Roman Fever

Little Clothbound Classics: irresistible, mini editions of short stories, novellas, and essays from the world’s greatest writers, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith.

In these elegant and devastating tales of deception, desire, and social intrigue, Edith Wharton exposes the brittle veneer of civility that masks human ambition and longing. From the sunlit terraces of Rome to the drawing rooms of New York, Wharton’s characters navigate a world bound by class and convention yet charged with emotional undercurrents they barely understand. In “Roman Fever,” two middle-aged women confront the unspoken rivalries that have shadowed their friendship for decades; in “Mrs. Manstey’s View,” a lonely widow’s cherished glimpse of life beyond her window becomes the stage for a quiet tragedy; and in “After Holbein,” the elaborate pretenses of two aging New Yorkers reveal the haunting persistence of vanity and illusion. These Wharton works are the latest to join the Little Clothbound Classic series designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith.

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