The Little Sisters of Eluria
Stephen King
Illustrated by Michael Whelan
Grant Books, $103 post paid, ISBN: 1880418738
reviewed by Barry Hunter

This edition is limited to 4000 copies numbered and signed by Michael Whelan. There are 13 full colored plates and 23 black and white designs to make this oversized, slip cased volume a true collector’s item. It is bound in a cobalt blue foil stamped tray case with matching binding on the volume itself.

This edition combines the prequel story of Roland’s adventure with the non-human green toady mutants and THE LITTLE SISTERS OF ELURIA, a group of nuns who run a hospital that may not be all that it appears from the outside. It originally appeared in the LEGENDS series edited by Robert Silverberg, but this is its first publication as part of The Dark Tower Series.

Also included is the revised version of THE GUNSLINGER, which King revised in 2003 in order to smooth his transition into the final books that finished the series. The illustrations by Michael Whelan add to the enjoyment of the story as do all of his works. He is my favorite of all the different artists who have illustrated King’s books.

While THE STAND may be considered King’s magnum opus, so far, I, along with many others, feel that The Dark Tower Series will be the one he is most remembered for. This is one beautiful volume in and out and shows the care and dedication Grant Books has been putting into their offerings for so many years.

This volume may be considered a collectors edition by most, but there is nothing like feeling the texture of the binding and paper, seeing the color and beauty of the Whelan art, and reading the words set down on paper by King. This is a book that begs to be read, to be enjoyed, and I recommend that you do just that.