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| Information about collectible Franklin Library leather bound books. Click the series titles at left to view a list of each Franklin Library book series. |
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Caution!
We advise that all collectors use caution when ordering
Franklin Library books online especially if you are new to
collecting these books. The main problem encountered with
many listings is a failure to properly describe the binding style
of the book being sold. Many sellers describe the imitation
leather editions as full leather bound or they fail to describe the
binding at all. The main reason for this error is a lack of
knowledge on the part of the seller about Franklin Library
books. The publishing year can not be used as a method
determining the binding style as many titles were published in
different styles in the same year. We also suggest caution when
collecting certain series of titles such as the Franklin Mystery
series as the Franklin Mystery series was produced in both full
leather and imitation leather, however the full leather Franklin
Mystery copies are rare.
If ever you are unsure about the binding style try asking the
seller specific questions like is it full leather? silk page marker
or no page marker?
We advise that all collectors use caution when ordering
Franklin Library books online especially if you are new to
collecting these books. The main problem encountered with
many listings is a failure to properly describe the binding style
of the book being sold. Many sellers describe the imitation
leather editions as full leather bound or they fail to describe the
binding at all. The main reason for this error is a lack of
knowledge on the part of the seller about Franklin Library
books. The publishing year can not be used as a method
determining the binding style as many titles were published in
different styles in the same year. We also suggest caution when
collecting certain series of titles such as the Franklin Mystery
series as the Franklin Mystery series was produced in both full
leather and imitation leather, however the full leather Franklin
Mystery copies are rare.
If ever you are unsure about the binding style try asking the
seller specific questions like is it full leather? silk page marker
or no page marker?
The Franklin Library was a division of The Franklin Mint that produced fine collector edition books over
three decades ending in the year 2000. For this reason all Franklin Library editions are now considered
"out of print" and are no longer available for sale from the Franklin Mint.
The Franklin Library produced books in three different binding styles: full genuine leather, imitation
leather, and quarter bound genuine leather. While the first or full leather bound editions were produced
through out the Franklin Library's full life span the other two styles (imitation and quarter bound) were
only produced through the 1970's and 80's. Below are some of the characteristics found in all Franklin
Library editions along with more detailed information about the different binding styles.
All Editions
- High quality paper
- pages that are sewn not glued into the binding
- gold gilded page edges on all three sides
- raised spine bands that give each book that distinctive antique look
three decades ending in the year 2000. For this reason all Franklin Library editions are now considered
"out of print" and are no longer available for sale from the Franklin Mint.
The Franklin Library produced books in three different binding styles: full genuine leather, imitation
leather, and quarter bound genuine leather. While the first or full leather bound editions were produced
through out the Franklin Library's full life span the other two styles (imitation and quarter bound) were
only produced through the 1970's and 80's. Below are some of the characteristics found in all Franklin
Library editions along with more detailed information about the different binding styles.
All Editions
- High quality paper
- pages that are sewn not glued into the binding
- gold gilded page edges on all three sides
- raised spine bands that give each book that distinctive antique look
Full Leather
The genuine full leather bound editions are the highest quality of the three. While most characteristics
remained constant through out the different series and years of production the style of end papers varied
from silk moiré to decorative paper. It can also be said that these books are equal to Easton Press
books in both quality and beauty. Below are some of the characteristics that remained constant.
- Full genuine leather binding
- 22k. gold lettering and stampings on the spine and covers
- attached silk page marker
Imitation Leather or Leatherette
The imitation leather editions were a cheaper version of the full leather editions. These books are bound
in a coated cloth material that looks much like leather but is not genuine cow hide. These books also do
not contain the silk page marker found in the other binding styles, and all have end papers that are
decorative paper not silk moiré. While most titles have gold lettering and stampings some titles have
silver lettering and stampings on the spine and covers. These editions may not be as high quality as the
full leather editions, but they are still very attractive books that are more affordable to collect.
Quarter Bound Leather
The quarter bound leather editions are the other cheaper alternative to the full leather editions. These
books have a genuine leather bound spine with traditional cloth covered boards. Like the full leather
editions these books also contain a silk page marker, however all have end papers that are decorative
paper not silk moiré. The question of which is more attractive or hold a higher value between these
books and the imitation leather editions is a matter of taste as it is more an issue of difference than quality.
The genuine full leather bound editions are the highest quality of the three. While most characteristics
remained constant through out the different series and years of production the style of end papers varied
from silk moiré to decorative paper. It can also be said that these books are equal to Easton Press
books in both quality and beauty. Below are some of the characteristics that remained constant.
- Full genuine leather binding
- 22k. gold lettering and stampings on the spine and covers
- attached silk page marker
Imitation Leather or Leatherette
The imitation leather editions were a cheaper version of the full leather editions. These books are bound
in a coated cloth material that looks much like leather but is not genuine cow hide. These books also do
not contain the silk page marker found in the other binding styles, and all have end papers that are
decorative paper not silk moiré. While most titles have gold lettering and stampings some titles have
silver lettering and stampings on the spine and covers. These editions may not be as high quality as the
full leather editions, but they are still very attractive books that are more affordable to collect.
Quarter Bound Leather
The quarter bound leather editions are the other cheaper alternative to the full leather editions. These
books have a genuine leather bound spine with traditional cloth covered boards. Like the full leather
editions these books also contain a silk page marker, however all have end papers that are decorative
paper not silk moiré. The question of which is more attractive or hold a higher value between these
books and the imitation leather editions is a matter of taste as it is more an issue of difference than quality.
| Franklin Library Book Series Franklin Library Classic Books by Series 100 Greatest Books Of All Time 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature 25th Anniversary Edition of The Great Books of the Western World Limited First Edition Society Pulitzer Prize Classics Collected Stories of the Worlds Greatest Writers World's Best Loved Books Greatest Books of the Twentieth Century Franklin Mystery Library (full leather and imitation) Franklin Library Signed Books by Series Signed Limited Editions Signed First Editions Imitation Leather (Leatherette) Book Series Franklin Mystery Library (full leather and imitation) Greatest Books of the World's Greatest Writers Quarter Bound Book Series Heirloom Library of the World's Greatest Books Family Library of the World's Great Books Oxford Library of the World's Great Books |
| Full Leather Editions: |
| Imitation Leather or Leatherette Editions: |
| Quarter Bound Editions : |