I am very impressed with the caliber of the posters and the quality of the discussion. The intelligence and ability to think freely in evidence here are quite rare on the net. I hope you won't mind my intrusion, because I might like to stick around a while!

Back in the real world I have a Christmas problem and it's Covenant related, so I was hoping someone here could help.

The best friend of my youth, the guy who actually introduced me to the Chronicles way back in '82, is now significantly poor in both financial terms and, even more unfortunately, in spirit. His current passivity and fatalism hint at a despair every bit as destructive as Kevin's. When I showed him my copy of Runes of the Earth last month, though, a flicker of enthusiasm appeared in his eyes, faint though it was. I really want to give him a copy of the book (hardback, naturally), I think on some level he needs it, but the problem is that he has also expressed (and demonstrated) the need to re-read the first two series (he didn't even recall the existence of Linden Avery, for instance, when reviewing the book jacket).

So now I am going to have to give the first two series concurrently, which is within the bounds of my *finite* financial capabilities. However I am only familiar with the vintage hardbacks and paperbacks of that era (I currently own the first two series in hardback, Ballantine first editions, thank you ebay!) Now I am not above grand gestures, but presenting this guy with the first two series in hardback also *ain't gonna happen*! The old paperbacks he gave to me are no longer available "new," so a sentimental gesture is not possible in that regard.

As the new paperbacks seem to be about $8 per (what happened to $4.75?), I was eyeballing the consolidated editions of the first two series on Amazon at about $10 a piece as a possible solution. Are they really as awful as the review suggests? I mean, I don't want to give a cheap and crappy edition of the chronicles, but then again I'm not aiming to give a ready-made "collection" either... I just want to present the first two series for reading purposes to accompany the hardback edition of Runes. I'm checking into used paperbacks, although I have a hard time making a gift out of something used. I may go that way though if I can find a set in decent shape.

Any suggestions on how to proceed? Are the currently available paperbacks worth the $8? Is the consolidated edition acceptable as a gift?

I have included a poll, and I will abide by the results.

Unless I disagree with them.

Thanks for your time. May you have a happy holiday season (or not, for the unBelievers...)!

[danlo]

I would suggest getting him the two omnibus editons, that were, I think, published by the Sci-Fi Book Club (is that right? ) Welcome to the Watch btw, please do stick around!

[Warmark]

I have the Two omnibus editions, although i would buy hardbacks if i could find them.

[Usivius]

buy all the books. No one can read just one when they are right there in front of them.

[High Lord Tolkien]

I'm not Martha Stewart but if you're trying to give a special uplifting gift I wouldn't bother with anything used.
But if money is an issue I'd try to find as near perfect as I could.

Hard covers vs. paperbacks?
Hmmm...
Tough one.
I only have WGW and the One Tree in hard cover.
I think I do prefer the larger book but if it was a money issue I would be happy with either type.

Boxed sets vs. singles?
I wouldn't bother with the boxes sets myself.
After reading them I can never get them back in anyway.

If I was given the six paperbacks and Runes presented in a manly looking basket of somekind with a few beers to fill in any spaces.....it would bring a small tear to my eye I tell you.

[[Syl]]

Joy is in the ears that hear, not the price on the dustjacket. Since he wants to read the books, well, imo, nothing reads better than a paperback (trade paperbacks are nice, but you can't fit it in a jacket pocket and such).

So I say buy the hardcover of Runes (the real gift) and a good set of paperbacks from a used bookstore. Besides, since it's a gift and has some importance, you'll probably want to inscribe it. And inscribing a book pretty much ruins it of any kind of monetary value.

[lucimay]

what Syl said...

and Welcome exnihilo! do stick around!

[CovenantJr]

I agree with Syl and Lucimay.

And welcome.

[Cheval]

Welcome exnihilo, and what a dilemma!

Hard covers are the gift for if he reads in one place.
(Like a room, at a desk, in bed, whatever.)
They last longer and (IMO) better to have.
Definitely get Runes in hard cover.

Spoiler

I've yet to read it.

If he likes to read-on-the-run:
bus rider, carries the book with them to read,
goes from an office to cafeteria, whatever.
then I'd go individual paperback editions.
They're lightweight, small enough to fit in a pocket
Plus they are better for a tight budget.

Either way, it all ends up good.

[sgt.null]

I would find good used versions, then buy both Chronicle trilogies and the gap stuff. and whatever else may be floating around.

[exnihilo]

Thanks for your kind and humorous replies!

I think I'm singlehandedly going to renew Dr. Donaldson's authorial clout with all the Covenant books I've been buying. This is no exaggeration, in the last few days I have bought two (additional) complete hardback sets of the first chronicles, two individual hardback copies of "The Wounded Land", and one each of the softcover consolidated editions, not to mention another hardback copy of "Runes" to be given away. And I currently have an outstanding bid on yet another copy of TWL on ebay.

The first step towards recovery is admitting that you have a problem...

[Marv]

exnihilo said:-

i am very impressed with the caliber of the posters and the quality of the discussion.the intelligence and ability to think freely in evidence here are quite rare on the net

i'll take this as a personal compliment mate thanks

oh yeah and if intelligent debate is what you value why dontcha pop into mallory's

i've got hard back copies of the 1st chrons but my 2nd chrons were coming apart at the seams so i bought the 3 in 1 version and its pretty handy.

[Avatar]

Ignore him...if rational and intelligent debate are what you really want, then visit The Close and Hile Troy's Think-Tank under The Collective from the index page.

And welcome, we hope you do stick around.

--Avatar

[danlo]

^Ignore them^ that's right guys just waltz right on into my forum and whisk my newbies away!

[Avatar]

Too late Danlo, too late.

ExNihilo has already visited that sanctuary for the rational, the 'Tank. Either he'll never return, or he's ours forever. Mwaaahahaha.

--A

[CovenantJr]

that sanctuary for the rational, the 'Tank

*chokes disbelivingly on tea*

[sgt.null]

mallory is then the refuge for the mad?

[Avatar]

that sanctuary for the rational, the 'Tank

*chokes disbelivingly on tea*

Wanna come debate it...in the 'Tank?

And Sgt, I suppose that's one way of describing the Mallorys gang.

--A

[sgt.null]

the lost generation?

vespers is where it is it anyhow.

[Avatar]

You're still being too charitable.

--A