Three-deckers in book publishing were a popular format that was popular in the 19th century and Victorian era. They are commonly known as a three-decker because they comprise multiple or “decks” volumes bound together in one book. Each volume was divided into sections that made up a complete story in all three volumes. Also, the three books are in sequence, meaning readers would read all of them to get the whole image.
Three-deckers were often employed for fiction, especially the novels that ran into few volumes. Publishers could also simultaneously release smaller portions of serialized novels to maintain readers’ interest and keep them anticipating the next installments. Additionally, the three-volume format allowed publishers to charge higher per volume, hence profitability and reader loyalty.
The three-deckers also had exceptional quality in their production. These books were made out of sturdy materials, decorated bindings, illustrated pages, and golden lettering on spines, all to appear attractive to potential buyers and demonstrate their worth and importance.
The three-deckers were very popular during the 19th century. Nevertheless, they died out due to new printing technologies and readers’ preferences by the early 20th century. Cheaper paperback editions emerged, and single-volume novels gradually replaced the three-decker novels. Nonetheless, three-deckers are significant in publishing history, representing Victorian handicraft and trade tactics.
