I'm feeling fair chuffed with myself. Here's why. About 33 years ago, I bought a pack of 'Heritage Library' book covers, the purpose of which was to transform paperbacks into hardbacks and thereby make them look more impressive on one's bookshelf. I duly performed the operation - which involved removing the backing from the adhesive interiors of the covers and inserting the books - on three or four paperbacks I had.
The results were not quite so impressive as I'd imagined and I immediately regretted my rash action. Too late, alas - the new covers couldn't be removed from the books without inflicting major damage, so I just had to live with them. One of the volumes was a paperback of The Wind In The Willows, which I vaguely noticed was now the precise dimensions of an actual hardback edition of the book I also possessed, but it was to be quite some time before my mighty brain 'joined the dots' and came up with a rescue plan.
Anyway, to cut a long story to a slightly shorter (but still too long) one, the other day I rediscovered said transformed book and decided to restore it to some semblance of normality. I dug out my copy of the 'genuine' hardback and scanned the dustjacket, and then printed off a replica of it, resulting in a perfect fit for the compromised edition. All I need do now is obtain a clear protective sleeve for the dustjacket, and the book's integrity will be fully restored.
Don't believe me? See for yourself in the accompanying photos. Not a bad job at all, if I say so myself.
Very ingenious but I'm wondering why you had both a paperback and a hardback Wind In The Willows.I've never heard of those stick-on hardback covers before. These days I try not to buy paperbacks if possible- if I can't get the hardback of something I buy the digital version although last week I bought an ebook version of a novel even though the hardback was in Tesco the same day.
ReplyDeleteVery simple, Colin - I collect different editions of TWITW and have many different paperback and hardback copies of the book. I don't think those stick-on hardback covers were much of a success - I can't recall ever seeing them again once I'd bought a pack.
ReplyDeleteAnother great tip is to cover all your precious books with leftover wallpaper remnants.It not only protects,but also adds a bit of colour to your collection.
ReplyDeleteWorked a treat with all my old school jotters.
Also think of the money you`ll save.
You can thank me later,once you`ve recovered from your swooning fit. :)
Just so long as you don't paste the wallpaper remnants onto the books, Moony - otherwise you'd be stuck with them - literally.
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