Women of Sand and Myrrh

A modern classic of Arab women’s literature—and a poignant reminder of the enduring plight of oppressed women around the globe

“Brilliantly drawn . . . Al-Shaykh is one of the Arab world’s most distinguished writers.”—The Guardian
 
In an unnamed desert state, four very different women—Suha, Tamr, Suzanne, and Nur—struggle to cope in a society where they are treated to every luxury but freedom. Through their experiences, acclaimed Lebanese novelist Hanan al-Shaykh lays bare the unusual and highly charged relations that exist in a state that denies women their humanity.
 
First published in 1988, Women of Sand and Myrrh is not only an elegant, moving novel of lasting impact, but also a powerfully revealing insight into a long-cloistered world.

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