Here's why:
* Distinguishes Titles: Italics help visually separate the title of a book from the rest of the text, making it clear that it's a distinct work.
* Standard Practice: This is the widely accepted style guideline in most publications and writing contexts.
* Clarity and Organization: Italics help with readability, especially in longer pieces of writing where multiple book titles might be mentioned.
Exceptions:
* Short works: Titles of shorter works, like articles, essays, poems, or short stories, are usually placed in quotation marks.
* Specific style guides: Some style guides, like the Chicago Manual of Style, have specific rules for handling titles.
Example:
* Incorrect: "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic novel.
* Correct: *To Kill a Mockingbird* is a classic novel.