A dust jacket is a protective cover that wraps around a book, usually made of paper. It serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. The jacket helps to keep the book safe from dust, dirt, and damage while also providing an attractive design that can catch a reader's eye. Often, the dust jacket features colorful artwork, the book's title, and the author's name, making it an important part of the book's overall presentation.
In addition to protection, a dust jacket can also include a summary of the book, reviews, or information about the author, such as J.K. Rowling for the Harry Potter series. This extra information can entice potential readers and give them a glimpse of what to expect inside the book.