To commemorate the four-decade milestone of Diana Wynne Jones's beloved fantasy novel, "Howl's Moving Castle," The Folio Society has unveiled a magnificent, limited-edition release. This exclusive collector's item, priced at $650 and restricted to just 500 copies, is designed to be a centerpiece for enthusiasts of the enchanting tale. It not only celebrates the book's enduring appeal but also enhances its artistic presentation through bespoke design elements, making it a highly anticipated acquisition for devoted fans and bibliophiles alike.
Slated for release on March 24, 2026, this exquisite 40th-anniversary edition will be available exclusively through The Folio Society. Each copy boasts a quarter-bound leather cover adorned with printed art-silk sides, encased within a cloth-bound slipcase that features original artwork by illustrator Marie-Alice Harel. A unique cut-out window in the slipcase offers a glimpse of the meticulously crafted fold-out map of Ingary, printed on metallic paper and housed in its own dedicated case. This design thoughtfully mirrors the four interdimensional portals traversed by the enigmatic wizard, Howl.
The artistic richness of this edition is further elevated by new illustrations from Marie-Alice Harel, integrated extensively throughout the book, including two vibrant full-color images. These illustrations are hand-tipped onto pages within elegant decorative borders, complementing the hand-lettered chapter titles also created by Harel. Adding to its unique appeal, the volume includes a fresh foreword by Michael Burrow, Diana Wynne Jones’s son, alongside an insightful introduction penned by the late author and illustrator Marcus Sedgwick.
First published in 1986, "Howl's Moving Castle" quickly achieved international bestseller status. Its global renown was significantly broadened by Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film adaptation for Studio Ghibli, which captivated audiences worldwide. The movie shattered box-office records in Japan upon its release and garnered an Academy Award nomination, cementing the story's place in popular culture.
James Rose, Head of Editorial at The Folio Society, expressed his excitement, stating that this limited edition represents a pinnacle in the presentation of one of the world’s greatest fantasy novels. He emphasized that the magical universe of Sophie and Howl has never been brought to life in print with such exceptional quality and artistry.