An Exposé - The Night Circus

I'm thinking this may become a bit of a feature on MFB - me geeing out over pretty books that I've received / bought.

I received a copy of Erin Morgenstern's highly anticipated novel: The Night Circus.

It may mean nothing to you, dear reader, but let me tell you something.  The moment I tore open the envelope and the book slithered out into my hands, I gasped out loud.  My colleague at work who sits behind me checked to make sure I was okay.  I didn't hear him, until he called my name for the third time.  I was mesmerised by the pretty.

It has been a very long time since I've seen anything as gorgeous as The Night Circus.

But here are some photos I've taken to try and convey to you how gorgeous it is.

The Front Cover 

The pages! Black edged with a red silk place ribbon! 

The back of it - whimsical and magical

As you open the book, you are met by these hats.  I want one. 

I just love the feel of the pages, thicker creamy paper

The spine, uncovered 

How fairy tale and magic?

The back page of the dust flap

The feel of the book in your hands is solid, belying it's whimsical look.  The paper used is thicker than usual and has a rough texture.  The whole package makes me feel like I've received a very precious and unique gift.  And I think that is the whole idea.  The packaging is selling the story, before I've even read the first word.  I can't wait to read it!  It's published on the 15th September 2011.  I think I'll end up getting a "reading copy" - effectively keeping one copy utterly pristine.  What? You mean you don't do the same thing?


The write up for The Night Circus is:

In 1886 a mysterious travelling circus becomes an international sensation. Open only at night, constructed entirely in black and white, the Cirque des Rêves delights all who wander its circular paths and warm themselves at its bonfire. There are contortionists, performing cats, carousels and illusionists – all the trappings of an ordinary circus. But this is no conventional spectacle. Some tents contain clouds, some ice.
The circus seems almost to cast a spell over its aficionados, who call themselves the rêveurs – the dreamers. And who is the sinister man in the grey suit who watches over it all? Behind the scenes a dangerous game is being played out by two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who, at the behest of their masters, are forced to test the very limits of the imagination – and of love.

I'm smitten. Ana from The Booksmugglers saw my tweets earlier yesterday and said she's reading this at the moment and loving it. 'Nuff said, right?

Find the official The Night Circus website (UK) here. The artist is Vania Zouravilov and you can find the agency and his artwork portfolio here.  Please note that some of the images contain nudity.