Why do people buy these Penguin Clothbound Classics?

[@Emmareads15]

Yeah, it's a well known issue, all of the printing rubs off and if you remove the label it all comes off with that too, but they all have the labels on them. My friend works in textiles and he told me if you spray it with hairspray before you read it, that should seal the pattern in and it won't wear off in the same way, He did his and it worked.

[@GuiltyFeat]

If I need to spray something that costs 16.99 with hairspray, I feel like that's something the publisher could have done before selling the book in the first place.

[@Emmareads15]

@@GuiltyFeat I completely agree with that, it's why I avoid them, but just if anyone wanted advice on how to help keep them looking OK, I thought I'd share

[@markok4086]

Reading is not an object.

[@josephromance3908]

@@markok4086 But books are.

[@JohnGeometresMaximos]

@@GuiltyFeat Hello. Thank you for the video. How is the spine/binding? I "dress" all my clothbound books with nylon so I don't really mind the fading.

[@nicolasrumpf761]

If I go for hardback I tend to buy everymans...I love how it looks on the shelf and the quality is wayyy better

[@GuiltyFeat]

I like the look of the Everyman series but the paper is very thin and they're all a bit too same-y.

[@fabrizioaiello]

I'm the same, acid free paper and beautiful books.

[@LisaOfTroy]

I had the exact same issue. I bought one cloth-bound Penguin Classic--it was Alice in Wonderland with the flamingos. After reading it one time, the flamingos were worn off. I posted a picture on Twitter with the damage, asking if that was normal. Apparently, yes! After that, I have never purchased another one. All of the books that I buy, I want to actually read so it isn't a good combination for what I am looking for. I usually end up buying a paperback Penguin Classic or Modern Penguin Classic where I also will annotate.

[@GuiltyFeat]

Exactly this. Thanks!

[@eaonwalkker3597]

That’s the same one I bought and not only did paint off the white cloth got so dirty so quickly just from being on a shelf.

[@PatriciaCrabtree-wm8xd]

Am mentally pushing all the books on my bed aside to make room for Vanity Fair.

[@GuiltyFeat]

You need a lot of space, but it's worth it.

[@georgiam4576]

You are wrong, you are certainly the kind of person to influence someone like me to read Vanity Fair. I've got a beautiful Folio Society copy I was given as a present years ago but was never tempted to crack it open before. Will certainly do so now! Andvyour review of the clothbound penguins is spot on. The rubbing off of the font is a well known issue.

[@GuiltyFeat]

It definitely seems like I'm not the first to notice the problem with those editions!

[@Anna-wh1zn]

I have about a dozen of the Penguin Clothbound Classics because I think they are beautiful, but I've decided not to buy anymore for all the reasons you mentioned. I was reading one of them just last month and it was so tightly bound that I could barely get it to open. I read the whole book opened at about a 45 degree angle and had to strain my hands the whole time to keep it open even that much. It just wouldn't loosen up. Add to that, the worry of the cover being so easily ruined and it made for a very uncomfortable reading experience. I love a beautiful book but in some ways you just can't beat a comfortable, worn out, used paperback. It's like putting on a soft pair of old beat up slippers. 😉

[@GuiltyFeat]

Love that analogy! Yes. So pleased I'm not alone.

[@dannySG61]

Seems that I'm not alone. I just bought this clothbound Confessions by Saint Augustine. Yeah, it's beautiful to look at, but boy! It's so hard to keep it open as the binding is just so stiff. And I dare not force it open too hard for fear of splitting the binding. Will not buy another of these for sure.

[@nightspore4850]

There is something unbelievably tacky about a hardbound book without a sewn binding. It’s just a paperback with delusions of grandeur. There was even a time when Dover used to sew its paperbacks. Quality is going down, but fortunately not from every publisher.

[@GuiltyFeat]

I'm not even sure if the problem was with the binding. It was more about the quality of printing on the cloth cover.

[@eaonwalkker3597]

@@GuiltyFeat All Penguin’s “clothbound classics” are like this. The cloth gets dirty quckly and the printing rubs off after a single reading. Cheap garbage, and even before you get to the cheap glued binding.

[@EyewitnessHistoryChannel]

​@@GuiltyFeat The binding is a secondary issue by comparison to the cover fading problem. However those glued bindings likely won't have the lifespan of the sewn bindings. Not to mention the Clothbounds have rather tight bindings.

[@EyewitnessHistoryChannel]

​@@eaonwalkker3597At least the Penguin translations are top notch.

