the lether is supposed to make it hard. And as Geary says, that alone is 5.00 if not more. Why would you use a bunch, though? In a message dated 2/19/2010 11:09:11 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, jejunejesuit.geary2@xxxxxxxxx writes: "Longfellow's Poems" 1881-- lether hardbound Beautiful Leather Hardbound ( covers are not attached) gold edged, old excellent book. Like I said the covers have broken off but all there and not raged a book binder can easily attach. clean crisp pages with lots of Illustrations in it. asside from the covers book looks new. Shipping is $5.00, and if you buy a bunch will combine in post office box. with reduced shipping..