GEN: book quality:good old days

[Marcia Dressel <dressel@OZ.OSCEOLA.K12.WI.US>]

I'm one who longs for the good old times books lasted.  I was just modeling
recreational reading with 2nd graders and picked up _Belling the Cat_ by
Mary Stolz.  Aside from enjoying the writing, when the second graders had
left I discovered THIS gem on the back cover:

"This is the HarperCrest Library Binding.  It meets text book
specifications and is guaranteed for the life of the sheets.  It is
reinforced with side-sewing through drill [sic] with visible joints.  The
cover is of impregnated 56-square cloth over binders board. It is washable,
damp-proof, and soil resistant."

Indeed!  It's still in excellent condition.   How do we get these
specifications to be expected again?  I dare say we don't even have these
standards for textbooks anymore.  I'm so tired of repairing books that are
"best binding" or even "library binding"!!!!!!

P.S.  The book in question was published in 1961 and cost $3.25 when I
predecessor bought it in 1967 - one year before I was born.

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Marcia Dressel, Library Media Specialist
Osceola Elementary/Intermediate Schools
PO Box 128, 250 Tenth Ave E
Osceola, WI   USA  54020
dressel@oz.osceola.k12.wi.us
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