[@eaonwalkker3597]

@@EyewitnessHistoryChannel That’s true: A lot of them are my favourites.

[@jimrowley7652]

Well I think they look great and if they’re a bit worn after reading that’s also the beauty of them!!

[@GuiltyFeat]

I hear you, and to each their own.

[@piratesa6123]

Everymans Library and Library of America laughing in the corner

[@markoneill7657]

I’m glad someone else feels this way. These editions are heavy and unpleasant to hold, etc. I wish they were lots better!

[@GuiltyFeat]

Me too. Thanks.

[@vesch5083]

I don't buy the Penguin cloth bound because they are not durable enough. There are so many other nice editions to choose from

[@GuiltyFeat]

Exactly this, yes!

[@Old_Scot]

This is why (if I'm buying a classic in hardback) I tend towards the Everyman Classics. The design is quite dull, but they are sewn in and made of acid-free paper. They don't offer the same "eye candy" value on the shelf, but I mostly buy books to read. If a cover is particularly damaged, I have acid-free A3 paper which I can cover it with. I've heard other booktubers mention this issue with Penguin Clothbound Classics, but thank you for going into it in more detail. PS: You have encouraged me to read Vanity Fair, for what it's worth!

[@andrewbailey9124]

Totally agree. Everyman Classics all day long. Sown in pages and ribbon bookmarks and there are now numerous editions with original artwork on the dust jackets. I will never buy another penguin Clothbound again although the paperback Penguin classics and the deluxe editions are another matter.

[@GuiltyFeat]

I find the Everyman Classics also priced on the high side and they use very thin paper, right? How are them with notes and other supplementary material?

[@Old_Scot]

@@GuiltyFeat They are a wee bit expensive, but they last a lifetime. I have some from the 1990s and they're still pristine. I think the paper is a nice weight. I find their introductions are more likely to be written by authors than academics, but that's not such an issue for me. Just checked Dostoevsky's Notes From A Dead House, which I bought recently with birthday money. Translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, introduction by Richard Pevear. I wouldn't call myself a book collector - if I buy something I intend to read it, although we can all get distracted. So my priorities differ from yours, but I would say definitely check them out if you see any on the second hand market or in charity shops.

[@jadedoldguy]

For what it’s worth, the Everyman Classics have relatively recently changed to a glued binding for the releases underneath a certain page count. At the moment I cannot recall that number, but there is at least one video here on YT addressing this point. Their issue of “David Copperfield” would be sewn, but, for example, Camus’ “The Stranger” would be glued. Shame, really. Just FYI.

[@Old_Scot]

@@jadedoldguy That's depressing. But another reason to buy books from a physical shop so I can examine them!

[@GenWivern2]

On Vanity Fair, it really is one of the great English novels, isn't it? Always a pleasure to hear someone extolling its virtues, because somehow the book rarely seems to be given due prominence by the online reading community. Now, on bindings, this copy sounds like a prime candidate for a homemade dustcover - standard practice for me in the case of those Macmillan pocket editions with the horrible powder blue bookcloth which appears to have been designed to attract dirt. The main selling point for those is that they are sewn - unlike a lot of trade hardbacks which are effectively perfect bound softcovers glued into a stiff case - and likely to be fit for multiple re-readings. If these Penguins are similarly well made, yes I'd consider them, but only for books that are likely to get an abnormal amount of use, and they'd get a brown paper wrapper straight away. That said, I'd check AbeBooks for Folio Society copies first, which often go for a song.

[@boxoweasels]

The Penguin clothbounds are NOT sewn. They do seem to have a somewhat higher grade of paper than the standard black spine Penguins, but yeah, other than that they're basically a paperback with a cheap cardboard and cloth cover. For stuff written in english I'd always pick LoA or Everyman's or Modern Library instead. With translated works, you may not have any other options if you want a specific translation.

[@GuiltyFeat]

I'll stick mostly to affordable second-hand paperbacks, I think.

[@SaraIsReading]

I can't stand the feel of the clothbound classics covers. I haven't gone beyond that! I am now collecting Everyman for classic literature, second hand where possible (like the majority of my books). I love the Everyman's simplicity, their covers with or without dust jackets feel fine, the slightly off-white pages are pleasant on the eye, and the books seem to be well made.

[@GuiltyFeat]

I liked the look and even the feel of the clothbound classics, but they just don't hold up to the reading experience.

[@pauldavies7746]

I have one of the Clothbound classics. My issue is with the barcode sticker on the back. Try taking it off, and you're left with residue from the glue on the cloth. Not great for a premium product.

