The Perfect Place to Start: Our Editor's Top Picks
Are you new to Folio and looking for the perfect place to start your literary journey? Look no further! We've enlisted the expertise of Tom Walker, our Publishing Director, to handpick his absolute must-reads for newcomers.
Dive into our blog and discover the perfect books to begin your Folio experience.
Dune - Frank Herbert
Arguably the most influential science-fiction novel ever written, and with the Danny Villeneuve films to watch alongside, now is the time to dive into the world of Arrakis with the superb artwork of Sam Weber as your guide.
Illustrated by Sam Weber
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
‘Illustrations . . . are what happens when text encounters the artist’s imagination and something is ignited’ – I love this definition by Margaret Atwood of the power of illustration. The work of the Balbusso sisters lives up to this standard in the Folio edition of The Handmaid’s Tale, one of the great books of our times.
Illustrated by Anna and Elena Balbusso
The Color Purple - Alice Walker
This is such a powerful, intensely moving novel, and the illustrations by debut artist Lela Harris match the text blow-by-blow with their delicacy and the depth of their characterization.
Illustrated by Lela Harris
The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Sometimes making a new edition of a book is an act of love, of commitment to the original text. That was certainly the case here as we delved deep into the author’s archives and worked with the Morgan Library in New York to showcase St Exupéry’s work in progress, as well as re-mastering all of his illustrations. What remains is I think the perfect edition of this perfect little book.
Illustrated by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Kafka on the Shore - Haruki Murakami
Murakami is a highly original writer, and the experience of reading his books is like nothing else in the literary world: for me it’s akin to breathing underwater –uncanny and ridiculously beautiful. Folio has published a number of Murakami novels now, all with Colombian artist Daniel Liévano’s intricate and clever colour-work.
Illustrated by Daniel Liévano
The Left Hand of Darkness - Ursula K. Le Guin
This may well be my favourite of all Folio editions. The novel itself is in part a highly intelligent examination of gender, and in part an exquisite love and adventure story. Both halves make up a superb whole, and David Lupton’s drawings suffuse it with rich tenderness.
Illustrated by David Lupton
If you still can't decide what to buy, don't panic! We've got plenty more to choose from. Head over to our website and view our complete collection here.
