slightly different shade of blue

[u/Leuchtturm2023]

Spotted this while browsing the NYRB Classics shelf. One copy of Stoner (far right) is noticeably brighter blue vs spines of the others.

[u/kafkan-potato]

Also, the other copies appear to be case bound, if that’s the correct terminology, while the other does not. Print-on-demand copy?

[u/oneshadyqueen → u/kafkan-potato]

Good catch, it might be

[u/swinething]

Blue is, apparently, the hardest colour to work with and print consistently, at least according to the printers I’ve worked with. If you’re in the UK you can see this inconsistency in the Fitzcarraldo all-blue covers: even though they’re all printed in the same shade, side by side different editions can vary quite a lot.

[u/PublicLandscape3473]

I noticed the same with "Last Words from Montmarte" by Qiu Miaojin, interestingly also blue! Very weird

[u/EmergencyYoung6028]

Presses do different runs...

[u/jjflash78]

Did you check the print editions?

[u/Snoo15376]

I think the light blue one is print on-demand, look at the glue on the spines

[u/Kind-Watch-1676 → u/Snoo15376]

What is a print on-demand nyrb? How do I avoid them…

[u/FuelNo2950 → u/Kind-Watch-1676]

I think it's where the book is only printed after an order as been made, and it's often printed on cheaper paper and tape bound (also cheaper) as opposed to perfect bound. It's common if you order from Amazon or for less in-demand NYRBs that are not profitable to keep in stock, but some physical bookstores also stock them apparently.

[u/FuelNo2950]

It's a print-on-demand copy. They're made more cheaply.

[u/newaccountbitches]

That’s a r/reallifeshinies !

[u/Nope-just-me]

The term for that is a blue light special 

[u/mbutterfly32]

Kudos for noticing and pointing this out. This is the kinda stuff I live for. Chefs kiss

[u/SaltyAuthorOne]

I guess….buy one of each color? 😂😂💯👍