Thank you for showing me both options without me having to do the work. Like many others I store them with covers on but read the with covers off. I do have to admit that they do look great both ways!
I like seeing them with the dust jackets but when I do remove them it's when I an reading the book so I won't ruin the illustrations which are just gorgeous and adds a bit of character. Can't wait for your new book video! Have a good week💙
I love the look of books beter without them, but never ever can I bring myself to remove it and actually *throw it away*. I wouldn't know what to do with them and think they are a part of the book anyway so I leave them on. But nothing gets my heart going like a shelf as you presented it in the end. A library like that would be my dream (giving the feel of the library from Beauty and the Beast).
I want to remove my book jackets but I guess I'm afraid of commitment? I can't bring myself to toss them or store them away. Like you said, it's like "part of the book" and I can't separate them even though I like the appeal of the non jacket bookshelf more
I really love the dust jackets. My spouse had removed all the covers from his books when I met him, and none of those books lasted/survived. They aged really poorly, whereas my covered books aged really well.
Interesting video! Never thought of showcasing my collection without the dust jackets. I think it's more of a practical thing; where to store the jackets safely than? I do like both looks equally but will keep the dust jackets on just because they are so beautiful. I can only think of one book (not of Tolkien) where I threw it away but that was because it had the same design as the cover and it was more practical. PS: I just recieved my copy of the Nature of Middle Earth and it's so beautiful. I really do like the colours and the artwork. I also took a quick peek through the book and so many interesting topics. Unbelievable that Tolkien thought of all these things. Just goes to show of how detailed Middle Earth really is.
With dust jackets. Although I like the look of both, for me the dust jacket is as much a part of the book as the binding and pages and they're designed with the intention of being displayed, not discarded or hidden away in a drawer. I cover all my dust jackets using (removable) paper-backed clearsleeve protective film to stop them getting damaged - it's amazing how easily a dust jacket can pick up scuffs and creases even from minor handling if unprotected. Saying that, unlike a previous poster, I don't remove the dust jackets when reading - the protection seems tough enough to cope with it and I actually like the feel of reading a book with the jacket on for some reason, even though it would probably be simpler to take it off!
i only just now bought the hardcover edition of children of hurin - and that glossy dust jacket really stands out between all the others. wish that wouldn’t bother me so much haha i keep all the dust jackets on, i much prefer the colorful look!
Hang in there! The bother will pass soon :) Happened to me too the first time I put Beren and Luthien and The Fall of Gondolin next to it. Now it's blended together with the rest and not so noticeable.
In Brazil all these published books came with the art printed in the covers, We don't use dust jackets, only in the English versions... Witrhout the dust jacket they are way more beautiful
Yes finally video on this topic! I think it's solid idea when you want to change things a little so maybe will try it someday with my collection. The only thing that would bother me would be where to put the dust jackets after removing them.
It actually does 'freshen up' the bookshelves, somewhat. But yes, storing the jackets can be a bit of an issue - especially if you don't want to fold them up to fit in a drawer or something (a definitive "no" for me).
Very interesting. Although both are really cool visually, I prefer to keep them on my books. I love the look of my shelves with a full collection of coordinated books with their dust jackets.
I have the Great Tales box set and all three (Children of Húren, Bergen and Lúthien, and The Fall of Gondolin) have the glossy covers and the Tolkien icon is white. I like mine with the jackets on, the artwork is a pleasure to look at.
At first, when Beren and Luthien followed Children of Hurin, I was quite taken aback at the difference between gloss & matt releases. Now, with the rest of the editions following suit, I very much find the matt versions better than the Hurin gloss-one XD
I may be incorrect, but from memory early on the gloss/matte was mainly just the difference between publisher. Harper Collins were always matte I thought, and Houghton Mifflin were originally gloss - not sure if anyone's copies reflect this theory? I love the more classic look without dust jackets, but leave them on to preserve the spine... not that I've got them in a sunny spot anyway.
I actually thought the contrary. I seem to remember clearly Houghton Mifflin releasing CoH with a matte dust jacket which went well with the rest of the forthcoming set. Not sure what the current Harper Collins edition of CoH is adopting as cover nowadays.
