I love the Library of America and their wonderful editions of American liiterature. The quality of every volume is of the best quality. I never knew some of the details until I visited the publisher’s website. Some interesting facts from their notes on the production and design:
“Though each volume contains from 700 to as many as 1600 pages, all are compact and trim, measuring less than two inches thick.”
“The paper is acid-free and meets the requirements for permanence set by the American National Standards Institute; it will not turn yellow or brittle. The books are bound with the grain of the paper to ensure that they open easily and lie flat without crinkling or buckling.
“The typeface, Galliard, is exceptionally readable and easy on the eyes.”
“The books are Smyth-sewn for permanence and flexibility, and each includes a ribbon marker.”
“Each volume is attractively jacketed or slipcased and measures 4 7/8″ x 7 7/8”. This trim size is based on the “golden section,” which the ancient Greeks considered to be the ideal proportion.”
In 2007, the Library of America made the following video to commemorate its 25th anniversary:
