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?
I all depends on the quality. If the hardcover uses non acid-free paper and glued binding, it is going to last almost as long as a paperback (not worth the price at all). If a hardcover is bound in cloth or leather, has acid-free paper and smyth-sewn binding, then it will probably outlive you while still being in excellent condition.
But how would the average buyer know that?