Never cracks a book

Posted by Bob on October 24, 2006

In Reply to: Never cracks a book posted by ESC on October 24, 2006

: : : what is the literal meaning of "never cracks a book" and also what is the figurative meaning of "never cracks a book".

: : Never opens a book. Literal and figurative. It refers to cracking the spine of a book. Not a good thing.

: I was taught (maybe by my mother, maybe by a librarian) to never lay a book page-side down. It would crack the spine. Here's some information from a site on antique book care:

: Always use bookmarkers. Avoid folding corners or pages. Pens, pencils, any objects left in books can cause the spine to crack and break. Very thick book markers or gem clips are also not a good idea.

: Remove from the shelf properly. Reach to the rear to push slightly toward you, then grab the sides with all fingers. Avoid the temptation to pull on the top spine, which is the first visible place of wear and freigh.

: Opening any book more than 190 ° (flat) causes the spine to break and crack over time. Always support the book's spine while it is open, never forcing it to lay open.

: Wash hands before and after handling all books. Lotion, sweat, etc. can cause soil stains. Germs can also be passed to you from used, library, and antique/vintage books.
: www.hstreasures.com/ articles/bookcare.html

Literally, then, the "cracked" spine indicates the book was opened. Figuratively, "she never cracked a book before the test" means she didn't do any of the reading she was expected to do; she did not study.

• Never cracks a book Smokey Stover 24/October/06
  • Never cracks a book R. Berg 24/October/06
    • Never cracks a book ESC 24/October/06
      • Never cracks a book RRC 24/October/06
        • Never cracks a book pamela 24/October/06
          • Never cracks a book pamela 25/October/06
            • Never cracks a book pamela 25/October/06
              • Never cracks a book Smokey Stover 25/October/06