Anatomy of a Book

Part 3: Anatomy of a Book

The vocabulary of the many parts of a book are important for the Library Media Specialist to understand. Here we are referring to hardcover books, not paperback books. Traditionally, hardcover editions are released first, and have greater durability for school and library use. Paperback editions are released only after hardcover sales have slowed.*

Students may be unfamiliar with the parts of a book, and this can make for a great library lesson, possibly with the option of students creating their own book, or at least having the opportunity to study several different types up close. Basic parts include the endpapers, casewrap, book block, gutter, headband, and backbone. Different approaches to these parts can add creativity and flair to various books.

The endpapers are at the beginning and ends of the book, and can feature different designs for added interest. While this is often true of picture books, Young Adult novels are more likely to have solid endpapers, albeit some in contrasting pops of color. YA books may feature designs, however, such as the artwork of ten different novels featured here.

The casewrap, unlike cloth binding, is the more modern version of what is found on the outside of the hardcover book, underneath the book jacket. Designs and artwork can be printed in full color, then laminated for protection and durability. A look at the casewrap may reveal an entirely unique layout than that immediately visible on the book jacket.

The assembled body of the book is known as the book block. For a touch of design element here, the edges of the paper may be gilded, patterned, or even have a rough edge, though in YA they are most often left plain. The gutter of the book block is simply blank space added to the inner margin of the page, so that when bound, no text is lost. The headband is a textile that fills the space between the spine and the cover, another logistic necessity, though it can be decorative. The backbone, which connects the front and back covers, is also known as the spine. The spine contains the book’s title, author, and publisher, but its design is significant in that it is often the first aspect of the book glimpsed when it is shelved.

Before studying the many parts of a book, I was less aware of design elements and how they were being used to draw in potential readers. Since considering these many parts more carefully, I have begun more often looking under book jackets and opening books to see what the endpapers may hold. Unfortunately, libraries often use a special clear book tape to attach book jackets, so that they are not lost in frequent circulation. I myself at one time removed and laminated book jackets before taping them on permanently, especially when putting into circulation books that were not created with library binding specifically for heavy use.

Another aspect I had not given serious consideration was the importance of the outer spine’s appeal. Knowing that students may well judge a book by its cover, it is important to realize that the spine is often the first--maybe only--part they see when browsing library shelves. I have begun looking more at the artwork on spines and how they create interest.

I feel that the parts of the book are important to share with students for a couple of reasons. Not only does it increase students’ knowledge, but it seems it will also generate greater respect for the care and handling of books. Moreover, once they see the many little ways creativity and design may be incorporated, they will be more likely to pick up and view books as works of art that hold new and enticing surprises.

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*C.C. (2014, October 15). Why books come out in hardback before paperback. Retrieved June 13, 2019, from https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2014/10/15/why-books-come-out-in-hardback-before-paperback