Many positive responses to my recent bookchopping confession.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Also in agreement with H that this is a good idea. – Reuben B, in Dubai
Hi JP. Approve of chopping up huge new books! Wonder why and when we lost the early 19th century publishers’ habit of producing three- and four-deckers… Jane Austen’s Emma – not huge – was a three-decker. – Corinna H
Great idea. Especially for reading on the go. – Elaine I
I chopped THE LUMINARIES into thirds years ago, and it was really a testament to the novel’s worth: it was so damn good, I didn’t ever want to be without it, but too big to lug around. Simple maths, really. Many were horrified, but I’m guessing Eleanor Catton would have been thrilled to know it was bought and read, full stop… – Allison DeFrees
When I was last at my parents I found my dad’s old hand-hardbound books that he collected from magazines (when novels where published chapter by chapter and books were not that easy to buy). There’s something really special about them even though those same novels could be easily purchased now. But I don’t know if I can cut up an actual book though! – Antonina M
This made me laugh – I was an editorial assistant at Bloomsbury when this book came out, and I remember photocopying batches of the ms for people in-house to read. Didn’t think to give them French flaps though. So chic! – Mary Morris
This is wonderful and I experienced it like a gust of fresh autumn air after a time of insideness and fug. – Andrew Clover
Been cutting up books for years – even and especially my own! I think yours, though, should have JP covers! Tolstoy, Eliot … all could be much improved. – Mark Ellingham (who additionally sent a photo of his own cut-up books)
Meanwhile, my work continues. Volume three has been carved out and re-covered like the first two volumes.
I have also found it helpful to number them, but not yet planned any more elaborate design flourishes:
