I recently borrowed the Netanyahus from my local library (Aussie McPherson Group printing of the Fitzcarraldo edition) and have found the form factor irritating. I have rather large hands and so with the odd ‘tall’ form factor of this paperback I find myself covering words with my thumbs because of the slim margins. Not to mention, the big space at the bottom of the page. I feel as if books are almost better designed for ereaders these days than for print. (On a side note, does anyone know if there’s an intention behind this? Does it represent some famous text or something?)
So, are there certain form factors or ways of printing that you find frustrating to read? Can you nail down a commonality with certain publishing houses?
You made me think of the fancy illustrated edition of the collected Le Guin I bought a few years ago (saga press?), that turns out to be completely unreadable: huge, heavy, smallish font and one column only, so way above the recommended line measure.
I’ll never buy a fancy expensive edition online again.
Lmao, same story here. I bought a few of the Macmillan Classics and they’re way, way too small for me. Handling them reminds me of those string tricks you’d do when you were a kid - you end up tying your fingers up in knots trying to read them comfortably.
It’s a shame because they’re fabulous looking books.
Lmao, same story here. I bought a few of the Macmillan Classics and they’re way, way too small for me. Handling them reminds me of those string tricks you’d do when you were a kid - you end up tying your fingers up in knots trying to read them comfortably.
It’s a shame because they’re fabulous looking books.
You made me think of the fancy illustrated edition of the collected Le Guin I bought a few years ago (saga press?), that turns out to be completely unreadable: huge, heavy, smallish font and one column only, so way above the recommended line measure.
I’ll never buy a fancy expensive edition online again.
Was it the the complete Earthsea that has a red cover? I’ve wanted to buy that.
oh man, I totally get what you mean. I hate it when the margins are too slim and you end up covering words with your thumbs. It’s so annoying. I feel like some publishing houses prioritize aesthetics over practicality. I definitely prefer reading on my e-reader for this reason.