The Advantages of Choosing Hardcover Books – When to Choose It
Hardcover books have been popular for more than three centuries. From classic literature to self-help books to novels, these books have been a favourite among book collectors at galleries or homes. The sturdy nature and the sheer elegance of hardcover books never fade away.
Let us explore the world of hardcover books including the binding process when to choose them, and the benefits of hardcover binding.
What you need to know about Hardcover Books
Hardcover books are bound by a hard binding method where pages are sewn together to create a book block and glued to the spine of the book. The front and back cover is made of cardboard or leather. These books are also called perfect-bound books.
The components of hardcover books are:
Cover Boards:
These are the cardboard or hardcovers that bind the outer layer of the books. It protects the pages of the book and keeps them intact. They are available in a variety of finishes and materials. You can go for matte, glossy, or velvet finishes. Clothbound covers are also used.
Spine:
A thin strip of hard paper or cloth is attached at the centre of the cover board, which shields the book block. It has the same functionality as the human spine and helps to keep the pages of the book reinforced together.
Tail Band:
It is a small horizontal strip of cardboard attached to the end of the spine. It gives a decorative look to the book and supports the spine.
Head Band:
It is similar to the tail band, which is a narrow, small strip attached to the head of the spine.
End Papers:
They are usually the first and last pages of the book attached additionally to the book block and the cover. They act as mediators between the hardcover and the pages of the book. These endpapers are illustrated with various designs or quotes from the author are added. Sometimes just a coloured blank paper is also used.
Book Block:
These are the heart of your book- the printed manuscript. They are printed papers sewn together and then glued to the spine. They are also called signatures.
Each component of the book plays an important role in contributing to the durability and stiffness of the book.
Benefits of Hardcover Books
Hardcover books come with a variety of benefits which is why they are widely loved among readers:
Durability
Since the hard binding used is sturdy enough, they are normally durable and are known for their longevity. The spine protects the inner layer from any damage and is highly resistant to wear and tear. These books do not get bent or crumbled due to heavy weights during travelling.
Environmental Protection
Unlike soft-cover books, hard binding does not allow the books to get warped due to sunlight, moisture, dust, or heat. Perfect-bound books help preserve the quality of the book for longer periods.
Appearance
Authors and publishers can use their imaginations creatively to design book covers. The cover boards and spine come in a variety of materials like gold foils, fancy lace, cloth, or colourful cardboard which aesthetically improve the appearance of the books.
Reputation
Hardcover books are preferred by the wealthy and people with fame. They enhance the status and quality of the book.
Readability
They are easy and convenient to read during travel, at beaches, or even at bedtime as they are more stable and are likely to get bent or folded.
When are Hard Books Preferred?
Hard Books are usually chosen for their ability to withstand damage and for their visual appearance on shelves. They are ideal for the following categories of books:
Reference and Knowledge Books:
Hardcover books are commonly used for reference books, such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, and textbooks. Most literature books and mythological books also adopt the hard binding method.
Proud Collections:
They are often used for collectible books, such as first editions or limited editions. The hardcover adds to the value and prestige of the book, making it more attractive to collectors.
Gifts:
They can be used as gifts because they are aesthetically pleasing and provide a sense of quality and value. They are a popular choice for occasions such as weddings, graduations, and birthdays.
Long-term storage:
Hardcover books are mostly used for books that are meant to be kept for a long time, such as family Bibles, photo albums, and other keepsakes. The hardcover protects against environmental factors, helping to preserve the quality of the pages over time.
Wrapping Up
At Print Books, we are committed to providing the highest quality hardcover books at an affordable price. We work with our customers to create custom designs that reflect their unique vision and style, ensuring that each book is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Our hardcover books are an investment in the future, providing a legacy for our customers and their readers.
At our book printing company, we believe that every book should be a work of art, and we are dedicated to helping our customers create books that they will be proud to own and display for years to come.
