A sprayed edge is often thought of as the cherry on the cake of a new special edition book. Whilst the content within the book itself is of course what’s most important, there’s no denying that a beautiful cover paired with an eye-catching sprayed edge is a book collector's dream.
Though they’ve become increasingly more popular in recent years, sprayed edges are far from a new phenomenon. Find out the story behind the sprayed edge and discover five recent special editions with sprayed edges that our booksellers are championing right now.
What is a sprayed edge book?
A sprayed edge or ‘spredge’ as it’s becoming more commonly known as in the book community, is when the edges of a book have been either hand painted, digitally printed or airbrushed to create an eye catching design.
The history of sprayed edges: Medieval manuscripts to 21st Century revival
Did you know that the spredge can be traced back all the way to mediaeval times? Manuscripts often featured gilded or painted edges. Books with gold leafed or gold painted edges were common in religious or important texts, to symbolise the sacredness or value of the book.
This trend continued throughout the Renaissance period, where books began to feature more intricate, artistic designs, including marbled edges, to match the elaborate bindings.
The use of ‘for-edge painting’ was a significant development between the 18th and 19th century, a technique which involved painting a scene or design on the edges of the pages, which only became visible when the pages were fanned out.
Sprinkling and marbling also became popular during this period, but for more practical reasons - to protect the books from dust and moisture.
Cue the 20th century and mass production. This is when sprayed edges became less common in everyday books, whilst remaining a feature in special editions.
So where are we now? The 21st century has seen a huge resurgence in sprayed edge popularity, especially in special editions, collectors items and limited edition runs. This trend is particularly notable in certain genres, such as romantasy fiction, fantasy fiction and crime fiction.
5 Special Edition Sprayed Edge Books We’re Lusting Over Right Now
Now we’ve explored spredge history, no article about sprayed edges would be complete without featuring some truly beautiful special editions books available right now. Here are 5 stunning books that our booksellers are excited about from the Goldsboro bookshelves.
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The Silence Factory
Kicking off our spredge roundup with this beautiful special edition of The Silence Factory by Briget Collins. A striking gold foil and blue cover with ornate style digitally sprayed edges.
The story follows Henry, who’s longing for silence to escape the noisy world around him, when he encounters a mysterious man selling magical silk that can mute the clamour. Summoned to Sir Edward’s factory to treat his daughter’s deafness, Henry becomes enmeshed in the silk's ancient origins. Ignoring warnings from the governess, he falls under the spell of the silk, but discovering its true cost might make it too late for him to turn back.
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A Violent Heart
One for the crime fiction fans, A Violet heart is the story of Elena Zoric, a sex worker and addict, is murdered in North London, her last call to Met DI Grace Archer, who had once saved her from sex trafficking. Despite being warned off the case by her boss, Archer discovers a thirty-year-old murder with similarities to Elena's. Determined to find justice, Archer goes rogue, seeking to prove both women were killed by the same man.
The edges are adorned with the broken heart necklace, which features prominently on the cover, creating a striking spredge.
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The Heir of Venus
Described as the story of Rome’s origins as it’s never been told before, through the eyes of three women whose choices changed history, The Heir of Venus not only offers a truly gripping, unique story, but just look at that beautiful vibrant blue cover and stencilled edges!
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A Little Trickerie
Those in our PREM1ER membership are set to be delighted by our August 2024 choice.
The story follows Tibb Ingleby, born a vagabond in mediaeval England, who is orphaned after her mother's death in a trick gone wrong. As she navigates the fields and forests, Tibb encounters both allies and foes. Along with new friends, she devises an audacious plan to escape societal shackles, but their hoax quickly spirals out of control, attracting crowds and vengeful enemies. "A Little Trickerie" is an original, funny, and moving tale of belief, superstition, kinship, and courage, featuring an unforgettable heroine.
The digitally sprayed edges on this book are divine, and so unique. If you haven’t signed up to PREM1ER already, there are limited edition spaces if you’re quick…
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One of The Good Guys
‘If most men say they’re one of the good guys, then why are so many women afraid to walk alone at night?’
Another unique sprayed edge, one that will look striking for those that display their books on the edge side.
This latest novel from Araminta Hall follows Cole, a seemingly perfect husband, who is blindsided when his wife, Mel, leaves him. Seeking solitude, he moves to the coast and meets reclusive artist Lennie, who has also retreated for similar reasons. As they grow closer, two young women go missing nearby, thrusting them into a police investigation and media frenzy. They soon realise they don't know each other as well as they thought. This is what happens when women have had enough.
