Is a books condition important?

[Taylor Razzani]

I used to like books that were in perfect condition and I was always careful not too damage my books in anyway. But the more I read the more I realized books are great no matter what condition. I do tend to keep my new books in the best condition I can, but you can't deny the charm beaten up, well read books have.

[Lycaonia]

My only requirement on book condition is that there is minimal writing (blank pages with a name or something are fine, but not pages with text), and all the pages must be intact. Otherwise, I often enjoy well-worn books, since I don't have to worry about keeping them in pristine condition.

[JCunha77]

I do like newer books but I do like a worn book my latest purchase was two leisure hour library magazines and each has a different unchanged and unabridged Charles Dickens story one is our mutual friend and the other is Martin Chuzzlewit. Loved the books even though the condition is very poor.

[fabulasaule]

I enjoy very new books the most but it is rarely the best books. Somehow it happens that the most ugly ones (old and dusty) are tho most interesting ones.

[dickens 100]

Doesn't matter that much, unlike records, which I collect, they have to be in excellent condition

[e-tasana-williams]

As long as there is no yucky stuff on the pages, I enjoy worn books. They stay open better, I enjoy finding notes written by previous owners, and their cheaper! It's a win-win-win.

[barb429]

I buy used books quite often, and one in worn condition does not bother me- as long as it isn't falling apart. If I have a signed copy of a book or a special edition, I tend to keep two copies. That way I have one to read and one to have as a keepsake.

[LadyLillium]

I didn't think that book condition mattered but then I bought a copy of a book with a few too many annotations from the previous owner. It was incredibly distracting. I've also found that if I'm worried about the pages falling out it is far more difficult to completely enjoy the book.

[Booky_BettyC]

I can't stand a beat up book. Drives me nuts! I don't mind if it's a little worn, but ultimately having a brand new book gives me a high. Being the first to cracking the spine always gave me enjoyment. Lol

[DATo]

Sometimes I actually prefer a well loved book. There's something about a book that has been read many times, it holds a history, a secret, has more than just the story on it's pages. I love that.

I agree. Wouldn't it be interesting to actually meet the people who have already read it and brought it to that "well-loved" condition? And as an added bonus it would afford the perfect opportunity to yell at them for dog-earing the pages [:- )

[Gravy]

Sometimes I actually prefer a well loved book. There's something about a book that has been read many times, it holds a history, a secret, has more than just the story on it's pages. I love that.

I agree. Wouldn't it be interesting to actually meet the people who have already read it and brought it to that "well-loved" condition? And as an added bonus it would afford the perfect opportunity to yell at them for dog-earing the pages [:- )

Agreed

I always find it so interesting to pick up a used book. I picked up an old hardback collection of plays and found four leaf clover pressed between the pages. Try finding that in a new book

[rssllue]

Nice!

[Vermont Reviews]

Sometimes I actually prefer a well loved book. There's something about a book that has been read many times, it holds a history, a secret, has more than just the story on it's pages. I love that.

I agree. Wouldn't it be interesting to actually meet the people who have already read it and brought it to that "well-loved" condition? And as an added bonus it would afford the perfect opportunity to yell at them for dog-earing the pages [:- )

Agreed

I always find it so interesting to pick up a used book. I picked up an old hardback collection of plays and found four leaf clover pressed between the pages. Try finding that in a new book

It is interesting what can be found in a book that someone else has owned.

Vermont Reviews

[Ant]

You find all sorts of stuff in old books, some good some bad.
I think I posted in the "Bookmarks" thread that I once found a Pot Noodle lid that was being used as a bookmark, can't remember what flavour it was though.

[Sarah_Khan]

For me, if I'm just reading a book then I don't really mind if it's in bad condition... but if I'm buying a book then I would like it to be in a good-ish condition because I want to be able to have it for a long time.