Specifically, I tried buying one or two books that I would keep as references and possible heirlooms to put on my bookshelf; but when they arrived from Amazon the paper and binding quality was little better than a telephone book and sure to fall apart after just a couple of years. What can I do to avoid a repeat of the experience?
by tamsui_tosspot
2 Comments
Paperback books aren’t built to last and just won’t. Most paper not acid free and paperbacks are glued which means eventually the spines will crack and break.
What you want are sewn books. I loooooove Everyman’s editions. They only do classics (but some modern classics). Acid free paper, sewn signatures, cloth bound hard covers. Have some in my collection that are 20 years old and like new. They are pretty reasonably priced.
Don’t like them as much (the paper is thinner) but Library of America does similar work.
Folio Society has high quality books. Publishers have been cheaping out. You might have to actually go into a store. For hardcovers, look for sewn binding. I have seen paperbacks with sewn binding but that is rare.