[@GuiltyFeat]

I'm hearing that a lot.

[@aaronfacer]

I'm right with you on this one. I think I prefer the feel (and the relative durability) of a Penguin Classic anyway!

[@GuiltyFeat]

For me it's like the question of your favourite Bond movie. It's usually the first one you saw in the cinema. I like the old Penguin Classics the same way I like The Spy Who Loved Me.

[@NovelFindsByKassi]

I've bought them from Ebay and Thrift Books. I like the way they look on my shelf and I try to just buy the ones I have already read so that it's a little treat to go on my book shelf rather than something I purchase to read.

[@GuiltyFeat]

Totally legit. They function perfectly as ornaments, less well as books.

[@NovelFindsByKassi]

@@GuiltyFeat Agreed. I've heard that the print inside is pretty decent. Since you posted this, I see that some are recommending hair spray to help keep the outside looking nice. I'm going to go ahead and try that out in case it works!

[@AaronReadABook]

I bought the complete Jane Austen in these as they were on offer for a steal, the first one I read the cover rubbed off. So yes, these are now not reading copies for me, I was hoping they had improved since then as there are some beautiful ones in the shops.

[@GuiltyFeat]

I'm so pleased to hear that I am not the only one to have noticed. As a set to admire on the shelf, I'm sure they look gorgeous, but I would definitely need additional reading copies. Cheers.

[@kathleena4038]

I bought that same Austen set as a gift for someone….so yikes, 🤦‍♀️, this is disappointing news!

[@linabenedict633]

I wonder if the sprays I use to set my watercolor paintings would seal the cover print that is rubbing off? I will try that and see if that protects the paint that comes off!

[@dandelves]

Chiltern are good quality but a little small. Have you heard of them?

[@GuiltyFeat]

No, I'm not familiar at all. do you have a link?

[@catfishm.1361]

What is your opinion on leather backed books?

[@GuiltyFeat]

They don't do anything special for me. We had an entire leather-bound set of Dickens, novels and everything else, in the house growing up that I always believed I would eventually come to own. Then my parents downsized from our family home and a man in a van came from Hay-on-Wye to collect the lot for free. I was OK with it.

[@curioushmm9027]

i did think you were the kind of mammal who'd love becky sharpe..and i'm glad you are...loved your review of penguin classic hard covers.

[@GuiltyFeat]

I love that there are still new things to love. Thanks.

[@curioushmm9027]

@@GuiltyFeat may they never end!

[@oliverreeves5637]

Same experience here. Horrible quality. I received for my birthday Monte Cristo, Metamorphoses and Huckleberry Finn. All of the cover and spine started rubbing off on every single one. Had to read them holding on to the edges of the books avoiding the artwork and title.

[@GuiltyFeat]

It's so distracting, right? They should just have tried to make them better.

[@jesusdelcanto9715]

I own the Tales of 1001 nights and is gorgeous but the printing certainly rubbed off quickly. The translation is the Malcolm and Ursula Lyons' one , really acclaimed as one of the best. It's so sad the poor quality.

[@GuiltyFeat]

I would like to get a good edition of the Tales, but I won't be buying the Clothbound Classics version.

[@jesusdelcanto9715]

@@GuiltyFeat I think there is a paperback version of the anthology. If not, you can go for the full edition in 3 books. I also suggest the Hussain Haddawy's translation, of the oldest syrian manuscript.

[@GuiltyFeat]

@@jesusdelcanto9715 Thanks, it's on my list.

[@kl-ge9bg]

The Oxford Classics paperback of Vanity Fair has (some of?) the original drawings, although the font looks a bit archaic. For these clothbound Penguins, if the paperback Penguin Classics version has some artwork (I'm thinking of the original sketches that accompany the Penguin version of Dickens), would the clothbound editions include them?

[@GuiltyFeat]

Just went to check and other than a facsimile of the original frontispiece there are no other illustrations in the Clothbound Classic edition of Vanity Fair.

[@nicholashill9302]

Making money!! Decorative item. Enough said.

[@clairebott1539]

All you need to do is make a paper jacket for the penguin clothbound classics to use while you are actually reading it. Xxx

[@GuiltyFeat]

Yeah... no.

[@josephromance3908]

The issue of fading of the cover doesn't bother me much. The issue is the way the book spine holds up and the print doesn't fade.

[@wbbartlett]

I'm sure there are some species that can hear sounds this quiet.

