The Folio Society is publishing its first Game of Thrones novel, retailing at £125, after working with author George R R Martin

The Folio Society is publishing its first Game of Thrones novel, retailing at £125, after working with author George R R Martin. More than 5,000 people have already pre-ordered a copy which features a map, family trees and secret illustrations.

The publisher “worked closely throughout the entire process” with Martin on the new edition A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire, and the author also helped select British illustrator Jonathan Burton. The first two-volume set will be published on 16th July but pre-orders open on Thursday (16th May) at 1pm. It contains an introduction from British fantasy writer Joe Abercrombie.

The exclusive 824-page, two volume edition is bound in three-quarter blocked cloth with a printed and blocked cloth front board. Printed in black and gold throughout, it also features nine family trees (in volume two), a fold-out map inserted in the case of the Known World. The two volumes are presented in a gold-blocked slipcase with a secret illustration inside.

The Folio Society’s first Game of Thrones novel has been approved at all stages by the author from the selection of illustrator and introducer to the bindings, materials, illustrations and map. Martin described the editions as “masterpieces of the bookmaker’s art”.

Martin said: “The Folio Society’s splendid new editions of the Song of Ice and Fire series are masterpieces of the bookmaker’s art lavishly illustrated by Jonathan Burton. Books collectors and fantasy fans alike are going to delight in these volumes. I know I will.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to be publishing The Song of Ice and Fire series. They are undoubtedly the great modern masterpieces of the fantasy genre, and creating an edition to match that epic status has been a fabulous challenge,” said Tom Walker, publishing director at The Folio Society.

Earlier this week Martin dismissed claims that he had already finished the final two books in the series, dismissing "Idiocy on the Internet".