The Third Way

Tired of having to choose between the durability of a hardcover and the flexibility of a paperback? You'll like the new format UK publisher Bloomsbury is introducing.

The "bendyback" is halfway between rigid and pliant. The Bookseller describes the binding thus: "The bendyback is mid-way between hardcover and paperback, with a very thin board binding (0.42mm) and a cover design printed onto 150gsm linen. This firm but flexible style of binding is popular in Europe, and in Germany is called a 'smartcover'."

Jon McGregor's novel Even the Dogs will be released as a bendy in the UK, but a paperback in the States. Details are here.--David E