Ah I see - I'd say my memory has simply mixed them up and got the publishers the wrong way around. I've been enjoying your videos James - keep up the good work 👍🏻. I recently received my copy of Haestingas also, I'm excited to get stuck into it once I've finished reading the book I'm currently on.
I personally keep them on not just for looks but to make them feel more complete. I also just bought "The Great Tales of Middle-earth" box set from the book depository website. All of the books have the matching glossy dust jackets but they all appear to be smaller than the individual editions. They look great though as they are matching.
@@brewingbooks From watching your videos I know I wanted Alan Lee versions of the books and happen to see a box set on my local bookstores catalogue. They couldn't find a set in their inventory so I looked elsewhere and the book depository had some in stock.
This might be a bit long, but here goes. I have a love-hate relationship with the dust jackets of Tolkien books. I love they way they look. The artwork is so so beautiful. That being said, I absolutely cannot abide how fragile they are, especially the newer matte ones. They get scuffed and tear so easily. It’s frustrating. I like the older, shiny dust jackets. For me, they have been a lot sturdier. As a side note, I think my dislike is also biased by cultural difference: hardbacks in my country do not have outer covers, but are made of coloured/illustrated cardboard. Which I find EXTREMELY convenient. No risk of damage or loss for the cover.
I am a dust jacket hater. No, slash that. I don’t hate dust jackets, I despise them passionately. Those things should go obsolete. Why can’t publishers just print the damn art on the actual hardcovers? This is probably why I always buy deluxe or collector’s edition coz those hardcovers are gorgeous without shitty cheap fragile dust jackets. I seriously prefer getting softcover books over hardcovers w/ dust jackets, unless the actual art is printed on the hardcover.
Oh dear .... thanks for your opinion :) It's very interesting to get other people's different views on this subject and I'm intrigued by the reasoning behind it. Thanks a lot for sharing!
@@brewingbooks sure! Horses for courses, and a lot of people do love dust jackets. It’s really just not for me. It’s flimsy and prone to tearing, and I don’t have the heart to throw them away coz they are, after all, still part of the book and must be kept. I just wished the actual art is printed on the actual cover instead. So yeah, strictly deluxe/collector’s/leather-bound for me; otherwise, softcover. Never hardcover w/ dust jacket.
I feel in a similar way. In my home country Venezuela and in Brazil we don’t have a “dust jacket” culture. Most books will be paperback or will have a fancy hardback. There are leather bound editions as well but of course are much more expensive and hard to come by. When I think of getting hardback and end up receiving a plain hardback with a dust jacket that will not last, I feel as if I was lied to lol. However, I do see the value of a dust jacket to protect the book minimally and the illustrations look nice on them. I just wished the hardback were a bit more thoughtful once the dust jacket gets damaged with time.
I keep them on when they are on the shelf. I take them off when I read them. I find them sliding is annoying. Pull them off till I am done reading. Thank you again for suggesting that edition of the Silmarillion. It will be here on Monday.
Cheers! And welcome to the channel, and thank you for your kind comment. I can say the same thing about where I'm from. I'm just glad all you kind people can meet up here so we can discuss and share our appreciation for Tolkien :) Keep reading!
I love the aesthetic of the jacket-less books too much to cover them, but I also love the jacket's artwork too much to pile them in a drawer... any advice on how to display them simultaneously? I currently have the box set of the hobbit/LOTR illustrated by Allen Lee with the empty dust jackets in the box (as if they are books) with the actual books on the shelf next to it. But I'm not sure what to do with the jackets of the box-less standalone books...
Go to a used book store, find and buy a cheap book that's the same size. Put the dust jacket on that, and display them both. Or, buy foam board and cut it to the size of the book and put the dust jacket on that. Kind-of like how Bed Bath and Beyond did with their towels.
I would love to see a video about the similar releases in this dust jacket style to make sure the collection is complete - especially with the history of middle earth box sets being released
Definitely with dust jacket. For one it does provide a little protection. For the Books themselves. But the big pro is the usually memorable and beautiful artwork both for Tolkien books (especially Tolkien books which always look amazing) and other books I read, mostly Sci-Fi.
