The many faces of Beekeeper
When you have a book that’s been around for 25 years, especially if it’s the first in a gratifyingly long series, the publishers tend to dress it in a lot of different ways. Funnily enough, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice didn’t strike the imagination of the in-house reader, who decided to pass on the paperback rights. They put both Beekeeper and A Grave Talent up for bid, and Bantam Books bought the rights. Those were given covers that were very different from their St Martins Press hardbacks, first in a bright mass market edition, and later in more subdued trade paperback.
England gave Beekeeper its own faces—in hardback, then trade,
and now the Allison & Busby paperback.
And although there’s the occasional reversion to the earlier YA sensibilities–
they also manage designs that are simply classic.
So as we celebrate Beekeeper‘s 25th anniversary this year, this gorgeous one is the cover that’ll be around the halls of Bouchercon.
I would like to purchase a signed first edition first publication copy of the beekeepers apprentice. Where can I get that?
Online? There are first editions floating around Abe Books, and if it’s unsigned you can keep en eye out for my appearances nearby.
Good luck!
Laurie
I just recently discovered your books are on line! Since I am addicted to my iPad, this is great news and I’m having a blast reading them(trying to in order). Not only do I love Holmes and Russell and the thrills, I mostly just love the personality you give to the animals. It’s a small thing but one I do too!
Thanks,
Arlys Veen
Chino, CA
Glad you’re enjoying them, and yes, animals with personality are important…
Laurie
I always had a soft spot for those two early UK covers. Now, of all the A&B covers, BEEK is probably the only one that maybe deserves a tiny tweak of a facelift…? Make Mary a little less ‘floaty’, ah-hem…!