Easton Press Nicholas Nickleby Binding Issue

Just wondering if anyone else has had experience with this. I don't have many books with this many pages ... so I have never seen this type of binding separation.

Is this typical? Is this something that could cause a bigger problem further down the line? Should I just apply some glue or something else to fix it?

Or is this something that others might contact EP for a replacement?

It is only on one side of the binding ... the other seems fine (I show two pics just to show different views of it's severity.

I appreciate any thoughts/help.

>1 thisGuy33: I don’t have that with mine. Definitely ask for replacement. This is expensive book and something like that is unacceptable

Looks like the paper lining is partly separating from the headband and super. The paper lining isn't usually integral to a book's strength. Its main purpose is to prevent the outer spine from sticking to the textblock during binding. On a large book, there needs to be space so the book can open and close without wearing itself out.

I've had this issue on a number of EP books. Amazingly, it's almost always been on DLEs for me -- probably though because they are often big. I paid a pretty penny for my copy of Cassell's Illustrated Family Bible, and the paper lining on both sides was partially detatched when I got it though it was otherwise in excellent condition. EP needs to be careful of this issue. I'm not sure if they sometimes use too little glue or what; book glue is flexible so it shouldn't happen.

Of course, if your book is still in stock, you can ask for a replacement. If not, this really isn't a difficult fix -- just a bit of acid neutral glue very carefully applied in the detached areas. I've repaired three or four books of mine, and they're totally fine now. Book glue is specificly designed for this purpose, having a drying time that is quick, but long enough for you to clean excess off if you have to.

This is complete bullshit from Easton Press. They charge such high costs for their products. You should receive a perfect book in return.

>1 thisGuy33:
I’ve seen that on several of my Eastons as well as other publishers, but I’ve never had one fall apart. I guess I thought it was normal.

>3 RunneroftheMill: Completely agree. It is nice to see a calm and knowledgeable reply identifying a fairy minor issue.

I have seen this issue with quite a few of my EP books in the last few years. EP's printer's glue supplier changed the secret recipe, EP's printer changed their glue supplier or perhaps EP's printer started applying less glue to lower their cost...

It is good to apply the glue in small amounts with a toothpick or something similar to avoid overrun onto the decorative ribbon or top golden gilt :).

Most of EP's books have never been perfect as most of the buyers are not knowledgeable enough to recognize minor flaws, which have always been part of the bookmaking process...

I do see a small white spot or splotch on top gilt. If there are any more of these white spots, I would consider them to be a bigger defect and a reason for a replacement...

Thanks all for your thoughts. I think I will contact EP and ask for a replacement. As Dickens is one of my favorites and I have been a huge fan of EP's DLE's for Dickens (and Twain). So I really would like this to at least start in 'perfect' condition.

>3 RunneroftheMill: "Looks like the paper lining is partly separating from the headband and super. The paper lining isn't usually integral to a book's strength. Its main purpose is to prevent the outer spine from sticking to the textblock during binding. "

Agreed. That's all I see going on here, too, and it's not a critical aspect of the book. To me, the imperfection of the page gilt just below is the more annoying issue. In either case, and for the sake of us all, because of the costs we're paying for these books, EP needs to learn where the acceptable quality line must be drawn, so return it for a replacement if you can.

Just requested a replacement. That's the one good thing about both EP and FS ... they (in my experience) always make exchanges/replacements easy. FS making it even easier for those of us across the pond ... by usually just saying donate the book (if the title is a lower cost title).

As far as it goes for FS limited editions, they are much better in quality and much more expensive than EP limited editions. However, EP has better selection of limited editions. I collect and really enjoy reading both EP and FS limited editions.