[@GuiltyFeat]

Please put me in touch with them so I can boost my subscriber numbers. Cheers.

[@xx011]

This is one reason why I wish booktubers showed the physical book (if they have it) more and more in detail. We don't have much variation in book types and (imo) quality where I live. So it's easy to figure out the details of a book. But I have once or twice wanted to buy a book that is not available here and tried to figure out the size, quality and overall feel of the book by checking out youtube reviews. It wasn't successful. Since they are talking about a book and have the video format available for showcasing it I wish booktubers would hold the book, turn it this way and that way, open it, browse it. And now, when shitty glue binding is normal in expensive hardcovers, I think it would be helpful for some to see the binding too. It doesn't even need to be specifically explaining it, just handling the book so online shoppers get a feel of what it is like - just like you did in this video! We often want to show others beautiful things, post an angled picture of the golden shiny print instead of showing how one usually sees it: reflecting light so that it's hard to read the words on the cover. Or like in this collection's case: how the cover holds smudges and the beautiful art fades in one read. Sorry for the long comment, perhaps it's not a topic creators feel paying attention to but I haven't voiced these thoughts before and this might as well be the place I did 🤷🏼

[@GuiltyFeat]

It's a great point. I happen to be someone who only reads physical books. I buy books both new and secondhand in paperback and hardback, so I understand the difference between a product that works and one that falls apart. These Clothbound Classics just do not hold up as a premium product, in my opinion and are not worth the extra money they cost to purchase. I would rather buy 3-4 beaten up old paperback classics than one of these at full hardback price.

[@t0dd000]

I have one Penguin Clothbound novel. It's shelf candy. I think if i ever buy more, I think I will buy a used, well-worn, copy ... Because they are still beautiful and the anxiety of "ruining" them is past.

[@janetsmith8566]

The penguin clothbound are terrible editions! I’m so disappointed in them and I’m glad that I only bought three. I got rid of two because I don’t want them rubbing off on me or anything else and it looks crappy on the shelf. I did keep one because I do love The story and want a copy of that, but I’m just shocked at the poor production values involved with those.

[@GuiltyFeat]

The most intriguing thing about this has been finding out how many people already knew what I just discovered. How are these things still selling when every customer to date has identified the flaws in the product? Thanks for sharing!

[@janetsmith8566]

@@GuiltyFeat it’s a mystery!!

[@tumblyhomecarolinep7121]

I don’t like the cloth bound so much, they don’t feel nice either. But I do love the Penguin Deluxe Classics that have amazing art, deckled edges and beautiful paper.

[@GuiltyFeat]

I try to buy my classics seconds hand, and I don't see a lot of those Deluxe editions going cheap.

[@vernalbug]

I agree. I wanted to read Anna Karenina but it was only available in clothbound. I think people know these editions aren't good and buy the paperbacks making them frequently sold out.

[@GuiltyFeat]

That's why I love eBay. You can usually find a decent secondhand copy in an sturdier looking edition for under a fiver.

[@tracygregory8448]

My theory is that I have the Brontë ones and this adds a kind of faded elegance I don’t mind, plus I paid a good price for them. Because of this issue however I will only buy ones I really like just occasionally, because after all, the penguin classics are nearly as pricey and not much cheaper. Still a solid choice for me are the Everyman, these have everything going for them, no downsides and a good price

[@GuiltyFeat]

I find I can buy second hand copies of Penguin Classics at very affordable prices.

[@ravnaroks6469]

I was originally looking up "clothbound classics" just bc i wanted to see the size of them as I was about to buy ulysses for my birthday, and then came upon dozens of videos saying how terrible they were, and I'm so glad I opened one of the videos! I am actually shocked that they can't even maintain their designs when that's the no 1 reason people buy them. I will definitely not be purchasing one (they are much more expensive than 16£ here, btw), im so glad you saved me that money and disappointment.

[@GuiltyFeat]

Happy to have provided that public service.

[@PatriciaCrabtree-wm8xd]

Thriftbooks sent me a Franklin Library leather and gold seven dollar Vanity Fair. A little heavy, sure. Planning to inhabit the text for about three weeks at the speed of three chapters a day. Expect to enjoy it as much as you said I would. Am combining it with Downtown My Manhattan by Pete Hamill. The other vanity fair a hundred years later. Thanks for the push.

[@GuiltyFeat]

Let me know how you get on with Vanity Fair. I think it's well worth the investment of your time.

