Whenever I get a new book – a hardcover book, with a dust jacket – one of my first moves is to remove the dust jacket and store it someplace safe, so it does not get damaged.
Not entirely sure why I do it. I think I like the look of a nice clean and crisp book on my shelf. By removing and preserving the dust jacket prior to reading the book I can ensure that it will still look brand new when I finish the book, replace the jacket, and place the book up on my shelf.
Guess that’s some sort of fraud, isn’t it?
I do the same thing. Not only does it keep the jacket looking new, but I also do it because the jacket slips around and that annoys me when I am reading.
What would the modern equivalent action be regarding any of the e-readers?
@ Conall + Maire:
A friend of mine who is a book collector has told me on a number of occasions that truly valuable books, especially older, out of print books are worth that much the more when their dust-jackets are still in pristine condition.
Maybe you were both subconsciously looking after your potentially valuable assets?
That’s very interesting! See, I usually take the dust jacket off and if it isn’t particularly interesting, then I throw it out. lol Maybe I should tuck them away somewhere safe like you!
Random, semi-related fact of the day.. In japan people buy generic paper covers (similar to those on hardbacks), for all their books so other people cannot see what they’re reading when they’re in public.
@ Pete
That’s really interesting! I guess the next step would be to buy knock-off book covers from the books you want to be seen reading, but which you don’t want to actually have to read. Just wrap the knock-off cover around whatever you are actually reading and you’re good to go.