Special edition

Literary and reference works which have become classic or standard eventually enter the public domain without copyrights. In order to competitively sell such standard works publishers may print what they term, special editions, which may be distinguished simply by luxurious book production features in terms of special costly paper, bindings, stamped titles, illustrations, etc; or publishers may add supplementary matter such as a critical and analytic introduction, a biography and portrait of the author, notes, appendices such as bibliographies, or elaborate indexes. Such special editions usually also bear the description limited edition with numbered copies, and an appeal to subscription at pre-publication prices. Some special editions do add intrinsically to a standard work, especially when there is scholarly collaboration brought to bear, or when unique added material facilitates use. The best examples of both useless and useful special editions are those of the Holy Bible.