Just recently found your channel and subscribed to it. I am absolutely jealous of your Tolkien collection. So I have a question for you? On the top shelf and the right-hand side, you have what appears to be the four paperback books version of The Hobbit and LOTR. Why did you decide to remove them from the box in which the set came when putting them on the shelf? Cheers!
Hi! I'm not sure which books you are referring to on the right-hand side. There's certainly the paperback versions to the left, which were acquired individuals (hence the lack of a box ;) )
personally i prefer hardcover books with the illustration printed on it... i dont like reading with the dust jacket and when i remove it while reading, the book looks naked and withtout personality. i wish there was a version with the printed art on the cover plus the dust jacket for protection.
Nice thoughts. I like the idea of having the artwork replicated on the cover itself, though I quite like the simple, solid colour covers underneath the jackets to be honest 😄
It's ultimately up to one's own preference. I like to put Unfinished Tales after The Silmarillion because even the LOTR-related content in UT feels like an introductory segment to the actual LOTR novels. Strange, I know but it's how I've always worked it out in my head I guess :D
@@brewingbooks I'm not sure of the year, possibly a 90s edition, but his a light green original cover dust jacket on glossy paper and doesn't even have Tolkien's trademark on the side. I got it off Amazon
I may be in the minority, but I always take the dust jacket off (which is why I mostly always buy the paperback or hardcover books without the dust jacket. I love the look without the dust jacket
Personally I think both is fine, without dusk jackets for the more "classic" look (especially if you have a shelf that is designed like an old bookshelf, and with the dusk jackets to show the artwork. For me I would take the jackets off and put them into an A3 Folder.
Does all english books have dust jackets? Most of my finnish books have the picture printed on the cover (hardcovers and pocketbooks alike) and no dust jacket. I do have some books with dust jackets tho, but if I can find an edition with printed cover, I will definetly buy that. I don't like dust jackets as you have to be super careful to not rip them while handling the book. Altho I hate "naked" books without them even more if the cover is not printed! :D Weird difference.
I have them with the dust jackets on, I really like how they look without them, but I think they could get damaged easily, both the books and the jackets wherever i store them. P.S.: The newer printings of The Children of Hurin come with a matte dust jacket, and without it, it matches exactly the rest of the collection. The one with the glossy paper has a different spine under the dust jacket, it matches the ones you have on the top shelf. P.P.S.: love your videos, I enjoy them very much! Greetings from Argentina.
Dust jackets are a hassle and it's hard to keep them from chafing at the edges in the long run. I prefer it when the publisher prints the art directly on the hardcover. Several publishers in my country (Croatia) do that, as well as some English speaking fanasy and SF publishers. It's convenient for when you have a dust jacket that is so worn out, that you can just throw it away without feeling guilty, because the art is still there on the hardcover.
Interesting approach. I like the idea of having the artwork directly onto the cover, but I very much like the plain, solid colour of a cover underneath the dust jacket 😁
@@brewingbooks I can understand both sides. :) Maybe publishers should make a compromise where, instead of putting out paperbacks in different sizes, they swap one out for a hardcover with the art printed directly on, alongside the hardcover with the art only on the dust jacket. I believe no one likes the multiple formats by one publisher thing (I'm not talking about Mass Market and regular paperback, but when the difference is literally an inch or 1.5 or so.
They look great without the jackets. But I love Alan and Ted illustrations too, let alone JRRT's. And then, some DJs are reversible! Choices, choices ..
When I saw the title of this video I thought, “dust jackets, no question”….but those without their dust jackets actually look pretty awesome 😂. Think that’s my thing, as long as they match like that, either is fine. But I think I’ll always lean towards dust jackets. I’m gonna have to get my hands on a set, those look so good!
my own personal opinion is if you don't care about the book go ahead and remove the jacket. in many cases the dust jacket is worth almost as much as the book itself so I always keep the jacket on the book ... and in fact I cover any jacket with clear non adhesive protection. I do remove the jacket to read however.. no sense risking damage to that dust jacket.
