I’ve noticed lately that the number of books published with sprayed edges, either in a plain colour or featuring intricate imagery, is growing. Of course, books have had their edges coloured or gilded for decorative purposes for centuries, so this is not a new concept. But it’s only in recent years that we’ve seen a noticeable revival of
the practice.

Most prominently, this trend has appeared in the genres of fantasy and romance. The hugely popular fantasy novels by Rebecca Yarros – Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm – come to mind, with their striking jet-black edges. I could be cynical and suggest this is purely a marketing ploy, and, of course, that is partly true. But does it really matter? If it encourages readers, especially younger readers, to pick up books and dive into a story, then that’s a positive thing, right?

These books, particularly when the edges are more decorative rather than just a plain colour, can be genuinely beautiful. The extra detail makes the book feel important, almost as though they are books that everyone should read or has already read. Sprayed images on the edges make the book feel even more tactile, evoking emotions before we even turn the
first page.

This trend has also made its way into recent Australian books. Charlotte Wood’s 10th anniversary edition of The Natural Way of Things has just been published in hardcover with sprayed edges featuring a stunning floral theme. I found myself running my hands over the smooth, almost silky cover of The Natural Way of Things. I even hugged it close! I haven’t read The Natural Way of Things yet, but you can be sure that no one else is getting this copy. I am taking it home to read, and to proudly display it on my already bulging bookshelves. Being a hardcover edition and the extra attention to detail makes this book a wonderful gift for a friend or family member.

Once I started noticing more of these decorated books, I found myself beginning to covet them.

As I was researching other books published with sprayed edges, I discovered an entire community of readers who are taking matters into their own hands – spraying the edges themselves!

This made me feel conflicted. For some reason, it doesn’t feel quite the same as if the publisher had produced it. There’s an insistent, possibly old-fashioned, inner voice rebelling against ‘defacing’ the book – even though I know that’s not truly the case. I suppose it’s similar to the way I can, at times (as I fight the feeling!), disapprove of readers who scribble marginalia in their books. Interestingly, I don’t feel the same way about turning the edges down to mark a place. A paperback novel, I can dog-ear to death, although I must admit I wouldn’t do that to a lovely hardcover or illustrated book – including this copy of The Natural Way of Things.

I really love the trend of sprayed edges because it gives books a deluxe, collectible feel, making them special and something to be treasured. I think it can encourage new readers to explore and even inspire existing readers to try new genres.

I’ve seen the vampire novel Twilight with the image of blood running down the edges of the pages – creepy, yet intriguing for a reader.

It has inspired some readers to collect books with sprayed edges, gradually building entire libraries dedicated to them. For some, it becomes a full-blown obsession. Some even arrange the books in their bookcases with the spines turned inward, deliberately displaying the decorated edges. Now that is true passion.

In reality, we should celebrate the fact that a reader can love a book so deeply that they are inspired to artistically enhance its edges – whether through spraying, inking, or colouring in some other way. If that makes books more likely to be purchased, read, and treasured, with memories attached for life, then all hail the passionate reader. •