The first Robert Silverberg book I bought was a paperback copy of Nightwings, which I found in some bookstore in Norway in 1987 or 1988. The book I bought was a British edition published by Futura/Obit in 1987. Do I remember anything about it now, even though I still have that book? Not really. Since then I’ve picked up roughly a dozen of Silverberg’s books, mostly paperback editions published a long time ago. The top pages of my paperback ave yellowed over time
I really ought to have far many Silverberg books in my library. Silverberg is a legend in science fiction. Part of my issue is that there are few books by him in new book stores these days, and when I come across them in in used book stores, most copies are battered and broken, and I tend to put those back. I’ve found a copy or two here or there, but I’m always on the lookout for more.
Then there’s Centipede Press… This is a publisher whose books are nearly works of art. Almost always sold out shortly after publication, Centipede Press books are usually quite pricey. They also fetch a premium on the second hand market (I recently saw a set of Gene Wolfe books listed for $45,000!!!!! Their Frank Herbert books start at $600 or more each, while their series of Masters of Science Fiction and Library of Weird Fiction books ratchet up quickly on the second-hand market). I do own a few of their books, usually because I focus on buying specific authors; my edition of a Michael Shea collection, bought for $65 or so, now I see is listed for $1,400 or so online, which is insane.
A couple of years ago I bought the Centipede Press edition of Dying Inside. This was a book I never could find in paperback. My copy is one of 500 signed books (some actual, some facsimile). I don’t care too much about that, but as I wanted this book, I paid the list price. This edition does not disappoint.
Then, in 2025, Centipede Press published a hardcover edition of Nightwings. Must, must have, I thought, and so I bought the book, also signed. As is almost always the case, the cover is beyond gorgeous, the binding superb. This book is a masterpiece to behold.
It’s a slim book; my paperback copy is 192 pages with no extra material, but the Centipede Press book adds an introduction and interview. The wrap-around cover by Joe Wilson is beautiful. Silverberg’s introduction gives some insight into when and why he wrote the book, which he originally did in three parts. This book embodies exactly what a limited edition should look and feel like.