As long as you keep the dust jacket somwhere safe do what you want, not having a dust jacket destroys resale value. Not that it matters to everyone but it is true 😊
I love how the Tolkien's books looks without the dust jackets. But I won't expose my books this way ever, because I want to protect them as much as possible.
Without the dust jackets, the books look more mature and precious. I however cannot stand the idea of throwing the jackets away, nor do I want to store them somewhere (waste of room) In the end, what matters most to me is, that they protect the books, especially from color degradation by the UV light.
@@brewingbooks It certainly is a very interesting topic for discussion... For me personally it comes down purely to aesthetics. I want my library to be a room within my home which imparts peace and tranquility. A space which removes you from the insanity of the modern world, a world full of screens and bright flashy lights all vying for your immediate attention. A room where one can simply relax. I see many modern books to be gaudy and the antithesis of this philosophy. I mean I understand why... Publishing houses and booksellers in marketing their products require covers which are impactful and stand out not only on the shelf in a brick and mortar store, but also on computer screens. In this era of digital everything, I find myself wanting less of it... less fussiness in my personal spaces. What your video showed to me is just how busy and unattractive the dust jackets are as opposed to the simplicity of them removed. Additionally it occurred to me as I watched you removing the jackets, It is often difficult to distinguish between a lovely hardback and a cheap mass produced paperback. Thats a book snob thing I guess... and you could probably argue strongly that I am indeed a book snob because I am so SO fanatical (OCD) with which books are allowed to grace my shelves... And yes... I have been known to purchase cheap books I love and have them rebound properly... Yep, its a snob thing..! 🙏🥂
Both look cool. The dust jacket showcases the wonderful art. And without the dust jacket, it has a more classy look.
Same thoughts. The no dust jacket ones look very academic indeed ...
Thank you for showing me both options without me having to do the work. Like many others I store them with covers on but read the with covers off. I do have to admit that they do look great both ways!
Well said! 🙂
I like seeing them with the dust jackets but when I do remove them it's when I an reading the book so I won't ruin the illustrations which are just gorgeous and adds a bit of character.
Can't wait for your new book video! Have a good week💙
Thanks! * waits patiently for the delivery truck *
@@brewingbooks Hope it gets to you soon!
I love the look of books beter without them, but never ever can I bring myself to remove it and actually *throw it away*. I wouldn't know what to do with them and think they are a part of the book anyway so I leave them on. But nothing gets my heart going like a shelf as you presented it in the end. A library like that would be my dream (giving the feel of the library from Beauty and the Beast).
I'm keeping the dust jackets of all my Tolkien books, but I do take them off and set them aside while reading.
I want to remove my book jackets but I guess I'm afraid of commitment? I can't bring myself to toss them or store them away. Like you said, it's like "part of the book" and I can't separate them even though I like the appeal of the non jacket bookshelf more
I really love the dust jackets. My spouse had removed all the covers from his books when I met him, and none of those books lasted/survived. They aged really poorly, whereas my covered books aged really well.
Oh wow, interesting. Thanks for sharing this insight. I'm keeping them on, me thinks :)
Interesting video! Never thought of showcasing my collection without the dust jackets. I think it's more of a practical thing; where to store the jackets safely than?
I do like both looks equally but will keep the dust jackets on just because they are so beautiful. I can only think of one book (not of Tolkien) where I threw it away but that was because it had the same design as the cover and it was more practical.
PS: I just recieved my copy of the Nature of Middle Earth and it's so beautiful. I really do like the colours and the artwork. I also took a quick peek through the book and so many interesting topics. Unbelievable that Tolkien thought of all these things. Just goes to show of how detailed Middle Earth really is.
Same here, dust jackets on for me. And enjoy your read of Nature of Middle-earth :D
With dust jackets. Although I like the look of both, for me the dust jacket is as much a part of the book as the binding and pages and they're designed with the intention of being displayed, not discarded or hidden away in a drawer. I cover all my dust jackets using (removable) paper-backed clearsleeve protective film to stop them getting damaged - it's amazing how easily a dust jacket can pick up scuffs and creases even from minor handling if unprotected. Saying that, unlike a previous poster, I don't remove the dust jackets when reading - the protection seems tough enough to cope with it and I actually like the feel of reading a book with the jacket on for some reason, even though it would probably be simpler to take it off!
