Why a new edition of Beelzebub’s Tales?

Most editions of Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson have been long out of print. Others were mass-produced on non-acid-free paper and are aging poorly. Still another edition drastically altered the original text. And most are set in very small type.

The Solis Scriptorium Enlarged Print Edition of Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson is printed on-demand to ensure that Mr. Gurdjieff’s magnum opus remains in circulation. The books are printed on acid-free paper for longevity. The original text of the 1950 edition has been retained with the exception of widely accepted errata. And this edition is set in enlarged print.

Why enlarged print?

The enlarged print edition was designed to assist readers with visual impairment, and for easier reading in general.

Special consideration has also been given to the layout for dyslexic readers.

Why not “large print”?

True large print is 18-point or higher type. Laying out pages for 18-point type while retaining page count would require a book that is 11 inches × 11 inches—this would be a lectern-sized book! *

The enlarged print edition is set in a 14-point easy-to-read typeface—much larger type than previous editions.

Why Tahoma typeface?

Many typefaces were evaluated for this edition. Tahoma was selected, first, because it is a sans serif typeface. Sans serif typefaces are generally easier to read for those with visual impairment. Second, Tahoma also distinguishes itself from other sans serif typefaces by having an uppercase “I” (eye) that is distinct from lowercase “l” (ell), which is also important for ease of reading.

• • Arial: compare “I” and “l” (these look the same)
  • Tahoma: compare “I” and “l” (these are distinct)

Third, Tahoma was selected because compared to other sans serif typefaces, it is relatively narrow, making it possible to layout text on pages that number exactly with the original text.

Why three books?

First, because a single enlarged print book would be very heavy to lift or hold while reading—over seven pounds. Each of the three volumes weighs just a little over two pounds—a more manageable weight.

Second, because the original text itself is divided into three books, making three books a logical choice.

And third, there have been three-book editions in the past, though they were not enlarged print.

Why square books?

A square format was used because it would accommodate the enlarged type while keeping the same page count. It also makes it easier to lay the book flat. And I think it looks distinct.

Why a physical book?

Reading from a screen is more demanding and therefore more fatiguing than reading from a physical book.

What about existing indexes and references?

The contents of the enlarged print edition are identical to the 1950 edition and most subsequent editions. Page numbers are identical, so no new indexing or referencing is necessary.

What about errata?

The book incorporates the errata by Traditional Studies Press, including the missing paragraphs in the chapter on Hypnotism in Book Two.

Much effort has been made to ensure that the text is free of copy errors. If you find a copy error, please contact solisscriptorium@gmail.com. Copy errors will be corrected in future print copies.

Where can I order copies?

Visit SolisScriptorium.com for ordering information.

Update: Currently, hardcovers and paperbacks are available through Barnes & Noble. Next week, paperbacks will be available internationally through Amazon. Both sellers were selected to keep costs down. I am not currently offering direct sales.

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*Actually, I do have a true large print edition prepared for press in the future, but no existing print-on-demand services currently handles a book of that size for a reasonable price.