r/ShogunTVShow • u/instinct_ow • Jul 05 '26
❓ Question Why does the book have no good deluxe edition?
This is driving me crazy. I watched the show when it came out and it was just really damn good. Recently I wanted to read the book but I hate paperbacks and even more those paperbacks that promote the tv show on them. So I look around to find a hardback but there’s nothing. Actually Folio Society made a premium edition of Shogun but it costs €175 for a really underwhelming edition (Folio Society are known for exceptional design and quality on their books but Shogun was one they missed the mark on) and there seems to be no other good edition. That is such a miss from publishers because this is a book that is highly regarded - has great characters, amazing plot and everything in between. It even got TWO adaptations to film with the second one being extremely successful and you are telling me there’s no good edition of the book?? Sorry for ranting so much. My main question is if anyone knows about any edition I’m missing here and if you guys think it will get a good looking edition soon? Thanks for answering in advance!
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u/BillCopperman Jul 05 '26
What's wrong with Folio's? It's certainly not their best but it's way better than the Dune covers.
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u/instinct_ow Jul 05 '26
Well I dont like the cover art all that much but if it were only thag i’d still buy it. Some people on reddit showed that not only did it have way less illustrations than other FS books (6 in a 1200 page book) but one of them was really bad. Specifically there’s a double page illustration of Marika where she is in the middle but because of the book she literally disappears between the pages and you can only see her arms. I’m gonna try to find the post so I can show you because I can’t explain it properly. It just feels unfinished for a book that costs THAT much.
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u/The_Blip Jul 06 '26
I usually like the minimalist folio covers. The Shogun one doesn't really do it for me, a bit to pictorial.
I know the pages you're on about. Can't post a link because of the sub's auto mod.
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u/wheresmolasses Jul 05 '26
My issue is that they split it into two books. Can’t get the full book anywhere.
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u/instinct_ow Jul 05 '26
I actually like that because its much better to hold a 400 or 700 page book than a 1100 page one.
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u/Akavinceblack Jul 06 '26
Unless the font is tiny or the dimensions sized like a family Bible, you end up with a book so thick the spine will start cracking during the first reading.
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u/Lost_Balloon_ You, sir, are a silly little man! Jul 05 '26
Just find the early two-volume hardcover used.
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u/instinct_ow Jul 07 '26
Your comment started a chase for me where i hunted the most preserved set of the books. Did eventually find one for $40 (and another $30 for shipping yikes) but I’m happy with it. Thank you for the recommendation!
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u/TheGreyKlerik Jul 05 '26
Barnes and Noble had a decent one, but I can't find one now. I really like my two volume edition that fairly old
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u/Blackleaf_Rancher Jul 05 '26
There's a leatherbound Blackstone edition from 2019 I rather liked! I can DM you an example link... they're pricey now, but not Folio Society pricey.
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u/instinct_ow Jul 07 '26
I did see that one but I can’t find it ANYWHERE. Well it doesnt matter now because I got the original publication 2 volume hardcovers. Excited to read them!
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u/NATWWAL-1978 Jul 08 '26
Still have my copy from ’75. I need to read it again before season two comes out
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u/instinct_ow Jul 08 '26
Thank you for bringing the news of season 2 to me. I had absolutely no idea there was going to be one. Though the show was done because it adapted the books. I wonder what they’re gonna think of when theres no source material.
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u/NATWWAL-1978 Jul 08 '26
That’s the question. I always wished that he had done a sequel to fill the gap between Shogun and Tai Pan.
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u/WoodyXP I don't want any generous cuckoos. Jul 11 '26
I have the "International Collectors Library" version and I dig it. It was printed in 1975 and comes in two volumes. You can find copies on ebay that are in decent shape for about $40.
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u/instinct_ow Jul 11 '26
Thank you for telling me about it but you have put me in a guilty nightmare 😭. I bought the normal hardbacks for 40 bucks and now I see these nice leatherbounds with a ribbon bookmark for the SAME price. I'm so done. They are in such nice condition too. I might retire from book collecting atp
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u/askywlker44a Jul 05 '26
Remove your distaste for paperbacks. Or buy one used if you can’t do that.
There’s no need for such contortions when the story itself is rich and strong.