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Narnia Books Stuck!!!

LostinEarth
(@lostinearth)
NarniaWeb Newbie

I know this is random, but my Narnia Books came in a set. So they are in that book grouping thingy. I will try to add a photo. But, I cannot get them out. THEY ARE COMPLETELY JAMMED IN!!!! They are also an older version of the books so I don't want to rip the covering. Does anyone know how to get them out??!!!?? This is very SAD ? ? . I would very much like to read them. I think I figured out how to add a photo below... It may look like you can get them out but they have expanded in there and I am very worried.

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”
- a Narnian lost in earth

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Topic starter Posted : October 19, 2020 11:24 am
fantasia
(@fantasia)
Member Admin

@lostinearth, Serious suggestion, you might try putting them in the freezer (in a bag so they don't get wet) because the cold will make them shrink, and that might be enough to get them out. 

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Posted : October 19, 2020 5:56 pm
Courtenay
(@courtenay)
NarniaWeb Fanatic Hospitality Committee

That's a good suggestion from Fantasia. As well as doing that, if they don't come out immediately, you could also take a butter knife (with a totally blunt and flat blade, I mean) and slide it in very gently between the books and the casing and see if you can loosen them a bit more that way. There'll be a solution!! Smile  

"Now you are a lioness," said Aslan. "And now all Narnia will be renewed."
(Prince Caspian)

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Posted : October 20, 2020 1:36 am
aileth
(@aileth)
Member Moderator

Now I'm curious to know which set you have Smile My boxed set (1980 Fontana Lions) is delicate, too, so I have to be careful with them; they do tend to be tight. (Getting them back in the box successfully is another problem.)

Couple of recommendations as a librarian (which you probably already know): Don't try reefing on the spine--there's no surer way of damaging the books; if you can, find something to safely grip an individual book, since fingers are often awkward, and merely add to the congestion.

As @courtenay mentioned above, using a blunt knife between the books might help--maybe try one of the middle books as well; if you can get one out, the rest ought to come more easily.  Also, press gently on the top of the box, so that the sides bow out a bit.  If you can figure out where it is binding, it might give you something to go on.

@fantasia's suggestion is a good one, especially if the books have swollen from dampness. I've only ever put absolutely drenched books in myself, but it does work wonders.

Good luck with your endeavours!

Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away ... my days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle

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Posted : October 20, 2020 10:16 am
coracle
(@coracle)
NarniaWeb's Auntie Moderator

Once your books are as dry as you can get them, I suggest using a narrow pair of metal tongs to try to pull one out, or lever one out using a wide screwdriver or chisel, etc.

If these ideas are still unsuccessful, you are faced with a choice - the books or the box!  If you choose to cut into the box, use a craft knife (Stanley knife) and cut into the edges of the side it normally stands on, so it will show less when you repair it.

Best wishes! My 1970s set is sometimes hard to lever out, but they are loose enough to tip slightly and then grab the top of one spine.

There, shining in the sunrise, larger than they had seen him before, shaking his mane (for it had apparently grown again) stood Aslan himself.
"...when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backwards."

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Posted : October 20, 2020 5:25 pm
Cleander
(@the-mad-poet-himself)
NarniaWeb Guru

So sorry to hear of this misfortune! (I have the 1970's Collier box set and have trouble getting them out occasionally).

I'd suggest using something thin and stiff that comes in a right-angle shape, like a hex key wrench or a bent coat hanger. If you maybe inserted the bent end in between two books, you could turn it sideways once you reached the back of the box, thus hooking around one so you can pull it out. 

OR, try sticking something like thin, stiff leather or rubber in one of the cracks and then pulling out. Possibly it will cling to the book and hold on? 

Hope these help!

 

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Posted : October 20, 2020 10:43 pm
LostinEarth
(@lostinearth)
NarniaWeb Newbie

@fantasia They have made their journey to the freezer!!!

I have tried to attach a file of the book set I have, it may be to big though. Thanks everyone for the advice ? 

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”
- a Narnian lost in earth

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Topic starter Posted : October 23, 2020 11:17 am
fantasia liked
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