When is John Powell's Khuk Book coming out?

S

Shann

Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
5,251
Mr. Powell, do you know when your book on khukuris is going to be published? I am sure I'm not the only one eagerly awaiting this book. :)
 
A two page article isn't "some" of a book, it's nubbin (you know , an accessory 3rd nipple; good for nothing). We want the WHOLE BOOK. Lay some khu-knowledge on us John! (please) :)
 
It all comes down to money. I cannot produce it myself and all the publishers both small and large want a fortune and won't allow me to do it the way I want. I need a group, organization or a wealthy individual who wants to back this project.

In a few years if I see no possibility of getting it done the way it's been designed I will probably put together a standard size presentation with a few b&w white photos.

This is a sample of the kind of look and quality I want to use. A two page spread would be about 9X25". A big, beautiful book with lots of detailed and informative pix.
book.jpg
 
How many pledges and how much would you need to self publish?

There's a hundred folks here who might buy your book for 30 to 50 bucks each.

munk
 
I knew a fellow who did a "book" on hard hats, diving that is. A normal book was $175.00. The fancy books, cover etc, were around $300,00 each. I could come up with $175.00. :)
 
Well, if a hundred of us put up a 100.00 each, that's enough for a printing, I think.




munk
 
I'm guessing he'd need more like a thousand folks willing to pay $75 to start breaking even. And what happens if they end up being sold off at discount booksellers for $15 a pop?

Just because that's how it is don't neccessarily make it right.

Sigh
 
OK. What about Academic outlets? Surely there are Fed grants available for specialty historical interests?

Maybe the British Govt would have some avenue- it's their Ghurkas that made it known to the world.

munk
 
munk said:
How many pledges and how much would you need to self publish?

There's a hundred folks here who might buy your book for 30 to 50 bucks each.

munk
Click to expand...

This book needs to happen. It would be such a great thing. Is what munk suggests even in the ballpark?

I am willing to commit in writing to pre-purchase as I am certain many others are too.

What a resource it would be... kukri info is sparse, even with the internet. JP's graphic design skills are well evident from the excellent calendars he generously posts. I actually WORK as a graphic designer and I can assure it takes time, effort & skill to put together those calendars he gives us for free. I am totally willing to pay some bucks for a great khuk coffee table book. At least twice the amount above. Possibly there could be different levels of printing? A leather bound, a hardback, even a softcover? Rolled out at different time periods? Don't give up, JP. Thanks.


Ad Astra
 
Gents, thanks for all the interest and you'll be happy to know there are more like you beyond this forum. This will be some kind of major tome and no doubt will end up easily costing $100 +. It's not just the production costs (which have been estimated in 6 figures) , but shipping and then distribution. For all the interest various museums have indicated they usually follow with "of course we have no money". It just seems to be too limited a subject for them although wooden fishhooks or woven baskets from East La Dee Da get the full treatment. Guess there's weird niches, then there's weirder niches.

As for the British Government they are keeping arms length because the Gurkha Pension system is so badly handled. The Gurkha Welfare Trust folks have 3 separate groups who don't see eye to eye. The government of Nepal is a trainwreck. My first contacts with the government of India were less than beneficial and then they got me mired in a system that makes no sense. The US govt has zero interest. There are a lot of Nepalese Relief societies but they are massive swamps of disagreement and very political. I had one group tell me they certainly wouldn't want anyone thinking the Nepalese had weapons or were once fierce warriors. Guess they never met a retired Gurkha.

It is all frustrating but I continue to send out inquiries and network till I find the right people. Somehow, someday it will get done. Have faith, I do.
 
It will happen, JP. There's no doubt about it. The more "niche" the market, the harder to find the distributor. But they're out there. Like you said....the diligent networking will pay off.
 
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