Flipped through gently in our non-smoking home. A little pull at staples on front cover. Otherwise great. The New York Times Magazine The Food and Drink Issue October 2 2011 - 74 pages Mysteries Solved...Reader's Questions Answered by Michael Pollan Why Does It Matter That Families Eat Together? Can a Dinner Party be Stress-Free? If You Could Only Have One Cookbook, What Would it Be? Free shipping is for the magazine wrapped in protective plastic inside a folder and shipped in an envelope First Class with tracking. If you would like cardboard backing please let me know before paying, and I will invoice you up to an additional $ .45, only IF the cardboard takes it up a USPS shipping cost level. I recycle packaging to save us both money. I am happy to combine shipping with other items at a discount. Please email me for details before purchase.