Is a books condition important?

Ms.C · Post by **Ms.C** » 11 Sep 2011, 19:55

Yes, I read an old book of my aunt and it is a very good book..sadly, the end part is torn but I can almost guess what happens in the end..

Ant wrote:Is a books condition important? Can you buy and enjoy a well worn and beat up book?

Bighuey · Post by **Bighuey** » 11 Sep 2011, 20:12

Some of my books are in pretty rough shape but as long as I can read them I dont care. Ive got a copy of Bambi Ive been packing around for 40 years, covers are gone, its held together with a rubber band but its still readable.

nursemom77 · Post by **nursemom77** » 11 Sep 2011, 20:17

I consider it a real treat to read a brand new book, that sort of crackles when you open it and that smells like the book store. Certain book stores (like Barnes and Noble for example) just smell so good as soon as you walk through the doors. However, I like to read used books as well. Especially ones that are older, because while I am reading, I wonder how many other people have enjoyed these same pages.

NovelDame · Post by **NovelDame** » 12 Sep 2011, 09:54

My book collection looks a bit like it suffers from a dual personality- I love used bookstores and have some very... "well-seasoned" books. On the other hand, if I'm buying it new I baby the book and avoid even cracking the spine.

I'm pretty laid back about condition as long as it's not water damage, but when I loan out my pretty new books and get them returned looking like they (barely) survived the blitz... that gets to me.

cottreau · Post by **cottreau** » 13 Sep 2011, 18:19

I love old books and I'm mostly condition insensitive. That being said, if there are two copies of a book at the 2nd hand bookstore, I will consider price versus condition carefully, usually going for the cheapest unless the other is in great condition. I once got a 1st edition paperback of "Dune" by picking the cheapest!

The biggest deal for me is the smell. I can't really deal with lots of dust, although I have to say, I do love the smell in an old library.

naragus · Post by **naragus** » 13 Sep 2011, 18:38

Of course it is important, but a good condition is not necessary a new condition. Marks, annotations, hightlights are welcome however scratches, missing pages, bad cover conditions are not. Sometimes I prefer a used book from old times.