Dust Jackets: Why They Matter

Jackets were designed to be thrown away. Most were, which is exactly why a bright, complete original jacket on a sought-after first edition can multiply its value. For many modern firsts the jacket is most of what you are paying for.

Is it the right jacket?

Jackets have points of their own, and they changed between printings:

• The price on the front flap. A reprint jacket may show a higher price.
• The back panel, which may carry reviews of this book (only possible after publication) or adverts for other titles.
• The rear flap, often a list of the publisher's other books, which grew with each reprint.

A first printing in a later jacket is a married copy: genuine parts, but not as issued. Our edition pages list jacket points beside the book's points.

Grading a jacket

Grade the jacket separately from the book on the same scale, Fine to Poor, and name the faults: chips at the spine ends, tears, fading on the spine panel, rubbing at the folds. See the condition guide for the scale.

Faults that change the value

• Price-clipped: the corner of the front flap cut away to hide the price. Always state it.
• Restored: tape, colour retouching or backing paper. Good restoration is accepted on some very rare books but should always be disclosed.
• Facsimile: a modern reproduction printed to look original. A facsimile is a placeholder, not a jacket; it adds very little value.
• Sunned spine: the spine panel faded by light, often the first thing to go on a shelf.

Protecting a jacket

An archival, acid-free polyester cover (often called a Brodart cover after one maker) protects the jacket from rubbing and handling without harming it. Avoid adhesive tape, which stains and lifts the print, and avoid storing books in direct light. See looking after collectable books.