[Pléiade Collection] How to Replace the Mylar Cover and Slipcase

I told you I bought a book from the Pléiade Collectionfor the first time. While the price was right, the book wasn’t without its flaws, and I wondered if I could improve it a bit. Because of its torn (and yellowed with age) mylar cover, the leather spine has suffered a little, and as long as the mylar stays broken, that part of the spine will always be more fragile than the rest: I need a new mylar cover.

Likewise, the two Proust books (in new condition but bought second-hand) I just received are already all scratched up. I had to go to Gibert Joseph to check, and unfortunately, many mylar covers on new books are damaged right out of the slipcase.

A quick Google search later, I found a guy: Laurent P., who offers custom mylar covers and slipcases for all Pléiade Collection books. Oh my! The listing says to contact him before purchasing. I reached out for a very small order, and against all odds, he agreed to fulfill my request and also gave me lots of advice.

In the end, I also ordered a slipcase to replace the one for Voltaire, which was badly damaged in shipping, along with a few mylar covers to replace mine, which were very worn and scratched.

For the slipcase, since it’s made to measure, I had to measure the book’s thickness and give it to him.

Surprise: the mylar covers sent by this guy are very similar to the originals. Even better! They’re a little less flexible, but they’re almost the same thickness, shinier, and I think they look nicer on the books. On the left: the new mylar cover. On the right: the original, damaged.

What about the slipcases? Wow, the cardboard chosen is just like the original. And since it’s custom-made, it fits my Voltaire book like a glove.

I didn’t choose the option with a design, but you should know he can also personalize your slipcase with the image of your choice (or the color of your choice).

I’m blown away by the quality, and especially by the service (custom-made!!) and the low price (count about €5 for a custom slipcase, and a mylar cover is free with each slipcase!!)

Before, I always hesitated to buy Pléiade books with that ugly gray slipcase. But now that I know about this service, I can treat myself without worry: I just need to replace the mylar cover and opt for a nice custom white slipcase. Not only do you pay less for books with this kind of slipcase (since it’s an older version), but some older versions are actually more appreciated (commentaries, translation…).

We chatted a bit before the order, and he threw in an extra slipcase and a few little gifts that were very, very appreciated. Now even my Little Prince has its own mylar cover, and the three Pléiades look great with either their new mylar covers or a new slipcase (plus a special travel slipcase—when you buy a slipcase with multiple volumes, there’s no individual slipcase if you want to travel with just one volume).

You have to be a true enthusiast to produce such items, of such high quality, and have a perfect knowledge of Pléiade Collection books. You can ask him for any slipcase for any collection (Bonnot, Imprimerie Nationale, etc.), since you just need to give dimensions and it’s made to measure.

I highly recommend him; here’s his Leboncoin profile if you’d like to place an order (I get nothing; this post isn’t sponsored). He’s also on other platforms if you prefer to go through Vinted or eBay…