Within six weeks of the book's release, the Nimbus warehouse was emptied of first editions. Copies of The Dread Crew: Pirates of the Backwoods can still be found on shelves at Canadian retailers such as Chapters.ca, Amazon.ca and your local indie bookstore, but call ahead first to confirm stock.

The distribution plan for 2010 is a three-step release that frees the last of the sumptuous hardcovers and rolls out the new, special-edition softcover first in Canada, then in the States. But remember: you can always get what you want. If you're Canadian and you're desperate for a hardcover, search inventories or order from the States. If you're American and you want the softcover sooner, go Canuck.

photos by the lovely cafemama (left, right) and the other jackson 5 (centre)

April 2010: America gets a small shipment of rare 1st edition hardcovers

In April 2010, the last few hundred of The Dread Crew first edition hardcovers will be distributed exclusively to the United States. If you want one of those rare editions, pre-order from Amazon.com now.

April 2010: Canada gets first crack at the 2nd edition special feature softcovers

Also in April 2010, the 2nd edition softcover will be distributed in Canada with a new Glossary of Characters, Ships, and Flotsam of Piracy, just in case you needed to know the definition of 'beaver puke', the recipe for sun-dried baby slugs, or the story of how Ironbound Ike lost his tongue.

Fall 2010: America is fully-stocked with 2nd edition softcovers

In Fall 2010, the 2nd edition softcover will land in the U.S.A., unleashing a steady supply of books as well as rosy cheeks and hooliganism continent-wide.

Questions? Confusions? Desires? Shoot.