Penguin Clothbound Classics discussion

Sarah wrote: "For those of you with a large collection, how well do these hold up just sitting on your shelves? If I put a dark/richly colored book like Madame Bovary next to one of the white books like A Christ..."

Hi Sarah, My whole collection is still in a pristine condition (except the damage I have from the price-tags of course). Both of my white copies: 'A Christmas Carol' and 'Alice's Adventures' are in between dark blueish editions, and there is no transfer of colours. No need to worry about that.

However, I am afraid that these books aren't public library material? Yikes... To be honest, it takes only one reader with clammy hands to absolutely destroy the foil, and most people don't even realise they have 'moist' hands so they aren't doing it deliberately.

Also, from my experience people tend to treat library books harshly. I can't imagine what travelling in an overstuffed bag would do to the foil? Adding or removing the books from the shelves doesn't seem to be a problem though. Mine are packed pretty tightly and I really have to squeeze them in there and the foil is just fine.

To answer your question, yes the damage is from mistreatment. I hope that helps?

Sarah wrote: "It does help, thanks! I got out a few of these volumes from my library to see if I like reading from them (and to check the quality of the notes provided), but I also wanted to check to make sure t..."

You are very welcome; and happy collecting and reading!