Mapback is a term used by paperback collectors to refer to the earliest paperback books published by Dell Books, beginning in 1943. The books are known as mapbacks because the back cover of the book contains a map that illustrates the location of the action. Dell books were numbered in series.
Mapbacks are a classification used by collectors to denote the first paperback books published by Dell Books, beginning with 1943. These books are identified as mapbacks due to the inclusion of a map on the back cover that illustrates the setting of the story. Dell Books produced their publications in a series.