softback
Bendable book format
Softback is a book bound with a flexible paper cover rather than rigid boards.
The term is interchangeable with paperback: The novel came out in softback six months after the hardcover.
As an adjective, it describes this binding style: a softback edition.
Legally or morally required
- adhesiveMaterial that bonds objects
- spineColumn of vertebrae
- glueBonding substance
- unsewnNot joined by needle
cover · mass market · book jacket · cover art · ISBN · print run · pagination · layout
Plan for spending
- inexpensiveLow in cost
- economicalUsing resources sparingly
- cheapLow in price
- valueImportance or price
low-cost · bargain · discount · accessible · reasonable · cost-effective · mass market · remainder
Tightly packed together
- lightweightLacking mass or importance
- handheldDesigned for palm use
- pocket-sizedSmall enough to carry
- travel-friendlySuited for journeys
convenient · carry-on · manageable · handy · transportable · foldable · bendable · flexible
New and unusual
- bestsellerHigh-volume publication
- mysterySomething unexplained or unknown
- romanceLove and its excitement
- thrillerSuspense-driven narrative genre
fantasy · science fiction · genre fiction · beach read · page-turner · pulp · airport novel · series
Academic subject manual
- workbookEducational exercise manual
- coursebookEducational text for lessons
- primerPreparatory coat or guide
- handbookCompact reference guide
manual · reader · schoolbook · tutorial · introduction · abridgment · student edition
Alphabetical word reference
- thesaurusSynonym and antonym compendium
- encyclopediaComprehensive subject-matter collection
- atlasBound collection of charts
- guidebookReference for travelers
handbook · manual · directory · glossary · compendium · gazetteer · almanac · field guide
binding
Legally or morally required
unsewn · cover · mass market · book jacket · cover art · ISBN · print run · pagination · layout · typesetting
budget
Plan for spending
- inexpensiveLow in cost
- economicalUsing resources sparingly
- cheapLow in price
value · low-cost · bargain · discount · accessible · reasonable · cost-effective · mass market · remainder · secondhand
compact
Tightly packed together
- lightweightLacking mass or importance
- handheldDesigned for palm use
- pocket-sizedSmall enough to carry
travel-friendly · convenient · carry-on · manageable · handy · transportable · foldable · bendable · flexible · pliable
novel
New and unusual
- bestsellerHigh-volume publication
- mysterySomething unexplained or unknown
- romanceLove and its excitement
thriller · fantasy · science fiction · genre fiction · beach read · page-turner · pulp · airport novel · series · sequel
textbook
Academic subject manual
- workbookEducational exercise manual
- coursebookEducational text for lessons
- primerPreparatory coat or guide
handbook · manual · reader · schoolbook · tutorial · introduction · abridgment · student edition
dictionary
Alphabetical word reference
- thesaurusSynonym and antonym compendium
- encyclopediaComprehensive subject-matter collection
- atlasBound collection of charts
guidebook · handbook · manual · directory · glossary · compendium · gazetteer · almanac · field guide · phrasebook
- pocket-sized itemswallet, coin purse, money clip, card holder, pocket guide
softbackhardback
Book with rigid covers
hardcover · board book · hardbound · deluxe edition · collector's edition