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Beware: My Experience with Mark Faith and Festival Art and Books
8 hours ago
2025-1-24 1:29:53 AM UTC
2025-1-24 1:29:53 AM UTC
I recently purchased three deluxe editions of "First Prints and Editions" from Mark Faith at Festival Art and Books.
Upon receipt, it became evident that these books were not first prints as advertised but instead 3rd, 4th, or later printings. One of the books, The Fall of Gondolin Deluxe Edition, was printed in China using alternative materials specific to that print run. I did not need to open the copy to confirm this, as the spine itself revealed it was the Chinese print. I already own an identical copy on my shelf. The other two books were the deluxe orange and blue clothbound editions of The Silmarillion (illustrated by Ted Nasmith) and Unfinished Tales (illustrated by Alan Lee, Ted Nasmith, and John Howe).
Before the sale, Mark Faith explicitly guaranteed that these were first prints and editions. However, upon providing evidence to the contrary after receiving the books, he dismissed my concerns. He argued that reprints hold no significance or diminished value for buyers, which I strongly contest.
Reprints can vary significantly in terms of materials, textual content, and overall quality. For instance, I have since acquired the true first print of The Fall of Gondolin Deluxe Edition, which clearly demonstrates differences in materials between print runs. Another example is the misprint in the 2021 Silmarillion Illustrated Edition, which highlights the importance of identifying specific printings. This issue is well-documented in discussions on the following platforms:
https://www.reddit.com/r/tolkienbooks/ ... illustrated_silmarillion/
https://www.tolkienguide.com/modules/n ... t_id=31259#forumpost31259
Regrettably, the seller has refused to acknowledge any of the evidence I have provided, maintaining that they will not offer assistance because the books were opened. This stance appears to be a convenient way to evade accountability. As a result, I am currently disputing the transaction through VISA in an effort to recover my money.
I share this experience as a caution to others who may be seeking sealed first prints. I would strongly recommend avoiding this seller due to their lack of transparency and unwillingness to address valid concerns.
Upon receipt, it became evident that these books were not first prints as advertised but instead 3rd, 4th, or later printings. One of the books, The Fall of Gondolin Deluxe Edition, was printed in China using alternative materials specific to that print run. I did not need to open the copy to confirm this, as the spine itself revealed it was the Chinese print. I already own an identical copy on my shelf. The other two books were the deluxe orange and blue clothbound editions of The Silmarillion (illustrated by Ted Nasmith) and Unfinished Tales (illustrated by Alan Lee, Ted Nasmith, and John Howe).
Before the sale, Mark Faith explicitly guaranteed that these were first prints and editions. However, upon providing evidence to the contrary after receiving the books, he dismissed my concerns. He argued that reprints hold no significance or diminished value for buyers, which I strongly contest.
Reprints can vary significantly in terms of materials, textual content, and overall quality. For instance, I have since acquired the true first print of The Fall of Gondolin Deluxe Edition, which clearly demonstrates differences in materials between print runs. Another example is the misprint in the 2021 Silmarillion Illustrated Edition, which highlights the importance of identifying specific printings. This issue is well-documented in discussions on the following platforms:
https://www.reddit.com/r/tolkienbooks/ ... illustrated_silmarillion/
https://www.tolkienguide.com/modules/n ... t_id=31259#forumpost31259
Regrettably, the seller has refused to acknowledge any of the evidence I have provided, maintaining that they will not offer assistance because the books were opened. This stance appears to be a convenient way to evade accountability. As a result, I am currently disputing the transaction through VISA in an effort to recover my money.
I share this experience as a caution to others who may be seeking sealed first prints. I would strongly recommend avoiding this seller due to their lack of transparency and unwillingness to address valid concerns.
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