Here's a breakdown of the term:
* Paper: The cover is made of paper, typically a durable and lightweight type.
* Back: The spine of the book, which is where the pages are bound together.
So, "paperback" literally means a book with a paper back cover.
Here are some common characteristics of paperbacks:
* Lower cost: Paperbacks are generally less expensive than hardcover books because they use less expensive materials and printing processes.
* Lightweight and portable: Their flexible covers make them easy to carry around.
* More common format for mass-market books: Many popular fiction and non-fiction titles are published in paperback editions.
Let me know if you'd like to know more about paperbacks!