The Art of Buying Books

I suppose my plan worked.
Almost.

Having grasped the situation, I knew exactly how to encourage her. She only needed to push the button. And she did, right when I wanted to.

A few days ago, I was looped in to the Sherlock Holmes fandom after watching the BBC TV show "Sherlock" (Read my thoughts here).

I saw it coming.
My redemption.
By reading the book originally by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

So, I set the plan in motion.
And a few days later, I had it.
I have the book I wanted. Sort of.
The complete works of Sherlock Holmes.

Hardcover. Php499. Illustrated. BEAUTIFUL EDITION.
That's what I really wanted.

But this is what I get.
Paperback. Mass market. Php419. NOT MY EDITION.

That's when I realized the art of buying books.

Let's begin with the basics.

Hardcover/Hardback. From the word itself "hard", meaning the cover is made of some hardened material
Paperback. From the word itself "paper", meaning the cover is made of slightly thickened paper.
Trade paperback. Made of higher quality than mass market paperbacks, and is also seen taller. Known as standard size.
Mass market. The usual "pocketbook" edition.

A paperback usually cost around Php350-500. Price tends to get higher if book is well known.
A hardcover/hardback usually cost Php700-1500+ depending on the author and nature of book.

See my problem?

Hardcover vs. Paperback
Illustrated vs. not illustrated
Php499 vs Php419

KILL ME NOW.

Books.

Don't generalize them.

They're not all the same.

When I say want a book,

I mean to say I want a beautiful book, untainted and uncreased, worthy of the price given its quality.

Please check what you buy.
If there would be a crease on the page, I'd be the one to put it there.
I hate getting "damaged" new books.