Insights:
Hardcover vs Softcover Books
A hardcover or casebound book is a book that has a hardcover, typically made of cardboard covered in cloth, leather, or paper. A softcover book, also known as a paperback, is a book that has a flexible, paper cover. The main difference between the two is the type of cover that each has, with hardcovers being more durable and long-lasting, while softcovers are more affordable and portable.
How is a hardcover book manufactured?
A hardcover book, also known as a casebound book, is typically manufactured by printing the pages of the book on large sheets of paper, which are then folded and trimmed to create individual pages. The pages are then gathered and sewn together to create a "book block." The book block is then covered with a piece of cardboard, which is cut to the appropriate size and shape for the cover. The cover is then covered with cloth, paper, or another material, and a dust jacket is added if desired. The finished book is then glued or otherwise attached to the spine of the cover, completing the manufacturing process.
How is a soft cover book manufactured?
A softcover book, also known as a paperback, is typically manufactured using a similar process to a hardcover book. The pages are printed, trimmed, and gathered into a book block, but instead of being covered with a hard piece of cardboard, they are wrapped with a flexible material such as paper or plastic. The cover is then attached to the spine of the book, either with glue or by a method called perfect binding, in which the cover adheres to the spine of the book block along the entire length of the spine. This allows the book to open and lie flat, making it easier to read.
