The Library of America has done it again! First they issued the quirky novels of Philip K. Dick (big sellers!) and then the LOA issued collections of noir novels, SF novels, and a popular H. P. Lovecraft book. The Library of America, best known for issuing volumes of Henry James and Herman Melville, obviously found that dabbling in Popular Culture pays Big Time.
Now, the LOA launches a series of Elmore Leonard novels. This collection includes Fifty-Two Pickup, Swag, Unknown Man No. 89, and The Switch. Of course, I have the original editions, but I can’t resist these Library of America volumes. And I really like the cover that reprints the original paperback artwork (LOA started this with the Philip K. Dick books). If you’re looking for a gift for that Elmore Leonard fan on your gift list, Elmore Leonard: Four Novels of the 1970s is perfect!
I’m glad the Lobrary of America is doing more volumes of things most of us actually want to read! I read UNKNOWN MAN No. 89 in 1981 (my first Leonard) and read the other three shortly thereafter. I agree with you – I’ve been enjoying their popular culture reprints too, though I have also enjoyed the Henry James short stories, among others. If I had the room I’d probably buy the whole Library of America series.
Jeff, I have purchased most of the Library of America volumes over the years (Patrick wants my LOA collection when I’m done with them). I love the format of the books (although I wish they had Large Print Editions). I’m sure the sales of the Popular Culture volumes fund the more academic volumes.
I like the LoA volumes, too, but I rarely buy them. This one is tempting, though.
Bill, I really liked the Philip K. Dick LOA covers that had the original paperback artwork on them, too.
Very heartening to see that out of print books are still getting published and by such a prestigious association.
Patti, when the Library of America started publishing collections by Philip K. Dick and H. P. Lovecraft, their sales zoomed upwards. Now, the LOA has extended their Popular Culture offerings.
George, I have a couple of Elmore Leonard paperbacks including “Unknown Man No.89” the cover of which is different. His novels are easily available in used bookstores thanks to shiploads of various paperbacks imported from the US and sold at less than a dollar here.
Prashant, it looks like the Library of America went with the original paperback artwork rather than the covers on later reprints.
I echo what Bill said. I have about a dozen, maybe a few more, on the shelf. More and more, I’m preferring single volume books to omnibus. They seem easier to hold and read. The paper in LOA is thin, the print small. I love ’em, but don’t buy many. Oh, and why would I be looking for a gift during the first week in November?
Rick, my sister has all her Christmas shopping done by Halloween!
Terry Teachout has expressed some thoughtful reservations about the LoA’s recent embrace of pop culture in general and Elmore Leonard in particular. Links to his Arts Journal column are here, these link to the full articles in the WSJ, if you’ve got a way past their paywall.
http://www.artsjournal.com/aboutlastnight/2014/10/pop-go-the-highbrows.html
http://www.artsjournal.com/aboutlastnight/2014/06/a-new-face-in-the-canon.html
Art, thanks for the link! Yes, I do a way to get past the WSJ paywall.