Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall
Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall
Philippa Hall
Are Hardback Books Dead? The Great Format Debate
15 minutes Posted Jun 19, 2026 at 4:07 am.
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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.

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