Middle C

A literary event—the long-awaited novel, almost two decades in work, by the acclaimed author of The Tunnel.

“Middle C takes its place in that great line of modern novels about inauthenticity. . . . However, there is nothing sham to Gass’s art: It’s not just dazzling, it’s the real thing.” —The Washington Post

Middle C follows Joseph Skizzen, who as a child flees Nazi-era Austria with his family, only to lose his father under mysterious circumstances in wartime London. Resettled in small-town Ohio, Joseph grows into a quiet, unremarkable man on the surface: a piano player, a teacher, a son left behind. But beneath that life, he constructs another identity, one obsessed with humanity’s darkest crimes and a strange personal project he calls the Inhumanity Museum.

As memory, imagination, and reality blur, Joseph begins to question who he truly is, and whether any version of the self can be innocent.

Spanning from World War II Europe to postwar America, William Gass weaves a daring, inventive narrative that blends music, philosophy, and language into a powerful exploration of identity, morality, and the stories we tell ourselves.

Middle C is a bold, unconventional novel that challenges traditional storytelling while delivering a deeply human portrait of guilt and self-creation.
From one of America’s most celebrated literary voices, this is a work of rare ambition, haunting, intricate, and unforgettable.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs