There’s a unique joy in holding a well-made book, at least for me. I get tired of looking at a screen all the time, and when you’re reading a classic book, it just doesn’t feel right when it’s on an iPad. Beyond the story itself, the book can make the reading process different. The feel of the cover, the weight of the pages, and even the scent of paper and leather change the experience.
For many, a personal library is more than just a collection of books; it’s a reflection of their tastes and values. Having a beautiful, curated set of classic books can add an element of elegance and timelessness to a room. It creates a feeling of permanence and history in a world that often feels disposable.
I’m not knocking paperback books or those bargain bin specials that offer a chance to read something for a few bucks. But when you decide to put together a “library” in your home, you may decide you want a nicer copy of those classic stories. They not only look nice on your shelf, but a classic book itself pays tribute and respect to the author and their story.
It probably doesn’t make sense to some people, but I still purchase a “cheap” copy of some classics even though I have a leather-bound version as well. For those books I enjoy reading regularly, a paperback book is something I can leave laying around and not have to worry about tearing up. But I still like knowing I have the elegant leather-bound or fabric covered hardback copy on my shelf.
What makes a classic book “elegant”?
A classic book isn’t just about a pretty cover. It’s built with specific materials and techniques that add to its durability, longevity, and cost. Understanding these elements can help you appreciate the craftsmanship behind a high-quality volume.
Binding
The way a classic book’s pages are held together is important. The most durable books use Smyth-sewn binding, where each group of pages (called a signature) is stitched together with thread before being glued to the spine.
This allows the book to lie flat when open without the pages falling out. Cheaper books use perfect binding, where pages are simply glued directly to the spine, making them less durable over time.
Cover and Material on a classic book
The cover, or case, is often the most noticeable part of a book. Fine books may be bound in full leather, which is a single piece of genuine leather wrapped around the entire cover. Leather can also be used for the spine and corners, a style known as a quarter-bound or half-bound book. More affordable collector’s editions might use bonded leather or leatherette, which are manufactured materials that look like leather but lack the durability and feel of the real thing.
Paper
The quality of the paper is a major factor in a book’s lifespan. High-end books use acid-free paper that is less likely to become brittle and yellow over time.
Cheaper, mass-market books use wood-pulp-based paper. The thickness and texture of the paper, along with the crispness of the printing, also contribute to the overall quality of the pages.
Finishing Touches on a classic book
Decorative elements often set a book apart from others. Many fine editions feature raised bands on the spine. These are ridges that were originally functional in older binding techniques but are now used for aesthetic appeal.
The edges of the pages may be gilded with a thin layer of gold. This not only looks nice but also helps protect the pages from dust and moisture. A ribbon marker and intricate designs stamped gold on the cover and spine are other common features.
A classic book for presentation
There are a ton of publishing companies out there that range from drastically in quality and price. And I’m talking about the book quality itself, not the edition or type of author’s a company publishes.
Books that are made of high-quality materials and artwork are often referred to by one of the following names:
- Collector’s Edition
- Fine Bindings
- Heirloom Editions
- Deluxe Edition
- Presentation Copies
Out of these, “collector’s edition” and “Fine Bindings” are probably the most common names used to describe these types of books. Most major publishers offer some type of collector’s edition books, but here are three of the most common that produce a large number of “collector’s edition” books.
Easton Press
Easton Press is perhaps the most recognizable name when it comes to fine leather books. Their books are almost always bound in genuine leather, with hubbed spines, acid-free paper, and page edges gilded in 22kt gold. Each book includes a satin ribbon marker and moiré silk endpapers. They often come with a certificate of authenticity, especially if it’s a numbered or signed edition.
Easton Press books are generally considered to be made of very high quality and durability. They are a good entry point for building a collection “presentation books for your library or bookshelf. The price point is mid-to-high, with many books starting at around $80-$100. Special deluxe editions can be much more expensive. Easton Press offers a wide range of titles, including their famous “Greatest Books Ever Written” series. They also offer special subscriptions for military history, masterpieces of science fiction, signed first editions, and signed modern classics.
Folio Society
Based in the UK, The Folio Society focuses on the artistry of bookmaking. Their books feature specially commissioned illustrations, unique bindings, and thoughtful design. They don’t have a single, uniform look like Easton Press, which means each book is a unique work of art tailored to the story it contains.
