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Mine arrived today and oh bwoi... what a great book! Thankfully I have some free days in the upcoming week so I'll take some pictures and will have time to dive into that gem. First impression is overwhelming.

I'll just have to wait

It'll be worth the wait @Bradius.
The book binding quality is immaculate. Some pictures are a tad too dark objectively but that is a given trade-off when uncoated paper is used. I love the smell and feel of it though (nothing weird going on here, haha) so, I'm happy with that trade-off.
Some pictures for size comparison (apologies for not having for scale) and first impressions :

I don't pledge at the Kings or higher tier for S17's Patreon, but I *do* subscribe, and I *will* have this.

Oh, I will.

I'm hoping the patrons at the lower tiers can get a shot at ordering the hardback volume before it goes on sale to the general public. And, for that matter, I hope *my* tier gets a shot at it before the even lower tiers.

Thanks for posting these pics! Can't wait to order and receive mine!

Received mine today and I'm blown away. The metal sigil embedded into the front cover sets the tone which is continued by the luxurious golding and heavy cover. I'm sure the paperback will be great as well (and I might get a copy as "backup") but the hardbound version will be a treasure and I'm sure will become a sought after collectible for many years to come.

I actually feel like I need to be wearing cotton gloves when I read this, it's just so beautiful and so well crafted.

Lorenzeo sets the standard in this industry in every single thing he does and this anthology continues and embeds that tradition.

I received my book today! I'm used to reading Tim Ferriss books but this anthology will take a long while to read it along with admiring all the artwork.

You will have to explain the Tim Ferriss reference for me Bikefanatic
I don't know him so googled - a NY Times bestseller but not my genre.
I am thinking the reference is to them being long?
(just Thank this post if that is the answer)

Mine arrived today - should have listened to strag and ordered white gloves in advance…

I really want to buy one, is there anyone know where can I buy one for now

The good news for folks that are not getting the hardback version, is that there will be a paperback version that will be available. Don't feel like you need to break the bank to grab one of these very limited high tier Patron members....or raid folks that might have...two.

Whilst I adore Lorenzo‘s artwork and this shear amount of artwork he has actually created, I don’t feel the need to get this, maybe because of my increasingly limited storage.

Lorenzo mentioned in a Q&A that he will sell remaining hardcover copies when he returns from his vacation. Hopefully enough for some of us to get a shot at one copy.

I just received my copies. The photos do not do it justice. It is Much better in person. Anyone that is a Stockholm17 fan will really enjoy this book. I just read his first chapter on Requiem. It is chocked full of amazing illustrations and background information on the deck. It was so wonderful to read and look through what all was included. I can't wait to keep going through this book..and then pour over it again, and again. This will be an impossible thing to top as a Kings Patron gift next year. Wowser.

If you are a Stockholm17 fan and can pick up one of the extra copies, get it.

I will probably also get a paperback when it comes out just to have a copy that I feel better about abusing. Not that it will stop me from pouring over one of my copies until that happy day.

Hopefully the inside content is exactly the same between softcover and hardcover versions. If so, I won't lose sleep if I miss the hardcover version. But I would still prefer to get that edition!

Bradius mentioned getting a 2nd copy to abuse, and leaving the hardcover in pristine condition. I would love it if there was a PDF version for sale, so we can skim through the book in digital glory on computer or tablet screens, and leave the printed copy all minty!

The content is the same, but you'd miss out on the gorgeous metal sigil embedded in front and the numbered signature label on the inside front cover.

Definitely also getting a paperback, but the hardback is something special.

I am a Crazy book collector who always buys hardcovers - paperbacks can rarely compare unless the hc is done badly (paperbacks are not 'hardy')
But I am with Timmargh, love Lorenzo but I am not feeling the need - I don't think I would read it / look at it often so I will save my money for more Lorenzo decks
I would get a pdf version (that would save us space Tim)

Honeybee wrote: ↑Tue Jul 09, 2024 5:03 pm But I am with Timmargh, love Lorenzo but I am not feeling the need - I don't think I would read it / look at it often so I will save my money for more Lorenzo decks

I agree. As nice as the book appears to be, I would rather spend the money on cards. Coins, pins, books, jewelery, you name it, seems like unnecessary hobby add-ons. I acquired such items in the past but eventually saw them as a somewhat insignificant side note to the hobby. If I ever learn coin magic then I may have use for the stack.

For those that love to get the background on our favorite decks and see the drafts and design development, it is must read stuff. It is catnip for me...

Bradius wrote: ↑Wed Jul 10, 2024 3:33 pm For those that love to get the background on our favorite decks and see the drafts and design development, it is must read stuff. It is catnip for me...

