The First Prospectus
Before each series the Limited Editions Club released a prospectus with the books planned for that particular series. Naturally the first prospectus is likely the most important of all released, introducing not only the first 12 books but the Club and what it will stand for. These were very much marketing tools to generate excitement and importantly fill all 1500 available subscriber spots. Of course George Macy knew very well that the first publications will be absolutely crucial for the success of this new venture and he was determined to make sure that they stand up to his high standards.
The first prospectus was designed by and printed by the very well-known printer DB Updike from the Merrymount Press in Boston. It’s the only prospectus to be printed in hardcover, bound in beautiful hand marbled cover boards.
In the prospectus Macy set out their vision in his words; “Your Favorite books, the Classics of the World’s Literature, illustrated by the foremost Artists and made into volumes of beauty by the foremost Designers of Books, produced solely for the members of The Limited Editions Club”. Books would be released monthly at a very reasonable price of $10 / book.
As promised the first series did indeed work with the very best in book design, printing and illustration, on which he continued to build in later series.
The very first book released is the Jonathan Swift classic – The Travels of Lemuel Gulliver, which we will review and post under the article category: The first LEC series.
