How to Fix Damage to Book Cover???

Hi, I have an 1871 (publish date) book on the Life of Major John Andre with, as you can see, some kind of damage to the cover.....should I see about getting it re-bound, or is there something I could treat the cover with to minimize the "white" splotches on it, which have been there since we bought it about 20 years ago for $1.50! The reason we really love the book is that we also have a framed watercolor by Hazel Kitts Wires done around 1952 of the "76 House" tavern where he was executed and buried in the back yard initially!!!! We had eaten there several times (Old Tappan, NY) and picked up the book in an antiques shop in Franconia, NH!!! Weird how things just happen!!!! But would really love advice on how to treat the book!!! Thanks in advance from all you "bookies" Sue

Edit.....Oooops forgot to upload the picture.....

 

Your book got caught in the rain, and there is nothing one can do to effectively deal with the spots. If the cover offends you desperately, you can, of course, have it rebound. I'd leave it as is -- but if someone is about to read it, you might put it in one of those plastic sleeves meant for the purpose.

Love the backstory!

 

Thanks!!!! Pages are getting a little tender........but I did just read his execution..... yeah he was a spy, but maaaan, they were morbid!!!!!!

 

I just saw Pawn Stars.....long story short a rebound book , older than yours ...& different....had a $300 value.....if it had the original cover ....mid 4 figures....!

Leave it alone....

 

Depending on the value, it might be less expensive to purchase a different copy than to have it rebound.

http://used.addall.com/SuperRare/su...reRareBook&store=Powells&store=Wbm&store=ZVAB

 

The North Bennett Street School in Boston does antique book binding. You could always get an estimate. I've seen their work and I plan to bring a couple of my books up there. It costs less because it's student work, but some of the students are adults who are learning a new career.