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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

(disclaimer: bit of a non issue) choosing a book

27 replies

NoIdeaWhatItMeans · 15/09/2021 16:01

I came across a beautifully illustrated hardback book, in an old fashioned style. I checked it wasn't being sold elsewhere for a cheaper price and think I've found the best deal, and it's currently sitting in the basket.

It's intended to be a gift for a close friends, and it's a classic. I'm trying to convince myself that I should get the best version I can find. I know it will last a bit longer in comparison to a paperback without developing lines so it can be given away again as it's likely to only be read a few times at most, and I know my friend wouldn't mind if I get a cheap or expensive vesion, but I still think it'd be a nice thing to get them especially as they don't have very many nice things.

On the other hand, the difference between the one I have chosen and the cheaper versions are £10-15.

Admittedly, I've chosen them two other items and the basket already comes to £50 which e so I want to cut the cost down and not spend too much unnecessarily.

Does it really matter if I get a cheap version or not? It feels stingy

OP posts:
Original poster
NoIdeaWhatItMeans · 15/09/2021 16:02

I've made spelling mistakes, I apologise. Yes, I am English.

OP posts:
AryaStarkWolf · 15/09/2021 16:03

I prefer reading paperbacks, much easier to manage

Maflingo · 15/09/2021 16:04

If they are a collector/hoarder of books then it probably is worth the extra to them. But, If they are likely to read and then give away, I wouldn’t bother buying the nicer version.
I would save on the book and spend it on a nicer version of something else they will keep.

Original poster
NoIdeaWhatItMeans · 15/09/2021 16:12

I just meant to point out that as it's hardback it'll still be in good condition having been read so it can be given away as a gift to someone else once they're done with it

OP posts:
RincewindsHat · 15/09/2021 16:14

Depends on the book and whether or not you're certain they'll love it. I just bought myself the Mina Lima illustrated version of Beauty and the Beast because I knew I loved it as soon as I saw it, but I definitely don't buy just any books in hardback or with extra beautiful presentation, and would not expect anyone else to buy that style of book for me either without asking me first tbh.

DilemmaDelilah · 15/09/2021 16:17

I love reading and like to keep my books, but I prefer paperbacks which are lighter and easier to read.

MasterBeth · 15/09/2021 16:20

Who gives away second-hand books as “a gift”?

I mean, I might give them away to someone, but I wouldn’t wrap one even if it was in good condition.

Original poster
NoIdeaWhatItMeans · 15/09/2021 16:24

I thought giving something away to someone counted as a gift, even if it was second hand?

OP posts:
Hereforthedramaz · 15/09/2021 16:28

@NoIdeaWhatItMeans

I thought giving something away to someone counted as a gift, even if it was second hand?
It absolutely is a gift regardless of secondhand or not.

Personally I'd be delighted with a secondhand book thoughtfully chosen.

And if someone gave me a choice I'd choose secondhand over new.

maxelly · 15/09/2021 16:32

@MasterBeth

Who gives away second-hand books as “a gift”?

I mean, I might give them away to someone, but I wouldn’t wrap one even if it was in good condition.

What's wrong with second hand gifts? Books are lovely presents, a tatty cheap paperback perhaps isn't the best, but that clearly isn't what OP is asking about? And even if it was it's extremely rude and ungracious to look down your nose at any gift that has been purchased with care and love, if you don't like it books are hardly heavy or high maintenance, you can bung it in the nearest charity shop or book exchange.

OP I would be delighted to receive a beautiful illustrated edition of a book I loved and wouldn't give two hoots about whether it was second hand or not, I would find that a lovely thoughtful present. However £50 could be a lot to spend on a friend's gifts depending on your circumstances and you shouldn't feel obliged, I'm sure she'll like the cheaper version too, it's the thought that counts...

Original poster
NoIdeaWhatItMeans · 15/09/2021 16:32

I feel I should mention at this point that initially It'd be bought new and if it was given away then, obviouslly, it'd be second hand to the reciever.

OP posts:
mdh2020 · 15/09/2021 16:33

Have you looked at Penguin Clothbound Classics? They are nice hardback editions. I often buy them as gifts.

GreyhoundG1rl · 15/09/2021 16:35

Second hand books can absolutely be given as gifts. Especially beautifully illustrated/bound ones.
Very odd to think once a thing has been lightly used it no longer has any value.

Original poster
NoIdeaWhatItMeans · 15/09/2021 16:36

Misspelled obviously

OP posts:
RubaiyatOfAnyone · 15/09/2021 16:45

Can you link to the book you’re thinking of? Some are genuinely beautiful, high production values, original illustrations, just nice objects to hold and well worth the extra. Some are repackaged readers-digest tosh in pleather. It would be easier to advise if we knew the edition you were considering?

KupoNutCoffee · 15/09/2021 16:45

What book is it? Have they read it before? Is it part of a series?

Personally, as lovely as a illustrated edition of a book would be, I'd want one of a somewhat special to me book. So a copy of say Oliver Twist would be not ungratfully recieved but less appreciated than Alice in Wonderland, for me.

Also if its part of a series...it would niggle at me that I say had the Philsophers stone in a lovely illustrated copy but the rest are all mismatched.

I'm assuming she must be in to books to consider buying one for her but does she have any other illustrated editions? For me it would be lovely but would sit on the book case gathering dust...Sad

Original poster
NoIdeaWhatItMeans · 15/09/2021 17:00

It's the wind in the willows, illustrated by inga moore. Saw in waterstones for £20, then amazon for 14.99.

There are copies of the story for less than a fiver, I acknowledge they wont be as good

OP posts:
GreyhoundG1rl · 15/09/2021 17:03

That's beautiful, op, I'd love that.

maxelly · 15/09/2021 17:06

Lovely choice and while I appreciate the comments re second hand were about your friend potentially choosing to regift, you can actually pick up a second hand copy of that edition in very good condition from Abe Books or World of Books for about £5 so a massive saving plus better for the environment and doesn't support Evil Amazon Corp?

Original poster
NoIdeaWhatItMeans · 15/09/2021 17:09

@maxelly

wow thank you that is massively helpful

OP posts:
Chikapu · 15/09/2021 17:16

Is it a book that you know they really love?

Original poster
NoIdeaWhatItMeans · 15/09/2021 17:25

Honestly no, I just imagine that they will

OP posts:
Doomscrolling · 15/09/2021 17:34

I definitely thing a beautifully illustrated book is head and shoulders above a ‘normal’ plain paperback edition.

I have a beautiful hard back colour edition of The Little House On The Prairie and the Lauren Child edition of Pippi Longstocking. Both will be treasured for decades to come.

RubaiyatOfAnyone · 15/09/2021 17:34

That is a lovely edition of a lovely book. Definitely better than the unillustrated £1 classics version.

Doomscrolling · 15/09/2021 17:37

Abe have second hand copies of that edition, OP.

I just finally got a replacement of a much missed first edition of a favourite book from Abe, it’s great!

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