Very interesting thoughts. Thanks for sharing 🙂
i only just now bought the hardcover edition of children of hurin - and that glossy dust jacket really stands out between all the others. wish that wouldn’t bother me so much haha
i keep all the dust jackets on, i much prefer the colorful look!
Hang in there! The bother will pass soon :) Happened to me too the first time I put Beren and Luthien and The Fall of Gondolin next to it. Now it's blended together with the rest and not so noticeable.
Wait, so the one currently being sold at amazon is glossy? I thought it was an older edition. My Beren and Lúthien is matte :(
Cool!
I normally keep the dust jackets on, but I think they also look nice without them.
That’s true actually 😄
In Brazil all these published books came with the art printed in the covers, We don't use dust jackets, only in the English versions... Witrhout the dust jacket they are way more beautiful
Very interesting to know. Thanks for sharing :D
Yep! It is the same case in Venezuela
Yes finally video on this topic! I think it's solid idea when you want to change things a little so maybe will try it someday with my collection. The only thing that would bother me would be where to put the dust jackets after removing them.
It actually does 'freshen up' the bookshelves, somewhat. But yes, storing the jackets can be a bit of an issue - especially if you don't want to fold them up to fit in a drawer or something (a definitive "no" for me).
Very interesting. Although both are really cool visually, I prefer to keep them on my books. I love the look of my shelves with a full collection of coordinated books with their dust jackets.
That's a great idea!
I have the Great Tales box set and all three (Children of Húren, Bergen and Lúthien, and The Fall of Gondolin) have the glossy covers and the Tolkien icon is white. I like mine with the jackets on, the artwork is a pleasure to look at.
At first, when Beren and Luthien followed Children of Hurin, I was quite taken aback at the difference between gloss & matt releases. Now, with the rest of the editions following suit, I very much find the matt versions better than the Hurin gloss-one XD
@@brewingbooks Were books released before Húrin gloss or matte? I received Nature of Middle-Earth last week and it is matte.
I may be incorrect, but from memory early on the gloss/matte was mainly just the difference between publisher. Harper Collins were always matte I thought, and Houghton Mifflin were originally gloss - not sure if anyone's copies reflect this theory?
I love the more classic look without dust jackets, but leave them on to preserve the spine... not that I've got them in a sunny spot anyway.
I actually thought the contrary. I seem to remember clearly Houghton Mifflin releasing CoH with a matte dust jacket which went well with the rest of the forthcoming set. Not sure what the current Harper Collins edition of CoH is adopting as cover nowadays.
Ah I see - I'd say my memory has simply mixed them up and got the publishers the wrong way around.
I've been enjoying your videos James - keep up the good work 👍🏻. I recently received my copy of Haestingas also, I'm excited to get stuck into it once I've finished reading the book I'm currently on.
I personally keep them on not just for looks but to make them feel more complete. I also just bought "The Great Tales of Middle-earth" box set from the book depository website. All of the books have the matching glossy dust jackets but they all appear to be smaller than the individual editions. They look great though as they are matching.
Thanks for the input :) How did you find the Great Takes box set overall? Im interested to learn more about that
@@brewingbooks From watching your videos I know I wanted Alan Lee versions of the books and happen to see a box set on my local bookstores catalogue. They couldn't find a set in their inventory so I looked elsewhere and the book depository had some in stock.
This might be a bit long, but here goes. I have a love-hate relationship with the dust jackets of Tolkien books. I love they way they look. The artwork is so so beautiful. That being said, I absolutely cannot abide how fragile they are, especially the newer matte ones. They get scuffed and tear so easily. It’s frustrating. I like the older, shiny dust jackets. For me, they have been a lot sturdier.
As a side note, I think my dislike is also biased by cultural difference: hardbacks in my country do not have outer covers, but are made of coloured/illustrated cardboard. Which I find EXTREMELY convenient. No risk of damage or loss for the cover.
