George R.R. Martin’s New Game of Thrones Release Arrives Today — And It’s Already Sold Out

You might consider yourself a devoted follower of the A Song of Ice and Fire saga, but are you passionate enough to shell out $2,200 for a strictly limited collector’s edition?

The Folio Society, a prestigious London-based publisher, has unveiled a breathtaking, luxury reissue of George R.R. Martin’s seminal work. Each of the five published installments has received the royal treatment, complete with haunting, exclusive artwork crafted by English illustrator Jonathan Burton.

Interestingly, Burton approached his commission with a blank slate, intentionally avoiding the HBO television adaptation to cultivate a fresh visual perspective on Martin’s characters. If your mental image of Jon Snow has become inextricably linked to Kit Harington, Burton’s evocative interpretations offer a striking, imaginative departure from the screen.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the series’ debut on July 14, the Folio Society has introduced a massive, 872-page, single-volume tome titled The Illustrated A Game of Thrones. This edition is a true rarity, limited to a worldwide run of only 1,000 copies, with no plans for future reprints.

Each volume is a triumph of artisan craftsmanship, bound in hand-finished leather—featuring a unique “dragonskin” texture—and printed on custom archival paper with gilded edges. Each copy is personally signed by George R.R. Martin and includes an insightful foreword by acclaimed fantasy author Joe Abercrombie. Tucked within a bespoke clamshell presentation box, owners will also find a hidden compartment containing an intricate map of Westeros printed on fine linen.

James Rose of the Folio Society noted, “This volume is so exquisite it feels as though it was plucked directly from the Citadel’s archives. We have collaborated with the finest British artisans to honor this 30th anniversary, from master bookbinders to the specialists at the James Cropper paper mill.”

Despite the steep £1,500 (US$2,200) price tag and the well-documented frustration regarding the series’ unfinished narrative, demand was immediate. Over 900 copies were snatched up within the first three hours of availability. For those who missed out, your only remaining options are the secondary market or perhaps orchestrating an elaborate heist worthy of the Faceless Men.

The Folio Society, which transitioned to an employee-owned model in 2021, has built a legacy since 1947 by producing stunning, illustrated hardcovers of classic and contemporary literature. Their diverse catalog includes elevated editions of everything from Andy Weir’s The Martian to definitive collections of Batman’s most foundational graphic novels, and a chilling, illustrated printing of Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian.

Curiously, this Folio Society release seems to be the primary highlight marking the 30th-anniversary milestone. This celebration coincides with a somber record: the duration of the wait for the sixth installment, The Winds of Winter, has officially eclipsed the time it took Martin to write the first five books in the series.

In other developments, Martin has announced via his official blog that a new stage production titled The Mad King is headed to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Premiering on August 8, with previews beginning July 20, the play serves as a prequel set a decade before the events of A Game of Thrones. The production stars Michael Shaeffer in the central role of Aerys II Targaryen, offering fans a glimpse into the volatile monarch’s descent long before the fires were lit.

Source: Polygon