A discussion about favorite writers who have made large impressions with relatively small bodies of work sprang up over at John Scalzi’s Whatever recently, and it reminded us of some wonderful books, including Emergence by David R. Palmer, and the three novels that make up The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox by Barry Hughart. As it turns out, two of Mr. Hughart’s novels are still available singly, but the omnibus version will now set you back in excess of $150 — and that’s just for the book club edition.

Later this year, we’re going to rectify that situation, with a gorgeous new edition, featuring a brand new cover by Jon Foster, with the trade print run likely limited to 2000 copies at $38 — not a bad price point for a book we expect will approach 700 pages.

For Mr. Hughart’s most ardent fans, that’s not the biggest news. In addition to the trade hardcover, we’ll be producing a 200-250 copy limited edition that will feature not only a leatherbound edition of The Chronicles. In addition, for the first time, Mr. Hughart has given us permission to publish the first draft of Bridge of Birds, which features Master Li as a nineteen-year-old, and Number Ten Ox as a bit player. This slipcased set will be a true rarity.

Update: The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox is now available for ordering via our online store.

Posted on Wednesday, March 12th, 2008 at 8:23 am.