I kind of understand your love-hate relationship. You make some good points indeed
I am a dust jacket hater. No, slash that. I don’t hate dust jackets, I despise them passionately. Those things should go obsolete. Why can’t publishers just print the damn art on the actual hardcovers? This is probably why I always buy deluxe or collector’s edition coz those hardcovers are gorgeous without shitty cheap fragile dust jackets. I seriously prefer getting softcover books over hardcovers w/ dust jackets, unless the actual art is printed on the hardcover.
Oh dear .... thanks for your opinion :) It's very interesting to get other people's different views on this subject and I'm intrigued by the reasoning behind it. Thanks a lot for sharing!
@@brewingbooks sure! Horses for courses, and a lot of people do love dust jackets. It’s really just not for me. It’s flimsy and prone to tearing, and I don’t have the heart to throw them away coz they are, after all, still part of the book and must be kept. I just wished the actual art is printed on the actual cover instead. So yeah, strictly deluxe/collector’s/leather-bound for me; otherwise, softcover. Never hardcover w/ dust jacket.
I feel in a similar way. In my home country Venezuela and in Brazil we don’t have a “dust jacket” culture.
Most books will be paperback or will have a fancy hardback. There are leather bound editions as well but of course are much more expensive and hard to come by. When I think of getting hardback and end up receiving a plain hardback with a dust jacket that will not last, I feel as if I was lied to lol.
However, I do see the value of a dust jacket to protect the book minimally and the illustrations look nice on them. I just wished the hardback were a bit more thoughtful once the dust jacket gets damaged with time.
I like reading without the dust jacket but I store with the dust jacket on.
I like that approach :D
I keep them on when they are on the shelf. I take them off when I read them. I find them sliding is annoying. Pull them off till I am done reading. Thank you again for suggesting that edition of the Silmarillion. It will be here on Monday.
Brodart Archival dust jacket covers are the best to protect the jackets even if you have removed them and stored seperately.
Agreed :)
First yay, all love to you from the only Egyptian Tolkien fan in the world xD
Dude 🤣 I know what it feels like to not have fellow fans around. Stay strong chief ✊
@@TheEternalElir Thanks man 😁❤🌸
Cheers! And welcome to the channel, and thank you for your kind comment. I can say the same thing about where I'm from. I'm just glad all you kind people can meet up here so we can discuss and share our appreciation for Tolkien :) Keep reading!
@@Beregond1861 greetings fellow Tolkien reader :)
I love the aesthetic of the jacket-less books too much to cover them, but I also love the jacket's artwork too much to pile them in a drawer... any advice on how to display them simultaneously? I currently have the box set of the hobbit/LOTR illustrated by Allen Lee with the empty dust jackets in the box (as if they are books) with the actual books on the shelf next to it. But I'm not sure what to do with the jackets of the box-less standalone books...
Go to a used book store, find and buy a cheap book that's the same size. Put the dust jacket on that, and display them both.
Or, buy foam board and cut it to the size of the book and put the dust jacket on that. Kind-of like how Bed Bath and Beyond did with their towels.
You will notice that Tolkien's name is missing from the spine of Unfinished Tales, I believe that it is corrected on new printings.
Oh! Well would you look at that? I never even noticed till just now. Thanks for pointing it out :) I wonder how that could have happened ...
I would love to see a video about the similar releases in this dust jacket style to make sure the collection is complete - especially with the history of middle earth box sets being released
Still have to get my hands on those HoME sets😅
Ditto - it’s like waiting for a TV series!
I keep the dust jackets on, unless it's one that I'm regularly reading. As in one that lies next to my bed.
Good routine! :)
Definitely with dust jacket. For one it does provide a little protection. For the Books themselves. But the big pro is the usually memorable and beautiful artwork both for Tolkien books (especially Tolkien books which always look amazing) and other books I read, mostly Sci-Fi.
Good point!
