Dust jacket doesn't quite fit?
Curious why this book’s jacket doesn’t quite fit the book…and how would I describe this issue in my listing? And yes it is the correct book for the jacket. It’s a first edition. I just find it very strange that it is so far off for size.
Seller_DCFkzXP9HeKJd
Sounds like you are pretty sure about the first edition part. Just to add my own experience. I have had books in the past that say first edition on the back of the title page - just as they should. They were book club editions and once or twice I paid a hefty price in returns because of my mistake. I no longer mention first edition unless I am very sure about it. Also, it is very possible to have a dust jacket that is from a later printing or edition and not be able to tell.
Before you describe it as a first edition, you will want to do some research to make sure it has all the attributes of that publisher and the title - even if it’s just to double check.
37 replies
Seller_LDiiEqAxHwPZi
Do you have a higher-resolution photo you can try posting? It’s nearly impossible to tell what’s going on with the jacket, due to the size of the image.
I’m not at all versed in used books, but my (rather uninformed) guess would be that it’s due to a difference in material shrinkage over time; if the book and the jacket do, indeed, belong together. Someone like @bookwormapril may know more!
Seller_nRFmxiQg4EGrw
A couple of guesses (without being able to actually tell how it doesn’t fit).
Over time (and very common with cookbooks), the creasing can get distorted due to using a flap as a bookmark. Can also happen even with just regular handling, and again, cookbooks get handled a lot.
The other possibility is that some sellers with a 1st edition of a book, but a torn or missing DJ, will “marry” a DJ from a later printing to it; if there was even a slight change in the board size or the thickness of the page block, this could cause a problem.
Then again, might just have been poor QC at the printer.
As for describing, is it loose? Tight? Or is it taller/shorter than the boards?
Seller_Hi7wbO2Kbo6bl
Without a good – really good – image, we are just guessing.
Does the jacket fit everywhere except height? If so, it may have been very carefully trimmed. Some people do that to all their dust jackets.
Seller_3N7yVnTXPzLkL
Looks like the dj is too small from here.
Someone may have married a dj from a book club edition to a first.
Don’t know that I would list this book even if perfect. Know I would not if it is a marriage. Too many offers for the sales rank, too low a price.
Seller_MyXY4Myx9zVcR
Is your book a true First? Check the back corner of the book for book club marking. Does the dust jacket have a price on the front flap?
Is there really a discerning market for such books?
Seller_qTJiCxRI8PpIZ
I agree with what everyone else has said. It’s very possible someone had a first edition, married that with the jacket from another edition or maybe just from a different copy that the jacket wasn’t precision cut for. If it were me, I would simply specify that the dust jacket is a little shorter than the book itself and that you aren’t sure it was the original dustjacket for your exact copy. If you have one I would put a archival plastic protector (also known as Brodart or Demco). At least that will keep the jacket safe and may make it look a little better.
Seller_h9eouaekLrHAj
@cassieb Is there a code number on the copyright page?
Seller_vlW86xsl81nE6
Another guess: Bindery error. Could have been in a batch of remainders or hurts. I’ve seen this with paperback books where cover is different size or crooked.
Seller_klbhr0djUnPsL
description
dustjacket trimmed short
Seller_dy0iaamuixQa3
I would say: The dust jacket looks fine but to my eyes but it appears that it doesn’t quite fit the book. (This might be intentional and came from the printers like this.) That is just how I would handle it. When you sell the book and print out the Packing Slip, I would highlight the conditions statement in yellow. This is my usual practice for all used books. I hope this helps. BTW: I have several books with DJs printed this way.
