[cougs]

When you guys read a hardcover, do you keep the dust jacket on or off?

just curious.

[Hobbit]

Off when reading, back on when finished; I'm too much of a clumsy chap to avoid ripping, bending or bashing them otherwise.

Having said that, if they're fastened on (as they often are in a library copy for example), I have no problems.

Hobbit

[vicki_girl]

Off when reading, back on when finished; I'm too much of a clumsy chap to avoid ripping, bending or bashing them otherwise.


Same here.


Having said that, if they're fastened on (as they often are in a library copy for example), I have no problems.

Actually I'm the exact opposite. I hate that they're fastened on. They annoy me. They make crinkly noises when I'm reading. Also, when you open the book up, they're loose and floppy, if that makes any sense.


What i can't believe is that there are people who throw away the dust jacket!!! *shudder*

Doesn't that take away from the point of having a hardback? (i.e. having a "nice" copy for your collection)

[ArthurFrayn]

Off, when reading such a book. But then I misplace the cover sometimes like a dope. :rolleyes:

[Miriamele]

I've never really understood dust jackets. They are supposed to protect the book, but they are so flimsy and loose themselves that they normally just end up getting ripped. The actual book is more sturdy than it's protection, so what's the point?

During the years I worked at a bookstore I grew to hate them, because customers would often (accidentally) rip the dustjackets and once that happens, no one wants to buy the book because it looks damaged even if the book itself is fine.

Not only that, but they do nothing to protect a book from dust as a book on a shelf will have dust settling on its top, not its front! :)

I do keep them because of the cover art, but usually when I am reading a book I remove the jacket.

I agree with Hobbit that the plastic-covered library ones are much easier to deal with. They do crackle but at least you don't have to worry about ripping them.

[Severn]

Off when I'm reading them in the bath, otherwise, I keep them on.

Hm, now that you all mention it - they are kind of pointless aren't they...oh well, they're pretty.

At any rate I don't buy hardbacks these days for two reasons: a, I can't afford them, and b, space. I have none, and already half of my books are boxed away.

I do have a lovely collection of Time Life myth and legend books though, and while I was working at a bookstore I actually covered the dust jackets myself, for extra protection. But, Miriamele, you're right - it's the tops that get dusty!

[Miriamele]

You read in the bath? That's scary...have you ever dropped a book into the water? :eek:

[Severn]

You read in the bath? That's scary...have you ever dropped a book into the water? :eek:

Haha...only once - when I was 14. I dropped Pillars Of The Earth by Ken Follett in there. Possibly because I was 14 and had just encountered one of the more...interesting scenes in there and had such a fascinated shock that I couldn't hold onto it any longer. I still have it - I dried it out in the hotwater cupboard - warped pages and all.

It's a very relaxing thing to do. I'm not a person who relaxes well, so it's almost a form of personal therapy; I think it's the combination of words and hot water - very soporific.

[Cardo]

Off when reading, back on when finished; I'm too much of a clumsy chap to avoid ripping, bending or bashing them otherwise.
Hobbit

Same with me.
Even though the dust jackets are flimsy they take dampen some of the damage to the book i recon, at least minor scratches.

[talonx]

Off before reading, and I usually make a temporary cover for the book with newspaper while I'm reading it....or sometimes I don't remove the jacket and make a cover for the whole thing out of clear plastic - pretty permanent and durable :)