For enthusiasts of exceptional bookmaking, the world of fine press publishing offers a treasure trove of meticulously crafted editions. These presses go beyond standard commercial printing by focusing on premium materials, exquisite design, and artisanal production methods to create volumes that are both beautiful to behold and a pleasure to handle. Here are ten distinguished fine presses that every collector should be aware of, all of which produce books in English and are readily available for purchase in the United States.
The Folio Society
What they’re known for: A long-standing British publisher celebrated for its beautifully illustrated and bound editions of classic and modern literature. They emphasize quality materials, bespoke artwork, and durable construction, making their books highly collectible yet accessible for reading.
Website: https://www.foliosociety.com/
Recent Example: Circe by Madeline Miller, featuring illustrations by Julie Dillon, bound in printed and blocked cloth with gilded page tops and a printed slipcase.
Beehive Books
What they’re known for: An American publisher specializing in “Illuminated Editions” that reimagine literary classics with contemporary graphic artists. Their books are often oversized, featuring extensive full-color illustrations, intricate slipcases, and high-quality paper.
Website: https://www.beehivebooks.com/
Recent Example: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, illustrated by the Balbusso Twins, presented in an elaborately embossed and debossed die-cut slipcase, with over fifty full-color interior illustrations.
Fablelistik Editions
What they’re known for: Crafting limited and numbered editions of popular titles, often with exclusive artwork and premium materials. They collaborate with independent book artisans and use traditional techniques to produce heirloom-quality books.
Website: https://fablelistikeditions.com/
Recent Example: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (Lettered and Numbered Editions), featuring exclusive artwork and handbound construction.
Tune and Fairweather
What they’re known for: Specializing in high-quality, often philosophical, books related to video games, particularly the Soulsborne series and Elden Ring. Their editions feature premium materials, detailed artwork, and insightful content, appealing to both gamers and fine press collectors.
Website: https://www.tuneandfairweather.com/
Recent Example: Grace Given: The Mythology of Elden Ring (Collector’s and Deluxe Editions), presenting in-depth analysis with bespoke design and illustrations.
Subterranean Press
What they’re known for: A leading independent publisher of signed, limited, and collectible editions in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. They are highly regarded for their robust construction, archival papers, and collaborations with top authors and artists.
Website: https://subterraneanpress.com/
Recent Example: Absolution Gap by Alastair Reynolds (Signed Limited Edition), known for its durable binding and quality paper.
Centipede Press
What they’re known for: Producing extremely high-quality, often oversized, limited editions of classic and contemporary horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Their books are renowned for their luxurious materials, intricate design, and comprehensive content, often including extensive supplementary materials.
Website: https://www.centipedepress.com/
Recent Example: While many of their titles are quickly out of print, they consistently release new limited editions, such as their Masters of the Weird Tale series or individual author collections, which are highly sought after for their production values.
Suntup Editions
What they’re known for: Creating museum-quality limited editions of iconic works of literature, particularly in the horror, science fiction, and classic fiction genres. They offer multiple tiers of editions (Artist, Numbered, Lettered), each with escalating levels of luxury in materials, printing, and binding, often employing letterpress printing and custom enclosures.
Website: https://suntup.press/
Recent Example: Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang by Kate Wilhelm, featuring letterpress printing and striking illustrations.
Thornwillow Press
What they’re known for: A fine press and bindery that champions traditional craftsmanship, producing exquisite letterpress-printed books, stationery, and ephemera. Their editions often feature hand-binding, custom papers, and a strong emphasis on the tactile experience of the book as an art object. They release a mix of classic texts and new works.
Website: https://thornwillow.com/
Recent Example: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White (Full Cloth Edition) or various smaller, beautifully produced literary works like The Machine Stops by E.M. Forster.
Lyra’s Books
What they’re known for: A relatively newer entrant to the fine press scene, focusing on beautifully designed and produced limited editions of popular and classic fantasy and speculative fiction. They offer different tiers of editions with varying levels of embellishment, often featuring unique artwork and high-quality production.
Website: https://www.lyrasbooks.com/
Recent Example: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, available in Lettered, Numbered, and Standard editions, showcasing custom artwork and premium materials.
Grim Oak Press
What they’re known for: Specializing in signed and limited editions of fantasy and science fiction, often working directly with authors to create definitive versions of their beloved series. They focus on high-quality paper, durable bindings, and new interior artwork, making their books highly desirable for genre collectors.
Website: https://grimoakpress.com/
Recent Example: The Liar’s Key by Mark Lawrence (Limited Edition), part of a series of beautifully produced fantasy novels.
Arion Press
What they’re known for: An esteemed American fine press that creates books entirely by hand, from typecasting to binding, under one roof. They are known for pairing great artists with significant literature, producing limited editions that are true works of art.
Website: https://arionpress.com/
Recent Example: Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf with artwork by Clare Rojas (planned for 2025), or Kindred by Octavia E. Butler with artwork by Alison Saar (2024).
Morning Bell Edition
What they’re known for: A new Italian fine press based in Modena that makes everything by hand and launches new titles via Kickstarter. See our exclusive Q&A with the founders.
Website: https://www.morningbelledition.com/
Recent Example: Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio (2025)
Alderbrink 