The Quality of Barnes & Noble Collectibles: A Closer Look

When it comes to collectible book editions, Barnes & Noble is known for offering a range of beautiful and high-quality options. But do their collectibles compare in quality to those offered by publishers selling fine press leatherbound editions? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the materials used in Barnes & Noble's collectible classics series and explore whether they live up to the standards set by traditional leatherbound editions.

At first glance, it's clear that Barnes & Noble's collectible editions are designed to evoke the feel of classic leather-bound books. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that most of their book covers are comprised of bonded leather – a material that is often referred to as 'faux leather.' This means that while they may look and feel similar to real leather, they're actually made from a combination of real and fake leather fibers.

Bonded leather is created by rolling together leftover scraps and fibers from processing genuine leather, along with a polyurethane binder. The mixture is then glued onto a paper backing, creating a material that's often referred to as 'reconstituted' or 'recycled' leather. While it may not be entirely convincing as the real thing, bonded leather can still look and feel quite authentic.

In some cases, Barnes & Noble takes things a step further by adding a second coating of polyurethane and embossing it to create a texture that's closer to real leather. This process involves applying a thin layer of polyurethane over the top of the bonded leather, which can help to give it a more realistic feel.

So what does this mean for collectors who are looking for high-quality, genuine leather-bound books? Unfortunately, it seems that most of the books in Barnes & Noble's collectible classics series are covered in bonded leather rather than genuine leather. However, it's worth noting that some titles may be available with genuine leather covers – so it's always a good idea to double-check the materials used before making a purchase.

For those who are interested in exploring more of Barnes & Noble's collectible classics series, you can visit their website to see everything they currently have available. The series has been around since 2005, when they released a highly decorative edition of Lewis Carroll's Complete Works. Since then, the series has expanded to include a wide range of titles from classic authors such as Austen, Dickens, and Thoreau.

In addition to their collectible classics series, Barnes & Noble also offers a range of exclusive leather-bound editions that are only available through their stores. These editions typically feature high-quality materials, including dark (bonded) leather covers with plain gold text and simple foiled borders. They may also include additional features such as raised bands on the spine, gilt page edges, decorative endpapers, and a sewn-in ribbon bookmark.

Overall, while Barnes & Noble's collectible editions may not be made from genuine leather, they're still designed to evoke the feel of classic leather-bound books. For collectors who are looking for high-quality, affordable options that still have a touch of luxury about them, their bonded leather covers may be just what they're looking for.

Barnes and noble collectibles