The first novel in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, upon which HBO’s hit TV show Game of Thrones is based, was released 20 years ago today. To mark the occasion, author George RR Martin has announced a new edition of the book coming later this year.

Rather than offering the same book with yet another alternate cover, publishing company Bantam Spectra today announced A Game of Thrones: The Illustrated Edition. This will include the untouched version of the original novel, but with dozens of pieces of accompanying artwork, many of which are brand new to this edition.

"An anniversary like this requires something special, something more than just a reprint and a new novel," Martin wrote on his blog. "This new edition will be very special, I think. Same story, of course. But we’ve added an introduction by the World Famous Nebula Toastmaster John Hodgman… and a truly astonishing amount of artwork… a total of seventy-three (73) black-and-white interior illustrations, and eight (8) spectacular full-color plates.

"Some of the artwork is drawn from the Ice and Fire calendars, from The World of Ice and Fire, and from the card and board games and RPGs… but forty-eight (48) of these pieces are completely new, never-before-seen artwork."

Bantam’s accompanying description stated, "With gorgeous full-page illustrations to open every chapter, the mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure of this magnificent saga come to life as never before."

This version of the book will be released on October 18. Two pieces of art from it (one of which is new) can be seen above.

Martin’s blog post also spent some time recalling his experience working on the series over the last 20-plus years, including his memories of what happened after A Game of Thrones was first published on August 1, 1996. He also shared a picture of himself from 1995 "just a few weeks after I blew my first (but not my last, oh no) deadline on the series."

At the end, he offered the obligatory comment regarding the status of the sixth novel in the series, The Winds of Winter: "[N]o, sorry, I have no announcement to make on that front."

Meanwhile, Game of Thrones‘ seventh season is officially in production. It will be coming later than usual and with only seven episodes. An eight season will follow it that HBO has reaffirmed will likely be the show’s last.