Oh absolutely, it is definitely a thing of beauty and, knowing Lorenzo, goes into intimate detail for each series and deck.

I am a little bit on the fence to be honest, and I will see how I feel when they go on sale.

Another case where google is incorrect - what else does it have wrong about our puffy tailed brethren?

For those that love to get the background on our favorite decks and see the drafts and design development, it is must read stuff

This normally describes me to a T but as much as I adore Lorenzo's decks for their artwork, I am not into fantasy stories at all.
The Hermit page, shown further up the thread, lead me to think that this book may not be for me
I really would love you to convince me otherwise Bradius - is the Hermit page typical of 33% +/- of the book?
I would love more pics of typical pages

Honeybee wrote: ↑Wed Jul 10, 2024 10:33 pm

For those that love to get the background on our favorite decks and see the drafts and design development, it is must read stuff

This normally describes me to a T but as much as I adore Lorenzo's decks for their artwork, I am not into fantasy stories at all.
The Hermit page, shown further up the thread, lead me to think that this book may not be for me
I really would love you to convince me otherwise Bradius - is the Hermit page typical of 33% +/- of the book?
I would love more pics of typical pages

The hermit page is from the guidebook that came with the Tarot deck he did.

In case it wasn't clear, the Hermit page is from a completely different book, the one that came from his previous Tarot deck.

Here is the store listing for the hardcover edition:

Stockholm17 Anthology 2013-2023 LTD500 Patreon Edition
A 10-Year Journey: Into the Creative Process of Designing Custom Playing Cards
Embark on a visual and narrative journey through the pages of this Anthology. This thick tome serves as a comprehensive chronicle of the creative process behind a decade of custom playing card design by Stockholm17.

Within these pages, immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of illustrations, sketches, and photographs that unveil the story of each unique playing card project undertaken by Stockholm17 between 2013 and 2023. This anthology not only showcases the final designs but also delves into the genesis of each creation, offering profound insights into the inspiration, challenges, and triumphs encountered during the design journey.

As you turn each page, witness the evolution of artistic expression, from the early concepts of 2013 to the cutting-edge designs of 2023. The narrative weaves together the intricate details of the creative process, providing readers with a rare glimpse into the minds of the designer and the stories that shaped each deck.

Whether you are a playing card enthusiast, a design connoisseur, or simply someone captivated by the intersection of art and craftsmanship, "Stockholm17 Anthology 2013-2023" invites you to experience the passion and dedication that fueled a decade of pushing the boundaries of custom playing card design. This anthology is more than a book; it's a visual feast, a celebration of creativity, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Stockholm17's artistic prowess.

Specs

688 pages in color
Page size: 170x238mm
Sewn binding with hard cover
content printed premium uncoated paper 100gsm
Hard cover with XVII sigil in metal with red enamel, blind debossing and white ink
Certificate with signature and progressive number
Gilded edges in metallic red
Book size: 17.8x24.4cm
Book thickness: 7.3cm (including metal sigil)
Total weight: 2kg
LTD 500 units as Patreon Reward 2023
Printed and assembled in Italy by Boschiero&Newton
Premium paper stock made in Italy by Fedrigoni
Massive

The Hermit page wasn't clear And I am still confused - it is from another book but is also in this book YES/NO?

Honeybee wrote: ↑Thu Jul 11, 2024 3:21 am The Hermit page wasn't clear And I am still confused - it is from another book but is also in this book YES/NO?

NO. Some (a few) of the images are also in the Anthology, but the text is about the process of creation and there are tons of the sketches and designs and words about the thinking of design about that particular project. The Tarot book is a very different thing.

Thanks Strag, you can see why one might be confused - I can see now that the pic is a pic of an open book on another open book (highly unusual) Sorry

Honeybee wrote: ↑Thu Jul 11, 2024 7:58 am Thanks Strag, you can see why one might be confused - I can see now that the pic is a pic of an open book on another open book (highly unusual) Sorry

How else do you show the ladies how big your book is?

Place your bets now on the final price…. 75 bids in a hurry

kevork wrote: ↑Thu Jul 11, 2024 8:34 am

Honeybee wrote: ↑Thu Jul 11, 2024 7:58 am Thanks Strag, you can see why one might be confused - I can see now that the pic is a pic of an open book on another open book (highly unusual) Sorry

How else do you show the ladies how big your book is?

That killed me @kevork.

@honeybee - Apologies for the confusion. I indeed wanted to show a comparison to the print of the Keymaster Tarot guidebook (the one on the right in my fifth picture from above) - which is a totally different book.

The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning tired wanting one. Gosh darn it!

Better to regret something you did than something you didn't do, I guess.