Hardcovers

Hardcover, or hardback, is a book bound with rigid protective covers rather than the flexible paper covers used by softcover editions. The covers are usually made of stiff boards wrapped in cloth, paper, or leather and are often protected by a detachable dust jacket. Inside, the pages are typically attached to endpapers and the spine is reinforced, with common decorative features such as foil stamping, blind embossing, or gilt edges. Some bindings use a process called case binding, where the book block is sewn or glued to a rigid outer case.

Hardcovers come in several variants: clothbound, leather-bound, or faux leather; editions may be described as trade hardcover or premium/collector editions. Libraries frequently use library binding designed for high-usage environments. Dust jackets add protection and marketing information, and many editions also come in slipcases for collectors or gifts.

Advantages of hardcovers include durability, long-term readability, and often higher resale value. They are preferred by collectors, libraries, and readers who want a lasting copy. Disadvantages include higher price, greater weight and bulk, and sensitivity of the dust jacket to damage; moisture can affect the cover materials and spine if not stored properly.

In publishing, hardcover editions are typically released for new titles, sometimes ahead of paperback editions, and may exist as trade versions intended for general readers or premium editions with extra features such as ribbon markers, gilded edges, or special bindings.