Pocket edition

Small, pocket-sized variations of books have existed from early times.

However, the concept of producing a specific pocket edition of a book dates to the 20th century.

It refers to an edition that has been altered to fit in the reader's pocket, usually by using thinner paper, smaller print, and abbreviation of the text: 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".

[3] One critic has described the pocket dictionary as "almost worthless, except as a flimsy guide to spelling and pronunciation".