this post was submitted on 30 Dec 2023
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What is the best way to acquire readable copies of Ellison’s short stories?

Amazon prices look extremely high at hundreds of dollars per copy. By readable, I mean books with font sizes larger than size 6 so a probably editions published after 1990. Is there a better name for these readable non-1970s editions?

eBay and thrift books are also good alternatives.

I guess I am surprised prices are so high but I guess many of his books are out of print.

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[–] LemmySoloHer 8 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

HarlanEllisonBooks.com has a big variety. If you go straight to the Susan's Shoppe section of the website you can find a lot of different works, with detailed information on which editions, grading, etc., are available.

They even sell copies of Rabbit Hole (the newsletter of the Harlan Ellison record collection) for extremely reasonable prices, though quantities available are limited.

If you're just looking to read the stories, digital is probably the easiest way to go. But if you're looking for physical copies, this looks like a good resource. I also want to note that "I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream" the game, with Ellison himself doing the voice work for the supercomputer, is on sale on GOG for $1.49.

[–] NBCooks 4 points 11 months ago

Excellent advice. I will review the site!

I go back and forth on digital, but if it is cheaper than paper in this case, maybe it makes sense if I can find the right collections.

[–] Mezmer1zed 4 points 11 months ago (1 children)

The Essential Ellison 35 year version is reasonably priced and is a fantastic collection of some of his best works. There are also plenty of shorter collections that don't cost as much on Amazon, and I've also had good success finding his works in used bookstores.

[–] NBCooks 4 points 11 months ago (1 children)

The local used book store just closed. I will have to travel out a bit further.

The 35-year retrospective is excellent but not portable for the commute.

Maybe a road trip is needed or some careful hunting on eBay.

[–] Mezmer1zed 2 points 11 months ago

Gotcha, yeah it's not very portable. Good luck!