Pocket edition
Small-size books which could fit in a reader's pocket have existed from early times. For example, the early 8th-century
When a publisher wishes to produce a pocket edition of a book he can reduce the size of the print, and the thickness of the paper and covers; but he cannot do this indefinitely if the book is to remain legible and serviceable; a time comes when he must also abridge the text, abbreviating of cutting out any appendices or other portions, which, though perhaps interesting in themselves, are not really necessary to the main purpose of the work.[1]
Pocket editions have been criticized as "not really suitable for library use", with the recommendation that "those bought to cover gaps when no alternative was available should be relegated to reserve as soon as they can be replaced".[2]
One kind of book popularly issued in the pocket format is the pocket dictionary as an edition of larger
Another type of pocket size books that were popular among professionals before they have been replaced by smart phones is a specialized reference books. They ranged from very technical catalog of standards for structural engineers,[6] to "Nephrology Pocket" - a digest of medical textbook on nephrology that contains all essential diagrams and tables.[7]
See also
References
- ^ The Journal of Conchology, Volumes 17-18 (1923), page 234.
- ^ The Librarian and Book World - Volumes 39-40 (195), p. 341.
- ^ a b Mary Ellen Guffey, Carolyn Seefer, Business English (2010), p. 5.
- ^ Harry Shaw, Building a Better Vocabulary (1984), p. 12.
- ^ Walter Pauk, Ross J.Q. Owens, How to Study in College (2010), p. 133.
- ISBN 978-0-750-68686-0.
- ISBN 978-1-591-03270-0.