Waterproof book makes reading in the pool easy

The world's first waterproof paperback will hit the shelves next summer, publishers said.

The first book to receive the coating will go on sale in May next year Photo: GETTY IMAGES

A clear wax sealant will prevent running ink and stop pages from becoming soggy and tearing when wet.


The tough polymer coating is tear-resistant and promises to increase a title's shelf-life by up to 200 per cent.

Banks in Australia already use the technology to prolong the life of banknotes and to reduce the risk of forgery.

But it is the first time that a standard paperback will receive the same treatment. Only children's books or specialist scuba diving titles currently boast to be fully water-resistant.

The first book to receive the coating has been named as 'The Greater Bad', an ebook by Alan Cork, hard copies of which will go on sale in May next year.

Author Alan Cork said: ''I'm over-the-moon that my book has been chosen to pave the way in a new era of publishing.''
from: Telegraph