Reviews

The Folio Society

Posted on by Kevin Holtsberry

I just decided to join The Folio Society. It seems a bit extravagant but what the heck, it’s only money right? And the books are beautiful.

The basic deal is that you get a huge box full of reference materials for $19.95 if you join but you must purchase 4 additional books. All of the books are hand crafted and made exclusively for Folio. They range from classic literature and poetry to history, religion and philosophy; everything from Seutonius to Milton to Bertrand Russell to P.G. Wodehouse. The volumes are expensive (anywhere from $35 to $80 or more depending on the size and scope) but they are made to last a lifetime or more!

Specifically, I pay only $19.95 for the following: Chambers Biographical Dictionary, Chambers Dictionary of World History, Oxford English Reference Dictionary, Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, The Time Atlas of the World, plus Robert Graves’ The Greek Myths. In return I agree to buy four additional books to complete my membership. I chose Milton’s Paradise Lost (counts as two volumes), T.H. White’s The Once and Future King, and Ambrose Pierce’s The Devil’s Dictionary. That will cost me over $200 but considering what I am getting I think I come out ahead. I have a killer reference library that will last a lifetime for a couple hundred bucks.

Does that seem extravagant to you?

Kevin Holtsberry
I work in communications and public affairs. I try to squeeze in as much reading as I can while still spending time with my wife and two kids (and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Michigan Wolverines during football season).

9 Comments

  2. No, it’s not extravagant. I’ve joined several times!
    The books look great on their own shelves, especially the sets—Dickens, e.g. I periodically quit because I get behind in my reading, or because I say, “I paid $200 for these ?”. but join again later on, seduced by a particularly good free offer. It’s both a visual and tactile treat.

  3. I purchase Folio books second hand at shops fairs etc. I dont have to commit myself that way. Dont have to pay postage or have to trail to the sorting office if I miss the post. I can get the books cheaper as well.

  4. I too have joined the Folio Society several times and amassed a goodly number of lovely books. Sadly I move house soon and have to “dispose” of these books. Is anyone interested in making an offer?

  5. Like David I find myself in a situation requiring me to dispose of a wonderful collection of approx 800 Folio Society Fiction and referrence titles. All in excellent condition, most never opened, many still in shrink wrap. If anyone is interested I wish to sell the collection as a whole. Many sets included

  6. I just sent a note off to you Lisa regarding selling your collection. I am a collector of childrens books from the Folio Society and would be interested if you or anyone selling have any to offer.

  7. The Easton Press makes nice books as well for around the same price. Unlike the Folio society it is hard to buy the books you want without joining a book a month club. That is why I started using Ebay to purchase my Easton Press and Folio Society books. They are at reduced prices and while they may be extravagent they don’t lose their value unless damaged making them good investments.

  8. The Easton Press makes nice books as well for around the same price. Unlike the Folio society it is hard to buy the books you want without joining a book a month club. That is why I started using Ebay to purchase my Easton Press and Folio Society books. They are at reduced prices and while they may be extravagent they don’t lose their value unless damaged making them good investments.

  9. Folio Society books have to be one of the most understandable and acceptablke addictions — certainly better than the others that influence my life.

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