Phoenix, AZ  -- Books document evolution and the need to make sense of what is happening in the world around us. There's a richness to antique books that transcends their status as one of the world's most treasured collectibles. Over time, many now infamous books have revealed the priorities and passions of a culture; the first Gutenberg bible of 1455, the 'First Folio' of plays by William Shakespeare, published in 1623, John James Audubon's monumental "Birds of America," which was printed between 1827 and 1838, and even the recent Harry Potter series phenomenon.

Whatever the genre and regardless of the title, most collectors focus on the uniqueness of the collection as a first edition. First editions are coveted because their print runs tend to be small and they're also considered to be the closest a reader can get to the author's original intent for his or her work. Some people collect books for their aesthetic value. For these collectors, antique and vintage leather-bound books and sets are particular favorites.

The recently unveiled Luxury Folio and Collector Editions of 'Golf' (Wonderland Publications) meet all the requirements that a serious collector would need to add to his library. Additionally, it makes a unique gift for the golf enthusiast or the person who has just about everything else.

 



'Golf' is an editorialized art collection that tells the story of the game, the terrain and where it's all going. Wonderland Publications has just unveiled an online digital version of chapter 6 (Sneak Peak Chapter 6) of the Collector book to give the reader a glimpse into the pages of this compendium. The authors mission was to create a satirical, informed and artistic work of prose and art, designed to capture the true spirit of the game, from its formative growth, through to the realities of the recent financial depression, and on towards new horizons. 'Golf' also features many original works of golf art, debuted exclusively in this publication.

After four years in design, 'Golf' has Ryder Cup winning captain, Colin Montgomerie as its resident professional, along with contributions from many of the world's leading course architects, coaches, biomechanics, caddies, historians and historical archives. In addition there are further contributions from high flyers in the media world, including Hollywood directors, award winning playwrights and even world-renowned chefs. The fine art folio is limited to 10 editions and each one is hand constructed by the authors and the Royal binders in London.

The Folio and Collector Editions have been designed with each page being a uniquely self-contained and editorialized fine art piece. Both are printed and bound in the UK showcasing the time honored spirit and tradition of British publishing. The Luxury Folio is an impressive size of over 3 feet wide, 18 inches high, 5 inches thick, 82 pounds and features 140 uniquely editorialized art pieces on museum grade art.With only 10 signed and numbered copies to be made worldwide, the paper is hand torn and the folio is bound into an extremely rare 400 year-old hide leather cover, which is older than the American constitution. It is embellished with ornate gold blocking and elaborate gold furnishings. The Folio is delivered in an oak slipcase box and can be purchased for $48,000 USD (Wonderland Publications).

For those who may find the folio price tag too dear or the size too large to read in bed, there are 2,100 copies of the Collector Edition available for pre-order. Each is bound in leather, gold blocked and gilded and delivered in a leather and silk slipcase. Through August 2011, these will be available for $562 and thereafter, $630. Each Collector Edition copy comes with a special limited edition mini-print, signed by the authors and artists.

Individual full sized pages from the Luxury Folio are also available as art pieces. Each artwork is printed to the same standard as the original in the folio and on the same museum grade paper. The artwork is limited to 140 numbered and signed pieces and can be purchased for a cost of $289. Finally, a range of mini-art pages have been created and limited to 200 numbered and signed pieces, which can be purchased for $115 (Wonderland Publications).  

'Golf' is not only a 'must have' as a unique contemporary golf publication, but it is also a magnificent example of great book production and art, recently referred to 'as a Dan Brown style experience in the art of golf'. To see the sneak preview of Chapter 6 as well as more information on how to get your copy, please visit Wonderland Publications (Wonderland Publications).