When All the World Was Young

“Ferrol Sams is a natural-born storyteller with a puckish wit, an obsession with words, and a rare ability to encapsule every off-center character who stumbles into his ken.” – Atlanta Journal & Constitution  

The year is 1942 and Porter Osborne, Jr., is safely ensconced in medical school. He is physically safe, though taunted by the beckoning finger of Uncle Sam. Haunted by the family motto, “Remember who you are,” Porter wrestles with a flood of conflicting emotions. A year later, the conflicts still unresolved, he is an enlisted man in the U.S. Army. In the face of incomprehensible delays and inefficiency, he wonders how America will ever prevail in the world war. Surgical Technician PFC Porter Osborne finally lands at Omaha Beach and joins the Allied fight against Germany.

The final novel in the trilogy that began with Run with the Horsemen and The Whisper of the River, When All the World Was Young continues the story of young Porter Osborne with the supreme wit and wisdom that readers have come to expect from the inimitable Ferrol Sams.

“With his mastery of words, his skills as storyteller supreme and his highly believable attention to detail… Sams remains a master yarn-spinner.” – Nashville Banner

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