Experience the magic of The Book Thief with this enchanting Folio Society limited edition. We worked closely with author Markus Zusak on this edition which features beautiful illustrations from Alexis Deacon and an exclusive personal letter from author to reader. Limited to just 250 copies don’t miss the chance to own this exceptional edition.
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Editor’s Note
Sophia Schoepfer, Editor
Death is the teller of this tale, which follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl plucked from her own life and dispatched to a foster family. When Liesel finds a book on the cold graveyard ground, her world changes forever. Marcus Zusak weaves a narrative that is a reckoning of the not-so-distant past with a love letter to humanity, and to literature.
This cult modern classic has been brought to life by Alexis Deacon’s atmospheric illustrations, which Markus said are filled with ‘little gifts and treasures’. Our limited edition is signed by the author and the artist and contains a very special letter to the reader from Markus Zuzak himself.
PRODUCTION DETAILS
Limited to 250 copies signed by the author and the artist
488 pages
Typeset in Jenson with Albertus as display
Printed in 2 colours
Black & white title-page spread illustration by Alexis Deacon, 26 original black & white integrated illustrations by Trudy White and 6 double-page spread colour illustrations by Alexis Deacon
Bound in leather and foil blocked in silver on front and spine
Silver foiled top edge
Ribbon marker
Slipcase covered in cloth printed with a design by the artist
Sized at 10˝ x 6 ¾˝
SYNOPSIS
‘It was a great privilege to work with Markus Zusak’s powerful story. I loved being able to draw my own versions of the iconic and memorable characters he has created.
I had also previously worked on another wartime story, told from the British perspective during the same momentous years. I was very happy to be given the chance to show another view of the same events, events that have done so much to shape our present time.’
Alexis Deacon, Illustrator
Set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany, The Book Thief tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl whose life is forever changed when she discovers the power of words. After her brother’s death, Liesel is sent to live with a foster family on Himmel Street, where she forms deep bonds with her kind-hearted foster father, Hans, and her fiery friend, Rudy. As the war intensifies, Liesel’s world is filled with books, both stolen and gifted, offering her solace and escape. But as Liesel and her new family harbour a Jewish man in their basement, the dangers of the outside world press ever closer. Narrated by Death, this poignant and unforgettable tale explores the beauty and brutality of human resilience in the darkest of times.
BIOGRAPHIES
About Markus Zusak
Markus Zusak was born in 1975 in Sydney, Australia, the youngest of four children of immigrant German and Austrian parents. Strongly encouraged to read and communicate in English from an early age, he began writing fiction at the age of 16 and later pursued a degree in teaching. He is the author of five books, The Underdog (1999), Fighting Ruben Wolfe (2000), When Dogs Cry (2001), The Messenger (2002), The Book Thief (2005, Folio 2024) and Bridge of Clay (2018). His fifth book, The Book Thief, became an international bestseller selling 17 million copies worldwide. It was translated into 63 languages and adapted into a feature film in 2013 starring Geoffrey Rush. In 2014, Zusak received the American Library Association’s Margaret Edwards Award, for his body of work ranging from The Underdog up to The Book Thief. He is currently working on his next novel.
About Alexis Deacon
Alexis Deacon is a writer and illustrator of children's books. His first book, Slow Loris, was published in 2002 and was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award. In 2015 it was named one of the hundred best children's books of all time by Time Magazine. Since then he has worked in various forms, from the picturebook, Beegu (2003), to the graphic novel series, The Curse of the Chosen (2002), and to books for older readers such as Russel Hoban's last novel, Soonchild (2012). He has twice been shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal and is a two time recipient of The New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books Award. In 2008 he was chosen by Booktrust as one of the ten best new illustrators of the preceding decade.
Reviews Powered By
Average Score for 4 Review(s)
A most handsomely done volume, one which I could wholeheartedly recommend to any lover of Zusak's writing. The chaste elegance of the leather-bound book is consummately housed in a cloth-covered slipcase more splendid than any other I know.
“I have hated the words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right."
Folio, you assuredly have.
Review by
L. M. T.
on 4th December 2024
Extremely beautiful artwork that captures the story perfectly. The material used in producing the book is of the highest quality and worthy as being part of Folio's Limited Edition series.
Review by
Shawn
on 18th October 2024
Stunning, feel so lucky to own this beautiful book which is beautiful from slip case, cover and inside
Review by
Mr Piers Stennett-Howard
on 7th October 2024
This is a lovely limited edition and I’m very pleased to have it.
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