Books - do you take the glossy covers off?

[StephenHero]

Originally Posted by Girardian

I always buy hardcover when available and have a strong preference for the look, feel, paper, and quality of truly bound books.

I remove the dustjacket prior to reading and replace it when finished. One day when I rearrange my books I'll likely remove all dust covers and store them separately.

As a rule, for classic literature I don't already own, I look for titles in the Everyman series and the like which allow me to group titles together for a similar look.

You can get yourself the set.

http://www.amazon.com/Everymans-Libr...9443257&sr=8-1

 

[DocHolliday]

Bookbinding is a lost art, and the spines of most modern hardbacks are pretty ugly. So I take off the dustcover when I read it, then put it back when done.

I've always liked having a lot of books around, but I've passed critical mass. I need to get rid of a lot of my classics -- books available in every bookstore and library -- and keep only the rare/unusual/hard-to-find volumes.

 

[Andrewc2232]

For most books I own (I always buy hardcover--much more durable and look better shelved) I will toss the dust jacket. If I feel the book might become collectible or is already, I have a box where I store the jackets.

Definitely prefer the cloth or leather feel to the plastic, though. Anyone interested in high quality classics should look at the Franklin Library printings--beautiful books they made back in the 80's (I think) for a lot of popular classics. Can get them for about $15-30 each on eBay and they look/feel great.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by Andrewc2232

For most books I own (I always buy hardcover--much more durable and look better shelved) I will toss the dust jacket. If I feel the book might become collectible or is already, I have a box where I store the jackets.

Definitely prefer the cloth or leather feel to the plastic, though. Anyone interested in high quality classics should look at the Franklin Library printings--beautiful books they made back in the 80's (I think) for a lot of popular classics. Can get them for about $15-30 each on eBay and they look/feel great.

I've found that many nicely bound classics turn up at community book sales. My nearest library, for example, accepts donations of used books for its annual fundraiser. There are always tons of classics with nice covers for 50 cents-$4. I guess people buy them to look nice on the shelf, then toss them when it's time to move/clear out the clutter.

 

[limping_decorum]

keep the dust jackets.

i never lend books to people....i hate it when they are returned looking like ****.

 

[Reggs]

I really want to, but I never do. I really should though. I worry about where the put the covers when I take them off, or even if I should keep them. They are a great burden.

 

[AntiHero84]

I've been trying to save money and have spent too much on bad and mediocre books. For that reason, I try and read most books from the library and purchase my favorites in hardback. I'm a chronic collector, so it's nice to know that they have a longer lifespan. Also, garage sales, thrift stores, and library clearing sales are a fantastic place to buy old hardbacks. I own a first edition Hemingway, that I bought for $1 from a thrift store. Since then, I've been addicted.

 

[ManofKent]

Has anyone seen the Penguin/Bill Amberg collaborration? I'm tempted...

 

[Girardian]

Originally Posted by StephenHero

You can get yourself the set. http://www.amazon.com/Everymans-Libr...9443257&sr=8-1
Despite owning many Everyman titles, this set is now on my radar. Just what I need ... another temptation...

 

[Pennglock]

Originally Posted by Girardian

Despite owning many Everyman titles, this set is now on my radar. Just what I need ... another temptation...

If you're in NYC, Strand has a lot of these titles Everyman for less than $10 I think.

 

[Joffrey]

Yes. I'm pretentious enough to think books on my shelf with only the hardcover make me look more classy.