The quality of Folio Society books is exceptional. But it is their design and illustrations on the cover and throughout the book that have earned them a reputation. Besides the high-quality materials used, most of their books are sold in a sturdy slipcase to protect them. The price for their standard editions is comparable to Easton Press, but their limited editions can reach very high prices, making them a more exclusive and targeted collecting option.
Franklin Mint / Franklin Library
The Franklin Mint (and its book division, the Franklin Library) was a major player in the collector’s book market from the 1970s until it ceased operations in 2000. Their books are very similar in style to Easton Press, with leather bindings, gilded pages, and gold-stamped designs.
Since they are no longer in business, Franklin Library books are only available on the secondary market (eBay, rare book dealers, etc.). The quality of their older editions is highly regarded, with many collectors noting the thicker paper and sturdier construction of books from the 1970s and 80s. However, the quality reportedly dipped in the 1990s before the company closed. Prices can vary dramatically based on the title, condition, and edition. Even though they are no longer in business, you can easily find just about any classic title for a reasonable price. I purchase most of my Franklin Library books on eBay.
Other Notable Publishers
- Barnes & Noble: Known for its “Leatherbound Classics” series, Barnes & Noble offers a very affordable entry point into collecting elegant books. While they have a leather look, they are typically bound in bonded leather, which is a mix of real and synthetic materials. The pages are also perfect-bound rather than Smyth-sewn. The quality is lower than Easton Press or Folio Society, but the price is much more accessible. These are great for someone who wants to start a collection that looks good on a shelf without a large investment.
- Canterbury Classics: Similar to Barnes & Noble, Canterbury Classics also offers a line of affordable, flexible leather-bound books. They are known for their colorful designs and are also perfect-bound with bonded leather, making them more of a decorative book than a true collector’s item.
Ready to build a library?
For those that appreciate more than just the words in a book, having a collection of classic leatherbound books is rewarding. For me, sitting in a room full of books like this while drinking my coffee has somewhat the same effect as the sound of rain. It’s relaxing and makes the room more enjoyable to be in.
If you have never watched the process of a book being made by hand, you should check out the video below. While most books today use special machines for most of this process, there are some bookmakers still out there. When you see how much work goes into making a book, you have more appreciation for it. Maybe someday I’ll add a few handmade books to my collection… but until then, I’ll continue adding collectors books from some of my favorite publishers.
Questions and Answers
What’s the difference between a “collector’s edition” and a regular book?
A collector’s edition is a high-quality book made with superior materials and craftsmanship for its durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal. It’s often bound with genuine leather, uses acid-free paper, and features Smyth-sewn binding. Regular books, like paperbacks, use cheaper materials and techniques such as wood-pulp paper and perfect binding, making them less durable and more mass-produced.
How can I tell if a classic book is well-made?
Look for specific features that indicate quality. A well-made book typically has Smyth-sewn binding (the book lies flat when open), a sturdy cover made of genuine leather, and acid-free paper that won’t yellow over time. Additional touches like gilded page edges, a ribbon marker, and raised bands on the spine are also signs of a quality, elegant book.
Where should I go to buy a classic book?
Easton Press is well-known for its consistent style, featuring genuine leather, 22kt gold gilding, and Smyth-sewn binding. Folio Society is celebrated for its unique artistry, custom illustrations, and sturdy slipcases. Franklin Library books, while no longer in production, are highly regarded on the secondary market for their quality. For more affordable options, look at the Barnes & Noble “Leatherbound Classics” and Canterbury Classics series.
What’s the difference between Smyth-sewn and perfect binding?
Smyth-sewn binding involves stitching each group of pages (signatures) together with thread before they are attached to the spine. This method makes the book stronger and allows it to lay flat when open without pages coming loose. Perfect binding, which is more common for mass-market books, involves simply gluing the pages directly to the spine. This is a faster and cheaper process but is far less durable.
Do all elegant books have leather covers?
No, not all elegant books have a full leather cover. While genuine leather is a hallmark of high-end books, many are bound in other materials. Some fine books use half-bound or quarter-bound styles, where leather is used only on the spine and corners. Other publishers, like Folio Society, may use various high-quality materials and unique designs, making the cover a work of art in its own right. Some affordable versions use bonded leather or leatherette, which are manufactured to look like leather but aren’t as durable.