Thursday 22 December 2011

Read it in books

Yesterday I recieved a big brown box containing the first copies of BLUE REMEMBERED EARTH. It's always a bit of a kick to get the finished product. It's not why I write (and I definitely don't do it to see my name on bookshelves - that particular thrill lasts about five minutes, in my experience) but it's one of the high points, and it would be churlish not to enjoy it. Especially, in this case, when the book itself is so lovely to behold. I've had some gorgeous covers in the past, and it's been both a thrill and an honour to have my work illustrated by the likes of Chris Moore. This cover, though, is by Dominic Harman - old friend and a much admired artist. We do go back some way - Dominic illustrated several of my stories for Interzone, back in the 90s, including a particularly lavish and evocative set of pictures for "Galactic North". I don't think either of us would have quite believed that Dominic would be illustrating my tenth novel, here in what is shortly to become 2012. But he's done a grand job, and I think the cover very effectively sets out the themes that will continue into the second and third books.


I've posted it before, but here's the cover in all its maximum sumptuousness.


Lovely, isn't it? I mean, c'mon. That's a fantastic bloody cover.

More on Dominic Harman here.

32 comments:

  1. You've been blessed with great covers. Wish there was some way we could order signed copies ;-)

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  2. it is very, very lovely. very excited to read!

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  3. Very nice. Treat yourself to a new guitar! You've earned it!

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  4. Ultra excited. Will you be touring it?

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  5. Very nice. Bit hard to see some of the detail but looks pretty groovy nonetheless.

    So you're the Maestro now then, huh?

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  6. Wow - dont suppose there is anywhere on Earth we can get an "early" copy of the book and its sumptuos cover?

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  7. It is awesome. Will the cover in the states use the same art?

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  8. Have ordered the HB version from Amazon...can't wait looks a lovely book.

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  9. Rusty - the US edition will have a similar look/feel but it's not the same cover.

    Kat: no, won't be touring it - you can't get the 747s these days. I'll be doing a signing in London, and maybe one in Bristol.

    Anon - no, I don't think you'll be able to get one until the pub date. Booksellers don't really like it when these things sneak out into the wild ahead of schedule.

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  10. Congratulations, and yes, I think Dominic's covers are amazing. Talking of which, I recently bought a huge tome of Chris Foss's illustrations. I'd forgotten how prolific he is!

    BTW, I like your affected casual pose in the photo (nice slippers, Alastair ;). And is that a procession of conkers round the skirting board?

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  11. Any plans for a kindle version?

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  12. I'm counting the days until the release, but now I want the UK cover and not the US version that will be easily available...

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  13. Excellent! I actually just pre-ordered a copy from Amazon UK (Shipped to the US). I did this when Terminal World came out in England and it took about 2 months to get here. Hopefully this one comes quicker!

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  14. Cool and indeed quite sumptuous cover! Now there is finally a SF book out there worth buying. And a promise of a continuation of the series! Without any worries about the quality, due to past experience. So rare. You do deserve a new guitar, or at least personal lessons from Angus lol...

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  15. Daen - ha, yes! Those are conkers, indeed. We'd been told they keep out spiders. Seems to work. As I'm fond of telling my wife, they also keep out tigers and wooly mammoths. And yes, I'm really rocking those slippers.

    Anon - I'll check what the Kindle situation is.

    I'm a bit disappointed that no one's complimented me on ability to balance a fish on the top of the book.

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  16. Ordered a signed copy from a book supplier I always use

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  17. You ain't balancing the fish, it's Planking. Do you know that if you put anymore deadbolts on your door, you'll be able to open it from the hinge side? It worked in Get Smart!
    Cheers and have a merry X-mas
    Dave (the downunder one)

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  18. January is shaping up to be quite an expensive month, with new hardbacks on order from yourself, John Meaney and Paul McAuley. Couldn't you form some sort of writers' cartel to stagger releases throughout the year?

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  19. Fantastic is understating it a tad, it is absolutely gorgeous

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  20. Andrew Breitenbach26 December 2011 at 11:39

    Locus Online just posted a positive review of it that was excerpted from their magazine:

    http://www.locusmag.com/Reviews/2011/12/gary-k-wolfe-reviews-alastair-reynolds/

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  21. Looks great. Pre ordered as a Christmas presents for my brother. He loved the revelation series I bought him last year. As for me, my children bought me Galactic North. The best way to spend a boxing day - loving the worms - and may keep me going till release day.

    Have to say, I am a little nervous. But you have never disappointed yet (no pressure by the way).

    How about a book signing in Cardiff? Or even better, a mini-signing in Penarth, followed by a cuppa round at mine.
    (I wouldn't suggest Barry as even a prophet has no honour in his home town).
    OK. Been reading Postsingular -Rudy Rucker-since 5am (really out there) and now ready to go back to Mars with Clavain for the rest of the morning.

    Nadolig llawen.

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  22. Yes the beautiful cover is already on my desktop! Also, the video promo was breathtaking in itself - I thought it captured a little of that Alastair cosmic verve, indeed. :)

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  23. Hi Al - looks great and a nice festive gift for you! Looking forward to reading the book itself when it comes out.

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  24. @Orin and others
    you can order a signed first edition from http://www.goldsborobooks.com/books/blue-remembered-earth-2969.html for £18.99 +p&p (which is about £3.50) which is what I have done, numbers are obviously limited, so it's first come, first served.

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  25. Will there be polish translation?

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  26. If there is to be a signing in Bristol, any ideas where it would be? (or is it too early to reveal...)

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  27. Hi Stefan - not sure. Since we've recently done a new Polish translation deal for some other books, I'd say the chances are better than they were a couple of years ago.

    Magicmouseman: best not say, especially as I've heard no more on the matter.

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  28. No probs - got my signed copy on order but would have been nice to meet you in person!

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  29. Pleasantly surprised by a release date email from Amazon today although like "Anonymous" I noted that a kindle option wasn't listed. Would definitely appreciate any info you can share on if / when one is expected.
    Regardless what format I end up reading on though I'm definitely looking forward to discovering the Poseidon's Children setting.

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  30. Just bought my copy here in Singapore. Can't wait to get stuck in!

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  31. Big fan from Amsterdam (though Spanish in origin). Cant wait to get on with the new book. I only wish you could write faster!! your books only last a few days in my hands.

    Fantastic work you do.

    Cheers,

    Isaac

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  32. will there be an audio version? I have been listening to all your books (most of which I have previously read) from Audible by the brilliant John Lee....

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