The Library of meh
(For books that either just missed the mark or wallowed in mediocrity.)
Now, before the rancid tomatoes and pungent onions start hurtling towards my general direction, I wanted to state up front that many, and possibly most, of these books are very fine productions. VERY fine productions. I'd be delighted to own each and every one. However, they are lacking, in their own unique ways, the bells and whistles necessary to take up residence in the Library of Spires. This could be due to a variety of factors, but one is probably the most important - cost. Be aware that a really nice book that carries an overpriced tag will be placed here instead of Spires. This is why it is important for publishers to take note of the offerings of their professional peers and be keenly aware of what they're delivering into the hands of discerning collectors for the demanded MSRP. To put it another way, a book that would be an excellent purchase for $50 may NOT be so desirable for $100. It is the responsibility of the publisher to assign fair and reasonable price points given the package offered to the consumer.
It is my HOPE that publishers click on their entries (and others) to discover the shortcomings endemic in each (or, at least, what I considered shortcomings). And in doing so, resolve to try that much harder next time. Consider this area a center of constructive critiques, not excoriations on your various works. If you can agree with the former, then we're in business. If you cannot...well, hey, I tried.
Alan M. Clark - THE PAINT IN MY BLOOD - Illustration & Fine Art (lettered edition)
THE RISING: Selected Scenes from the End of the World (Custom Collector's Edition [CCE])
SOMEWHERE A BAND IS PLAYING by Ray Bradbury (lettered edition)