# Are Hardback Books Dead? The Great Format Debate

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/quick-book-reviews-with-philippa-hall-183832/are-hardback-books-dead-the-great-format-debate
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/quick-book-reviews-with-philippa-hall-183832/are-hardback-books-dead-the-great-format-debate.md
Podcast: [Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall](https://stenobird.com/podcast/quick-book-reviews-with-philippa-hall-183832)
Published: 2026-06-19T04:07:00+00:00
Episode link: https://shows.acast.com/quick-book-reviews/episodes/are-hardback-books-dead-the-great-format-debate
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/6087d3aca4a81031ba098a59/e/6a230a57ebd8b0fa733ab725/media.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/quick-book-reviews-with-philippa-hall-183832/episodes/are-hardback-books-dead-the-great-format-debate
Duration seconds: 916

## Resource

Are hardback books too expensive, too heavy, and past their sell-by date? A recent Guardian article made the provocative case that hardbacks should die — and Philippa has thoughts . In this episode, Philippa dives into the great book format debate, covering: Why she strongly disagrees with calls to "ban" hardbacks The real problem with hardback pricing — and those eye-watering £40 price tags How long is too long to wait for a paperback edition? The e-book pricing scandal: why is a digital file costing £15? The case for libraries, audiobooks, and Spotify's free listening hours as budget-friendly alternatives Sprayed edges (spreadges) — and why they might just be the best argument for buying hardbacks Philippa's verdict? All formats are equal. Audiobook, hardback, paperback, e-book — just read the book. This episode was inspired by a question from author Frances Quinn , whose new novel The Scandalous Ladies Football Club is out 2nd July . 💬 Join the conversation Quick Book Reviews Facebook Group | Instagram | quickbookreviews@outlook.com Quick Book Reviews: author interviews and book reviews with no spoilers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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## Transcript

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