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If relevant, does the review consider the physical production of the book (e.g., illustrations, index, quality of binding)?

I'm reviewing a costly, heavily illustrated archival volume. It feels necessary to comment on the production quality, but I'm unsure if this is seen as peripheral to the scholarly content. In what contexts is this analysis expected, and how do I integrate it without the review seeming like a consumer report?

 

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By Rinku Answered 4 years ago

This is a nuanced point. For a standard monograph, a brief note on the index's usefulness is sufficient. However, for works where materiality is integral like art books, critical editions, or archival collections you must assess it. I would recommend framing it as part of the book's argument and value. For example, ask: Do the illustrations directly support the thesis? Is the binding durable for a reference work? Here, commenting on production isn't peripheral; it's essential to evaluating the publisher's investment in the scholarship.

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