10 Beautiful Literary Box Sets

This week, we caught our first peek at the beautiful American paperback edition of Haruki Murakami’s 1Q84, arranged as a mini box set and designed by John Gall (the guy behind pretty much all of the American paperbacks of Murakami’s books). Since Chip Kidd’s hardcover design was so amazing, we have to say that we’re impressed and excited that the paperback version is living up to it. To tide us over until the book is actually in our hands, we’ve taken a look at a few other beautiful box sets — from the simple to the extravagant — that we totally covet for our shelves. Click through to drool along with us, and let us know if we missed your favorite in the comments.

1Q84, Haruki Murakami. Designed by John Gall.

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No, it's the Griffin & Sabine box set by Nick Bantock... the box, but more importantly, the books. Brilliant!

Haruki Murakami is most likely the best author I've ever read. Kafka On The Shore was a masterpiece. I haven't read 1Q84 yet, but I'd kill for this box set.

It would be nice to know who's responsible for the design of each.

Great list. Look also at NOX by Anne Carson.

I'd also include Picador's boxed sets of the Paris Review Interviews. Love them!

How could you have a list like this not supply the designer credit for every set? You've actually done this before, talking about how wonderful a design is and not even mentioning who was responsible. I know you would never think of not listing an authors name...

I would include the boxed edition of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. It's lovely.

Elizabeth, search this ISBN on Amazon: 0261102389 I bought the pictured box set last fall through a third party via Amazon. It's listed as a Paperback Box Set, January 1999. It's beautiful and compact.

I am thoroughly impressed by the paperback versions of 1Q84... especially that it is split into 3 volumes. I found the Hardcover version pretty albeit massive.

I saw this post and hoped you'd include the Coralie Bickford-Smith Arabian Nights set. It's the most beautiful book I've ever seen.

The link to the Tolkien books leads to a different (and not so cool) set. Do you have any information about where this set can be found? Publishing info? Designer? Thank you.