Y is for Yellowback

Yellowback

noun: an inexpensive novel. The name comes from their cheap binding which was often covered with yellow paper.

Some book publishers began mass-producing cheap, sensationalist novels in the 1840s, in an effort to compete with the increasingly popular penny-dreadfuls (which was cheap popular serial literature). It was the predecessor of the modern paperback book.

These books were printed and bound in bright mustard-yellow jackets to attract readers’ attention, and were put on sale as impulse buys in tobacconists, train stations, and other everyday locations rather than booksellers. 

Yellowback publishing didn’t last, however the name continues to describe any sensationalist, mass-produced, and often poor-quality novel.

Getting Older

I recently celebrated another birthday.

I don't know about you, but since then I've become increasingly aware that things are proceeding so differently now then when I was twenty years younger...

And often not for the best... I don't mind the emphasis on technology as it helps so much to gather information to enable you to do your job. No, it's usually the baggage that comes with it.

It culminated this week with a junior member of staff who laughed at me because I regularly consulted a book at the office.  A paper book. How old fashioned of me...

(Sigh)

Summer Is Coming...

Just planning a little light reading for the forthcoming holiday. Some to start, some to re-read. And the pile isn't complete yet...