The Illustrated Dust Jacket: 1920-1970

A deep dive into the history of the illustrated book jacket, tracing its development across the twentieth century, reflecting some of the most iconic designs of the era

In the modern era, the "beautiful book," an art object in its own right, has become the key to the ongoing attraction of print publishing as physical books continue to distinguish themselves from the screen.

Author Martin Salisbury traces the evolution of the book jacket from its functional origins as a plain dust protector for expensively bound books to its elaboration as an artistic device to catch the eye of browsing book buyers. Increasing The awareness of the jacket's potential to serve as a marketing tool across various areas of the world publishing?from literary fiction to academic titles, and children's books?meant a proliferation of illustrative treatments.