3D movies. 3D televisions. 3D…books?
Yep, you read that right. Riverhead Books has released what they’re dubbing “the first-ever 3D printed slipcover” for Chang-rae Lee’s On Such a Full Sea. Hitting the market at a cool $150, the title will be available as a limited-edition white slipcover, which shows the words rising off the edges – just as if you were to look at the book through a pair of 3D glasses.
It’s not surprising that publishing technology has advanced to the point where we can now add such special effects to printed works, and it’s also not surprising that Lee’s title was chosen for the inaugural venture – after all, the book does focus on a futuristic America. But what are the real advantages of a 3D cover?
Well, for starters, it looks neat. And there’s definitely a niche for those who consider books to be more collectible and who would probably have no qualms about forking over the extra dough. But an early report from Time also mentions the bulkiness that the 3D case brings to an already cumbersome hardcover, as well as the fact that it wouldn’t necessarily be able to be displayed on a regular bookshelf — thus possibly limiting interest from the general public.
Still, it’s at least comforting that in this day and age, publishers are continuing their attempts to be innovative in the print world. If sales of On Such a Full Sea do well, it’s safe to say we can probably expect to see more 3D covers in the future –especially where popular titles are concerned.
What do you think? Does the idea of a 3D cover intrigue you? Or would you prefer to stick to e-books as an innovative way of reading your favorites?