Just recently found your channel and subscribed to it. I am absolutely jealous of your Tolkien collection. So I have a question for you? On the top shelf and the right-hand side, you have what appears to be the four paperback books version of The Hobbit and LOTR. Why did you decide to remove them from the box in which the set came when putting them on the shelf? Cheers!
Hi! I'm not sure which books you are referring to on the right-hand side. There's certainly the paperback versions to the left, which were acquired individuals (hence the lack of a box ;) )
personally i prefer hardcover books with the illustration printed on it... i dont like reading with the dust jacket and when i remove it while reading, the book looks naked and withtout personality. i wish there was a version with the printed art on the cover plus the dust jacket for protection.
Nice thoughts. I like the idea of having the artwork replicated on the cover itself, though I quite like the simple, solid colour covers underneath the jackets to be honest 😄
Can you tell me why they are in that order like should unfinished tales be at the end and not after the silmarillion etc
It's ultimately up to one's own preference. I like to put Unfinished Tales after The Silmarillion because even the LOTR-related content in UT feels like an introductory segment to the actual LOTR novels. Strange, I know but it's how I've always worked it out in my head I guess :D
Both look good, I prefer the jacket on.
What do people do with the dust jackets if they've removed them?
I dare not think what they'd do with them ...
I take em off when reading and put them back on for display :)
Now that's actually a pretty neat idea :)
My edition of the Hobbit doesn't have the Tolkien mark on the spine, I could never do it with the dust jackets off
Agreed! Which edition do you have by any chance?
@@brewingbooks I'm not sure of the year, possibly a 90s edition, but his a light green original cover dust jacket on glossy paper and doesn't even have Tolkien's trademark on the side. I got it off Amazon
@@jeffreylazarusbuggy4787 interesting. I’m not sure of that edition to be honest. If I come across something I’ll let you know 🙂
I may be in the minority, but I always take the dust jacket off (which is why I mostly always buy the paperback or hardcover books without the dust jacket. I love the look without the dust jacket
Very interesting thoughts to be sure 😃 Thanks for sharing!
I also like books without the dust jackets, and I think we are minority. I even either throw the dust jacket away or ended up losing it.
@@tsutrisn throwing it away? 😱
Personally I think both is fine, without dusk jackets for the more "classic" look (especially if you have a shelf that is designed like an old bookshelf, and with the dusk jackets to show the artwork. For me I would take the jackets off and put them into an A3 Folder.
Does all english books have dust jackets? Most of my finnish books have the picture printed on the cover (hardcovers and pocketbooks alike) and no dust jacket. I do have some books with dust jackets tho, but if I can find an edition with printed cover, I will definetly buy that.
I don't like dust jackets as you have to be super careful to not rip them while handling the book. Altho I hate "naked" books without them even more if the cover is not printed! :D Weird difference.
I would say most (if not all) English-language hardback editions of Tolkien's books have dustj ackets included.
I have them with the dust jackets on, I really like how they look without them, but I think they could get damaged easily, both the books and the jackets wherever i store them.
P.S.: The newer printings of The Children of Hurin come with a matte dust jacket, and without it, it matches exactly the rest of the collection. The one with the glossy paper has a different spine under the dust jacket, it matches the ones you have on the top shelf.
P.P.S.: love your videos, I enjoy them very much! Greetings from Argentina.
Thanks for the info! Much appreciated. And thanks for the kind comments too.
Dust jackets are a hassle and it's hard to keep them from chafing at the edges in the long run. I prefer it when the publisher prints the art directly on the hardcover. Several publishers in my country (Croatia) do that, as well as some English speaking fanasy and SF publishers. It's convenient for when you have a dust jacket that is so worn out, that you can just throw it away without feeling guilty, because the art is still there on the hardcover.
Interesting approach. I like the idea of having the artwork directly onto the cover, but I very much like the plain, solid colour of a cover underneath the dust jacket 😁
@@brewingbooks I can understand both sides. :) Maybe publishers should make a compromise where, instead of putting out paperbacks in different sizes, they swap one out for a hardcover with the art printed directly on, alongside the hardcover with the art only on the dust jacket. I believe no one likes the multiple formats by one publisher thing (I'm not talking about Mass Market and regular paperback, but when the difference is literally an inch or 1.5 or so.
