The Library of America series - worth it or just an excuse to charge more?

[sparkchaser]

Aside from having matching books, is there any reason one might want to purchase this series rather than other, more inexpensive versions?

 

[Jez]

If you want sturdy hardcovers, Library of America wouldn't be my recommendation. I rented the LoA version of Nabokov's Pnin (with Lolita and Lolita, a screenplay) and I was disappointed in the quality of the book. The font wasn't terrible, but it wasn't too great either. The pages were pretty thin, if I remember correctly. My biggest gripe with the book was that the 'hard' covers were very flexible. Almost like have a soft cover book with very thick covers. They're also shorter than the standard hardcover. I was considering buying a few because they do seem to be a decent bargain, but I'm not interested anymore. Everyman Library books seem to be the better choice if you're looking for cheaper but nice books.

 

[sparkchaser]

The question came about because I was at the bookstore the other day and I noticed that there was a H.P. Lovecraft LoA volume. $35! I can buy 2-3 Lovecraft books new for that. And thus my question was born.

Thanks for the input Jez. You, as always, rock.

 

[Jez]

That's really expensive (especially for a flimsy LoA edition). Did that edition at least have a few books in it?

Thanks, of course you rock too

 

[sparkchaser]

22 stories, 800 odd pages. I have all of those stories across other Lovecraft collections though.

 

[Jez]

Yeah, doesn't seem worth it at all for that one. The Nabokov one I read is a better deal, though. Three books and one screen play (I forgot, Pale Fire is also in there) and you can buy it from Borders for $23.10. In that case I guess you get the quality you pay for.

 

[ewomack]

My LOA books have held up nicely after a few readings. All hardcovers. And I still haven't managed to drop them down 3 flights of stairs or spill toxic chemicals on them.

LOA books claim that they're made of the highest quality archival material. They're supposed to outlast your great grandchildren, hence the "heirloom price."

And the pages are thin and crinkly, like Legionairre's Bibles. Mine seem sturdy and well-made, but I haven't bought any fiction in the series, only history.