American Psycho: The Folio Society Reveals Gorgeous Illustrated Edition of the Bret Easton Ellis Novel

Before it became a movie that launched Christian Bale into stardom, American Psycho was a critically acclaimed, darkly comedic novel about the poisonous power of the American Dream. That classic Bret Easton Ellis book is now the latest to join The Folio Society’s ever-growing lineup of illustrated hardcover editions.

IGN can exclusively debut a new preview of The Folio Society’s American Psycho set, featuring new looks at the box design, endpapers, frontispiece, and replica business card. Check it all out in the slideshow gallery below:

This edition of American Psycho is a 512-page hardcover limited to just 750 copies worldwide. The book features illustrations by artist David Hughes, including the box cover, frontispiece, endpapers, and 10 interior illustrations.

And, as mentioned, this set comes with a replica of Patrick Bateman’s business card, hearkening back to the iconic scene from the book and 2000 film adaptation.

“We at Folio have had great success with modern cult novels, and they hardly come more culty than this,” said James Rose, Head of Editorial at Folio, in a statement. “One of the most controversial and talked-about novels of all time, American Psycho has become more prophetic than ever as it charts the rise of narcissistic sociopaths in 1980s Wall Street—the sort of people that we’re now seeing going to the top of US politics. Artist David Hughes is brave enough to tackle some of the more ghastly scenes, but always with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humour and a keen eye on the novel’s satire. By marrying Bret Easton Ellis’ divisive and dangerous text with David Hughes’ funny and disturbing illustrations, this will be the perfect edition of the iconic and brilliant satire.”

The Folio Soicety’s American Psycho is priced at £450 / US $640. The book will be available for preorder on The Folio Society website beginning on February 3.

Also on the American Psycho front, director Luca Guadagnino is overseeing a film reboot, with Austin Butler among those eyed to star as investment banker/serial killer Patrick Bateman. Despite previous reports, the film won’t be gender-swapping Bateman.

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