Majicks Vol. 1 - "Blue line" Proofs received and approved!

The "blue line" proofs for Ray Harryhausen - Master of the Majicks Vol. 1 have been received and approved. These are intermediate proofs, essentially color photocopies of the pages which are used to confirm and lock down page numbering, placement, etc. This was done because of the last minute additions and rearrangement of the final pages of the book which I made in order to include a tribute to Ray on the occasion of his passing. There were some other page numbering corrections elsewhere and, all things considered, it was decided to do this intermediate step before going any further.

I found no problems in this set of proofs, so onward to the next step!

Here's a snapshot of the "blue line" proofs (click image for enlarged viewing):

As seen here, the proofs are in sections known as "signatures" which replicates how the final book will be printed and assembled. Not included yet is the hardcover and dust jacket.

The next step, now underway, is the creation of the "digital proofs" -- these are actually printed on the paper stock to be used in the book itself and represent a high-quality version of the final book. This set of proofs is used to approve and lock in color (photos and graphics), black-and-white (grayscale) images, text color, etc. Supplied along with the set of digital proofs will be a "dummy" copy-- the hardcover itself with gold-stamped title on cover and spine with blank paper bound inside. This will provide a sample of the physical book to check dimensions, binding, etc. Also coming with these elements will be a full color proof of the wrap-around dust jacket.

Everything is moving along nicely, and, while we don't yet have a specific shipping date just yet, we're on track to ship in early-mid July. There are some variables in there, especially regarding transport, import & customs clearance, etc., and as soon as we have a reliable calendar, I'll let everyone know.

If you haven't ordered yet, there's still time, although we're starting to approach the sell-out point of our print run. You can use our 128-bit encrypted secure order form at Archive Editions. On the order page you'll also find a link to download an order form if you prefer to use check or money order.

Ray Harryhausen - Master of the Majicks is at the printer, and the factory has completed the printed proofs. I should have this in hand for approval in about a week.

We happened to discover two minor page numbering errors and I was able to correct those in time to add in to the proofs. In addition to the page proofs, I'll be receiving a "dummy" copy of the book-- the hardcover with blank white pages bound inside to check the the book itself, as well as a proof of the dust jacket. Hopefully there will not be any major or difficult corrections to be made.

I also had the opportunity to add a brief tribute to Ray in acknowledgement of his passing, written by the author Mike Hankin. As such, this volume, with its coverage of Ray's early years as well as his Retirement and all of the awards, appearances and accolades, will serve as a fitting tribute to Ray as a person (separate from coverage of his individual feature films).

The book can still be pre-ordered at our website, Archive Editions

Ray Harryhausen

June 29, 1920 - May 7, 2013

The passing of a legend, the end of an era. It's somewhat ironic that when Ray concluded his career in 1981 with Clash of the Titans, his work was somewhat regarded as "old fashioned" in some circles, yet nowadays with the proliferation of CGI in which so many action pictures tend to have a slick, homogenous look, Ray's work still holds up. His films are remembered clearly and distinctly, and many of us can cite the first time we ever saw a Ray Harryhausen movie. And, for many of us, his films prompted an interest in art, animation, special effects and even scientific disciplines like paleontology. He left us with a rich legacy of imagination and artistry that is inspirational to this day.

The above photo is one of my favorite images, first seen in the March, 1959 issue of Argosy magazine (below). The article by Dolph Sharp was one of the first full features on Ray and his work in the mainstream press, and portions were later quoted by Forry Ackerman in the 3-part "Son of Kong" series on Ray in Famous Monsters of Filmland. The Argosy issue shows up on eBay from time to time, and is a highly desirable Harryhausen collectible.

The photos were taken by William Woodfield, a celebrity photographer known at the time for having photographed the semi-nude Marilyn Monroe on the set of her last (unfinished) film Something's Got to Give. He was also part of the original writing team on TV's Mission: Impossible TV series and directed The Hypnotic Eye in 1960. Woodfield told me in 1999 that, unfortunately, the negatives of the Argosy shoot with Ray were all delivered back to the agency or publisher (he couldn't remember which), so their whereabouts are unknown (even they even still exist at all).

We are all saddened by the loss of Ray Harryhausen, who passed away May 7, 2013 at age 92 of natural causes. His work thrilled millions, and also inspired many people to follow their own dreams in film, paleontology, and many other areas. 

Anyone wishing to send a sympathy card to his widow Diana and their daughter Vanessa can use the following address:

The Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation
Suite 68
272 Kensington High Street
London W8 6ND
Great Britain

This week I received and approved the "soft proofs" of Vol. 1 of Master of the Majicks. I made a few minor corrections on about 7 pages and re-output them, but generally everything looks pretty good. 

Now the factory is preparing films and plates, and will soon prepare the physical (paper) proofs, as well as a "dummy" copy of the hardcover. All of this should arrive in 2-3 weeks. Always a slightly nerve-wracking experience (the anticipation, anyway), but at the same time it's always exciting to see the first printed copy.

Below is the full dust jacket.

Welcome to our new Blog

Welcome to the new blog for Archive Editions.

I will attempt to update this blog as to the status of Vol. 1 of Ray Harryhausen - Master of the Majicks at the end of every week. So be sure to Bookmark this page and check in on Sunday mornings.