BookTalk.org

Deckle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deckle

It’s the torn paper look (feel) you find on some books. Personally, I don’t like it. If a book's old, it’s not a big deal, but on new books, I rank it up there with holding chalk.

I have read books with deckle edge and own few with it, but I have also worn a pair of gloves before just to make it through the sensory struggle.

It is definitely an acquired taste.

This evokes a vague memory of reading Jean-Paul Sartre's first novel La Nausée or Nausea. The main character runs his fingers over paper and feels a profound sense of disgust at that and most physical objects. Sorry, that's all I've got - as I recall the novel was too depressing to finish or recommend.

Simple solution: turn the pages from the top edge of the page, not the deckle edge to avoid existential angst.
Well unless all edges are deckled, then it's time for cotton gloves to protect your sanity.

I love em and seek out editions with the deckle edge. It makes the book more a esthetically pleasing IMO.

I been reading the comments. Still not persuaded to read a Deckle edge book without first wearing a pair of Jersey gloves.

Further, in the future, someone will read this post and say to self, "That's what it's called." They'll probably disagree with me, but that's cool. At least I taught them something.