Just read a great blog by Chris Hilton on Reading in Bed. He focuses on something that is almost never discussed in book reviews–the usability of a book. His post focuses on a problem he runs into when reading in bed–that some books are so printed and bound that the inner margin is so narrow that the full text can only be read with two hands holding the book wide open. And for some books, this destroys their binding, which means you might as well throw it away after reading. I fully sympathize.

This is one of the reasons I like reading an eReader at bed time. I can set the text big enough that I can even read without glasses, it can be held in one hand, and it shuts itself off if I fall asleep and is easily set on my night table.

But Hilton has a point that there is a beauty in well-made books that is part of the reading pleasure which is one of the reason I still like physical books. Here are my own thoughts on what makes for a beautifully made physical book, in addition to Mr. Hilton’s great insight about inner margins:

1. Wide margins: These leave room for marginalia–those notes that reflect the dialogue between author and reader. Not everyone likes to do that but a book without margins makes this difficult.

2. Covers: While we don’t judge books by their covers, a great cover that fits the book enhances the experience. I’m reading a book on holy war with a cover that shows an ancient sword against a dark red background. Totally fits!

3. Print size and line spacing: Some of this depends on the kind of font used–some are more readable than others but obviously larger point sizes and line spacing make reading easier than tiny print and a page full of text that it seems to take forever to read.

4. Binding: A book that lies easily in your hand and stays open by itself is idea. This usually implies a better quality hardbound book.

5. Paper: Acid free paper that falls and conforms easily to the pages beneath is best. It is neither fragile nor rigid.

6. Size and weight: This is probably a trade-off with some of the other factors, particularly numbers 1 and 3. Generally, the more comfortably a book can be held and carried, the more likely it is to be read with pleasure.

7. Illustrations and graphics: Some books are remembered for their illustrations as much as for their text. I think of books like Thurber’s collections of stories with his line drawings, or the illustrations in Winnie the Pooh.

I’ve mentioned these in another context, but the hardbound Library of America series typify many of these qualities and even include their own book ribbons.

What am I missing? What makes a physical book usable and a delight to hold and read for you?