[@PatriciaCrabtree-wm8xd]

@@GuiltyFeat I love being with Miss Sharp. My favorite quote this morning is "I can see through her schemes, as though she told them to me;.. " Am tempted to laugh out loud to myself as Becky would do.

[@lindagal60]

I wonder if you are supposed to use those put on and take off book covers while you are reading them?

[@GuiltyFeat]

I don't think they're removable.

[@xx011]

I found this video through "These books weren't made for reading" on Marian H's channel and there some commenter said theirs started to fade in their tote bag on the way back from the store.. So I think these are very easily distrubed and even a put-on cover's movement might rub off the paint? I guess it would be better, taking at least the factor of sweaty hands out :D

[@LanceSecretaria]

love looking at these at bookstores but they're definitely not in the quality you would expect from the price tag

[@GuiltyFeat]

Agreed. I can't see myself every paying full retail for one of them.

[@LanceSecretaria]

@@GuiltyFeat i only got one, don quixote. bought it for 10 since it was remaindered

[@kurjan1]

Why I only buy Folio Society or Easton Press. I favour Folio Society mostly because of the art and they are English; being in Australia they are easy to get. However, American classics I will always opt for Easton Press if I can. They are unfortunately difficult and extremely expensive to get out of the states. Just on cleaning books like that mark you showed... I use Johnson & Johnson baby wipes. The ones that a free of everything. Very light dabbing or slight wipe usually does the trick. Just need to be careful not to get the book too wet.

[@GuiltyFeat]

Excellent advice, thank you.

[@waltera13]

This is a real problem with Penguin. All of their newer editions are of poor quality. At *least* since the lovely black spine livery returned. That older penguin you found from the 70s - 90s is of better quality paper and binding than the corresponding overpriced PB from today, let alone those thin covered, quickly worn away novelty HB's you pay more for. Strictly for the Young Adult book decor crowd.

[@GuiltyFeat]

Novelty HBs! What a crazy marketing plan.

[@waltera13]

@@GuiltyFeat When you think about it, Penguin has been working a NUMBER of novelty marketing plans for YEARS now! In fact, they were one of two publishers who pioneered the move to trade PB's from Mass Market PB's back in the 90's just to raise the cover price! When you think about it, aren't *all* HB's novelty marketing?

[@bethanybrookes8479]

Most of the penguins I have access to are my parents old copies from the 80s-00s. And they're still in good quality. Some of the penguins I have access to are even older than that, and once again are still good quality. I have a clothbound copy of Heidi from, like, the 40s or 50s (1950 at the latest idk when it was published but I do know when it was gifted to my gran) and it's not penguin, but it's still fantastic quality and condition. The cloth may be saturated in oils from people's hands (it was given to my gran when she was 8, and then to me when I was 8. Children have greasy hands) but it's still holding up fantastically and you can still see the printed pattern on the cover so well. Heck, even the paper, tho a little torn along the edges and slightly dog eared (my gran doesn't use bookmarks and im pretty sure she never has), is still good. I wish newer books could be made with this quality. I wanna be able to pass these books onto younger generations and newer readers. But I fear with so many I won't be able to because they're just. Falling apart right off the shelf almost. (Although I'm not gonna pass on that copy of Heidi unless I end up with an 8 year old relative to pass it onto when im old who would cherish it as much as I do)

[@christinesmith3991]

Like most on here, I find the Clothbound Classics hugely over rated. Have been collecting SE of the classics for a while now and, compared to what else is out there, these Penguin editions are over priced and (IMO) not even that attractive. Apart from the same issue everyone else has with rubbing and fading, my copy of Persuasion in this set needs replacing because the author/title is completely blurred and barely legible. Intend to read Vanity Fair this year so thanks for the review. Bit miffed about the Penguin surveys - been doing them for years and got zilch in return, so well done on that.

[@GuiltyFeat]

It's this site here - my-bookmarks.co.uk/ - I can't tell you how long I've been a member, but it was as much a surprise to me to get the email!

[@m.gorssa]

These clothbound editions are mostly aesthetical and that is their selling point. I do only own one for this exact reason (Frankenstein), however I do like it, the selection of texts in it is good. However, when reading it, I do wrap this type of book in DIY a dust jacket. The glue, however, for me holds just fine.

[@GuiltyFeat]

Sound advice, that already feels like too much work. I just want a book to function as a book. I don't want to have to add anything to make it do the one simple thing it is supposed to.

[@m.gorssa]

@@GuiltyFeat Fully agree, the purpose of this certain edition is just to look pretty on the shelf.

[@VengaboysRbackINtown]

Hmm….think that I may steer clear of the Penguin Clothbound Classics then.

[@GuiltyFeat]

I haven't yet found anyone to make a strong case for them other than ornamental.

[@bethanybrookes8479]

I tried holding on in a bookstore, just to see how they felt to hold. And honestly? Some of the least comfortable clothbound books out there. I wanna be able to, you know, comfortably hold the book I'm reading. Paperbacks tend to give the most information but I do sometimes pick up new hardbacks cause I wanna read the story and it's not had paperback release yet or there just isn't a paperback option in English (I do read manga and sometimes they just have the special release card hardbacks of some series. Rose of versailles for example, I've never come across an English paperback version of that.)

[@GuiltyFeat]

Yes, I just can’t see a case for these editions.

[@Hidinginyourcupboard]

I don’t care for those editions at all. They look like a GCSE project to me!

[@GuiltyFeat]

I come from a time before GCSEs. We never had anything like this for O-Levels.

[@paula30979]

You’ve convinced me to dust off my copy of Vanity Fair 👍

[@GuiltyFeat]

It's good enough to deserve your attention.

[@parker-lonzy650]

The biggest problem is the bookmark breaks.

[@GuiltyFeat]

Not sure that's the biggest problem, but I hear you.

[@shawnweaver7797]

you said it, "its a treat"

[@GuiltyFeat]

Absolutely!

[@tinderbox218]

Way too much bass and table-proximity echo in your audio. You could really use a separate microphone instead of relying on your camera mic.

[@GuiltyFeat]

You're right, of course. Thanks.

[@tinderbox218]

@@GuiltyFeat Good video though, I forgot to say 👍 Hate the poorly printed books. Guess we know now why they're giving them away and putting them on sale.

[@turtleanton6539]

Y not

[@kristinmarra7005]

Sorry you didn’t love Bleak House. I’ve read it 3 times…obviously I love it. Not Vanity Fair lover…it was fine.

[@kristinmarra7005]

I’ve read them both in Oxford editions cuz used bookstores

[@GuiltyFeat]

Right now I'm finding Dickens more mannered than Trollope. Dickens is always going for the gag or the sentiment. Trollope seems more willing to let his characters feel human.

[@adamejialainez4461]

We all know that happen. But their are collecting books. There arw not for every day use.

[@GuiltyFeat]

It certainly seems that way.

[@eaonwalkker3597]

Penguin’s only making books for people who like to leave them unread on the shelf for years now.

[@GuiltyFeat]

I don't think that was the plan for this line of products, but the quality just isn't there in my opinion.

[@eaonwalkker3597]

Maybe it wasn’t their intention, but it’s what they did, because of the quality of their books is terrible.

[@hollyb118]

Omg, your intro! 😂

[@GuiltyFeat]

Er... thanks?

[@turtleanton6539]

Goodpoints😊

[@in6087]

Penguin has a deal on these days of 3 for £33, which is not a bad price for 3 hardback classic books

[@genesis_bustamante]

Turn up the volume of your video, for the love of Yahweh.

[@GuiltyFeat]

Speak up, I can't hear you.

[@abesapien9930]

I bought 1,001 Nights and almost instantly regretted it. The finish is already coming off, paper feels cheap, and the translation is horrible. No music or elegance in the style--just a hard, straight translation, like a signaler translating Morse Code. Stay away!

[@GuiltyFeat]

Thanks for the tip. What is the definitive edition/translation I should look for?

[@plainvoince501]

everymans classics are the superior hardbacks for classics, way better than this penguin clothbound bs

[@brianhaas1154]

Penguin Clothbound = 🗑️. The stickers fall off whenever you barely touch them!

[@GuiltyFeat]

It all ends up being a bit shoddy which is a term I have never associated with Penguin before.

[@johnford6967]

Right! very unforunate

[@GuiltyFeat]

Thank you!

[@maresewalsh]

Your diction is really low and too difficult to listen to....sorry!

[@GuiltyFeat]

No need for you to apologize. I'm sorry this was a chore for you.

[@lissy6583]

Not only do the covers rub off, the paper quality is very poor and the glued binding is the cheapest and lowest quality method of binding a book. They are simply fake posh books. Even if I did not want to handle or read a book and only display it, I would not choose these books as they are super low quality with fancy covers; something about that combination puts me right off. I would rather just have a cheap book that looks like a cheap book. For real high quality and beautiful books much better to buy from the Folio Society. Ebay and direct from the Folio Society website are where I Iook to build my collection.