Dust Jackets

[Shawn Rawls]

Is it just me, or are DJs the ugliest thing on the planet? Ever take one off and realize the book beneath is beautifully bound? I am prone to throwing them away to expose the embossed spine in all its glory. Am I crazy ?

[Eric JB]

I only know that over the years good books are worth more with the original dust jacket than without it.

[Shawn Rawls]

Very true. I wouldn't do it to a collector's book. Just a regular reading history book looks great w/o.

[pasoleati]

As to your question, I think you are Seriously, if you wish to keep your books in best possible condition despite regular reading, keep the jackets on as without them grease and sweat from your hands will soon be absorbed by the covers ruining them permanently. Do also remember that quite often considerable effort has been made to create the dustjacket art itself.

[Michael Fay]

You must keep the dust jackets

While you are correct that books in their utilitarian pure form are beautiful examples of an earlly media information retreival technology,
The dust jacket served a purpose at first to keep dust off the beautiful newly bound book.
But as an antique Book collector, woe unto the one who throws away a just jacket. Truly, as others have noted a dust jacket adds greatly to price.
And depending on the Dust jacket, some exremley beautiful art has been allocated only to many dust jackets.
It is always amazing how there is varaint art designs on the dust jacket versus the cover itself or the inside.

[Mark C. Yerger]

I use clear mylar covers over the just jacket. Stays mint.

[pasoleati]

Mark, which brand do you use? I use Gaylord´s 2 mil polyester untabbed jackets. Sometimes 1.5 mil variety too. Highly recommended practice. These jackets already saved the slightly worn dj of the Jap. Cruiser bible.

[Steve P]

Hey Shawn, I understand your point completely, but the book retins it's value (esp collectables) when you keep the DJ...so maybe keep the DJ & put the book on the shelf without...

Hi Mark,

Where do you get the Mylar covers mate? Can they be purchased anywhere online in standard sizes or???

[pasoleati]

Steve, go to www.gaylord.com There you can find all you need. These jackets are available in 3 thicknesses and in multiple sizes.

[Steve P]

Thanks Pasoleati

[Shawn Rawls]

Sounds like a good plan. I'll pick some up this week. Thanks for the link

[stahlhelm47]

I use clear mylar covers over the just jacket. Stays mint.

I use Brodart covers, archival quality. Every book in my collection has one on the jacket. I always try to buy a book with a jacket than without one. Even willing to pay more for one with a jacket. It's like the decal on the helmet...A helmet is a helmet, but have a decal on it and the value goes up. Some of the books from the late 40's and 50's have extremely beautiful DJ's and the even look better with a cover on it.
A well protected jacket enhances the future value of your book.

http://www.shopbrodart.com/site_pages/bjc/
Pete