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The modern book cover originated in England in 1833. Before it became standard practice for publishers to produce a permanent binding, books were usually given a temporary cover. This cover, typically made of paper or thin cardboard and glued to the spine of the book block, was inscribed and, in some cases, already coloured. Until industrialisation, buyers purchased only printed sheets and had these bound according to their wishes. Only then did they hold a finished book in their hands. The early dust jackets of the 19th century looked different from those of today: the protective cover enveloped the book like a parcel and was often sealed with wax seals. The so-called publisher’s binding, which is common today and ensures that every book in a print run is identical, has only existed since the 19th century. At that time, these hardbacks were generally of higher quality than today, made, for example, from linen or silk, and often artistically designed.