They look great without the jackets. But I love Alan and Ted illustrations too, let alone JRRT's.
And then, some DJs are reversible! Choices, choices ..
what were the last tiny four i don't think i recognize them
Those are the pocket hardback editions of Roverandom, Smith of Wooton Major, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and Farmer Giles of Ham.
@@brewingbooks thank you!
When I saw the title of this video I thought, “dust jackets, no question”….but those without their dust jackets actually look pretty awesome 😂. Think that’s my thing, as long as they match like that, either is fine. But I think I’ll always lean towards dust jackets. I’m gonna have to get my hands on a set, those look so good!
That’s part of the dilemma I guess. I’m all for dust jackets, but sometimes book covers without them really are stunning 🙂
Aesthetically, it looks so much better without the dust jacket 💯 more sophisticated and mature.
That is very true 😄
my own personal opinion is if you don't care about the book go ahead and remove the jacket. in many cases the dust jacket is worth almost as much as the book itself so I always keep the jacket on the book ... and in fact I cover any jacket with clear non adhesive protection. I do remove the jacket to read however.. no sense risking damage to that dust jacket.
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing! 😃
As long as you keep the dust jacket somwhere safe do what you want, not having a dust jacket destroys resale value. Not that it matters to everyone but it is true 😊
Yep that’s true :) Let’s keep ‘em safely wrapped around!
@@brewingbooks Agreed :)
I love how the Tolkien's books looks without the dust jackets. But I won't expose my books this way ever, because I want to protect them as much as possible.
I agree completely :D
Whats the hobbit copy with slipcase?
I believe you're referring to the Facsimile First Edition of The Hobbit (with the bright green slipcase).
@@brewingbooks ah yes it is, are they hard to find?
@@Loto.Nintendo Not really. I actually found mine on Amazon 🙂
Wow i must just be really bad at searching for stuff haha
@@Loto.Nintendo hehehe 😂
Without the dust jackets, the books look more mature and precious. I however cannot stand the idea of throwing the jackets away, nor do I want to store them somewhere (waste of room)
In the end, what matters most to me is, that they protect the books, especially from color degradation by the UV light.
Agreed, especially about UV damage to the books. Besides, I love me some dustjackets 😁
I prefer with! 😌
Excellent choice!
I always put dust jackets on! It' more beautiful.
Then we agree :)
It depends on the dust jacket and it depends on the book cover.
Interesting choice and I have to agree with you on that 😄
I think I prefer displaying them with the dust jackets.
You and me both ;)
Keep them. They are supposed to protect to some extent the hard flaps and spine.
With.
Agreed!
Id say no
To the point. Brilliant :)
Dust jackets look better tbh
I think so too 😉
I put the condom on my books.
Hmmm... Definitely dust jackets off.
Interesting 🙂How so may I ask?
@@brewingbooks It certainly is a very interesting topic for discussion...
For me personally it comes down purely to aesthetics. I want my library to be a room within my home which imparts peace and tranquility. A space which removes you from the insanity of the modern world, a world full of screens and bright flashy lights all vying for your immediate attention. A room where one can simply relax.
I see many modern books to be gaudy and the antithesis of this philosophy.
I mean I understand why... Publishing houses and booksellers in marketing their products require covers which are impactful and stand out not only on the shelf in a brick and mortar store, but also on computer screens. In this era of digital everything, I find myself wanting less of it... less fussiness in my personal spaces.
What your video showed to me is just how busy and unattractive the dust jackets are as opposed to the simplicity of them removed. Additionally it occurred to me as I watched you removing the jackets, It is often difficult to distinguish between a lovely hardback and a cheap mass produced paperback. Thats a book snob thing I guess... and you could probably argue strongly that I am indeed a book snob because I am so SO fanatical (OCD) with which books are allowed to grace my shelves...
And yes... I have been known to purchase cheap books I love and have them rebound properly... Yep, its a snob thing..!
🙏🥂
@@kurjan1 A very insightful answer with some very interesting observations 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience