I’m wondering about this because a hardcover book I been frequently using a lot for university just got its front cover torn out after frequent use for my homeworks across the semester. Granted it was already used when I bought it but the whole reason I chose it over the much cheaper softcover copy was precisely because I’m expected to use this text for multiple semesters.
So I wonder does a book really being hardcover really protect it for longterm use? Are they really worth the extra typical $10-$30 dollar price over softcover and paperback books? If protection is not the reason, why even buy hardcover books? I ask this because of my disappointment of how my textbook didn’t last long in an entacted state?
Hardcovers are somewhat more durable, but not that much—they won’t forever stay in mint condition either. I personally see them as fancier editions, is all. Nice for collecting purposes, say, if you want an extra pretty edition of your favorite book that will sit on the shelf nicely. Textbooks… I wouldn’t, honestly. Too expensive, bulky, and I don’t see the point.