The seventh season of HBO’s Game of Thrones may feel a hundred Westeros winters away right now but fans of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series will at least have something to tide them over until then – with the announcement of an illustrated edition of the first book in the series, A Game Of Thrones.

The news was delivered by the New Jersey-born author himself as a way of celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the book’s initial August 1996 release when it was no more than a relatively unassuming, chunky, fantasy hardback in a silver foil jacket.

The book’s publishers Bantam Spectra added to the announcement, saying:

“In celebration of the fantasy masterpiece that started a cultural phenomenon, we’re excited to announce the publication of a special illustrated edition. 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.”

Check out the book cover and two pieces of artwork below:

via Game of Thrones Illustrated Edition Announced For 20th Anniversary