Andre Norton Forum

Re: Dust Jackets(Wrappers, Covers, or Whatever)

: : Joe is correct in that all the Hard cover editions, save BALEFUL BEASTS came out with Jackets.

: : I posted an article on Protecting your collection on

: : http://www.andre-norton.org/

: : It includes the address & phone numbers (computer addresses) of a few dealers who specialize in Book protection. : : These include Brodart - who will charge about $5 for 25 covers of any one size.

: : I suggest purchasing 3 sizes, in a style that you prefer. I usually pay the extra few cents for the 'long' lengths, and order sizes of 8, 9 and 10 inches high. The style that I prefer is clear on the front & has a center slit in the backing paper. This makes it easy to fold down the clear part to exactly fit the book. I never have to fold down more than .75 inch.

: : The old books take an 8 inch cover, and many new books need about 9.5 inches.

: : I usually replace the dust jacket protector on the X-library copies in my collection. I usually find that the jacket protectors have become dirty, through use, and the nice new jacket feels better.

: Irene, : I have read your very fine article. My question remains--There are dealers on ABE listing (Dust Jacket only-No Book) for sale..are these worth buying for my Hardbacks that have no Dust Jacket? Some of these are fairly expensive ($15.00) But for books that I only paid .25 to $1.00 might these be a good investment? Or are there people out there who sell facsimilie reproductions of book dust jackets for reasonable prices? Colorful jackets would look so much nicer on my shelf.

: Joe, Thanks for the information about "Baleful.." So the Gregg Press reprints of the softcover originals do have Jackets?

: Irene, While we are on the subject of Hardcover and Softcover. Could you please list the Norton titles that have NEVER appeared in Hardcover. I noticed that SFBC has done The Magestone and Catfantastic has been Hardcopied(a little pun there) along with all those hard-to-find Greg Press Titles. Thanks--Paul

May I offer a caution. If you buy a dust/jacket or wrapper from a dealer, ask if it is from an exlibrary book. Some are being offered currently and are frequently price cut. That is, the corner of the dust jacket flap has the price clipped. I have managed at library sales to pick up some fairly good dust jackets but removing library labels from the bottom of the jacket spine is a fine art. Nail polish remover (non-oily) sometimes works but try it first on another book you don't care about. Richard Frahm