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?

  • nyki@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’ve only ever had hardcovers fall apartment on me. The cover itself might be more durable, but the (glued) spines tend not to be. Maybe it’s because it’s a flexible spine is attached to an inflexible cover? I don’t beat them up but I do try to read in lots of different positions and I’m always fighting the hardcover to get comfortable. IMO they’re not worth it unless you want a display item. I usually buy trade paperbacks these days because they’re cheaper and more comfortable to read and I’ve never had one fall apart.