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?
Lots of different views here!
A good-quality hardback will last almost forever, because the pages are properly sewn in - they won’t just peel off like a paperback. The hard boards [the covers] protect the book from wear and tear. I have hardbacks my parents had since college and they are still in good condition. [the books, not the parents! ;:)
One the other hand, poor quality hardbacks are as bad if not worse than paperbacks. I got a cheapish hardback textbook on history, the spine is already coming apart and the pages have been sewn in too tightly.
Best option: buy hardback, used, and only buy the ones described as ‘very good condition’.