Official book collectors thread

https://www.sportfahrer-zentrale.com/en/millanta-on-ferrari-1947-1952-ef

I guess that’s Euro1.500,— for an autograph ✍️

 

And one that typically sells for USD 50 or less, at that...

 

Completely irrelevant how great a content could be,
a new release without leather binding, very special slip case and
other specials is worth that money!
Nothing against the worth of Enzo‘s son‘s signature
it‘s a nice touch but these todays price positioning kill a part of my book love.

As a collector it‘s normal to spend stupid money because sometimes
you have to do stupid things for having the thing you absolutely want.

But in the book market today it‘s easy to be smart…

 

Is anyone buying this book (in any version) ?


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Wasn't that Millanta book (standard version) supposed to become available some time ago already?
They charged me many weeks ago, the book hasn't arrived........

Marcel Massini

 

I did, was charged, but never got it.

Marcel Massini

 

NO

I wanted to wait with my order until the book really had been published but I get punished now with a 100 euro price increase.

The limited edition with the signature of Millanta's wife (!) is not worth the money.

And the special limited edition with Piero Ferrari - well ... As @-CD- said: no leather-binding, no special slipcase, no gadets, nothing whatsoever.

 

You should have received the same emails that I have explaining that publication was delayed initially (to the end of March) for Piero Ferrari to write the forward then a further small delay to do with the printing. Currently due 12 April for the Limited edition and 30 April for the Collector's edition. As far as I recall, the original publication date was 31 January.

 

Aha. Interesting.
Delay, delay, delay again.
But taking the money was without delay at all.
Incredible business...........

Marcel Massini

 

I can't say it bothers me that much, although I appreciate others may have a different view. A lot of books have been published later than originally stated lately, so a few weeks is no big deal. Compared with the Phil Hill Inside Track books (was it 10 years late?), Enzo Ferrari photo biography (I've lost track but still waiting) or BRM Vol 4 (something like 15 years so far) a few weeks is nothing. Luckily I have a few other books to keep me occupied in the meantime!

 

One thing is delaying, another is to take money and then delay... Recently one could have the feeling that some publishers are relying on "crowd funding" without telling it (when it's done openly, it's totally different and completely fair IMHO): a book is announced, as if complete (at least ready to print), money is taken from customers, and then a delay (to wait for more customers to send money ?) appears, with questionable explanations.

 

When I see the prices of Ferrari photographs that are not even originals going for more than euro 2000 I think this is reasonable if you want the edition. Only 47 will own this edition so for me it’s fine. All costs for publishers have increased care of lockdowns and other external influences as well. I reckon it’s fair and I will watch with interest to see how long it takes to sell out because I’m sure it will.

 

You don't have to order/pay in advance. This is a Ferrari site. If you order a new Ferrari you pay a substantial amount in advance with very little clue when your car will arrive (and often not even what the final price will be!). So a few weeks delay of something that costs a relatively small amount doesn't seem so bad in comparison.

 

But you will have a print signed by Millanta's daughter and the author for another Euro 300,-- (not included in the 'Piero'). That should close the deal.

 

Yes, much of Corrado Millanta's photography is superb, so the actual book should be good.

 

I reckon this will be the usual high quality book well worth the money especially as I believe the delays were around getting the product right.

 

Looks good from the samples in their last email:

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So am I to understand there are three versions.... all limited in production.

The Edizione, the Limited edition and the Collectors edition.

No standard edition ?

 

https://www.sportfahrer-zentrale.com/en/books/?p=1

 

The limited edition is actually the standard edition... my understanding is that with modern printing technology, the cost has become more "unitary" so the number of copies printed could be more adjusted to expected demand.

 

None of the (period) photos posted in this particular post #6892 here are new (pix 3-6). All of these have been published already in the past. I am not talking about the pix showing the manufacturing of the new book.

Marcel Massini

 

There is no suggestion, that I have seen, in the advertising for the book that the pictures within are previously unpublished.

 

Jonathan:

I said no such thing but earlier here on fchat there was talk if the "new" upcoming Millanta book would contain ANY new/old previously unpublished pic or not. In other words, will there be anything "new" (old) or not.

Marcel Massini

 

Personally I believe that 495 euro for a standard version of a book is silly money, even more after reading Marcel's remarks about the photos.

In retrospect, "Inside Track" (which contains a wealth of new photos) is a bargain.

 

I think Inside Track was 17 years from announcement to publication. Amazon says I ordered the Ferrari photobiography in May, 2019, and the newest revised publication date is September. Of 2025. Any wagers on when we’ll see the Chinetti/N.A.R.T. tome?