yellowback
A cheap popular novel, usually of an inferior
quality (although not without a certain glittering
appeal), and usually sensational in nature. The
name derives from the fact that such books were
published in yellow enameled paper covers with an
illustration is blue or green and black ink on the
upper cover. Yellowbacks, which were originated by
the Englishman Edmund Evans, flourished between
1855 and 1870, but their production continued
until the 1890s. They sold for 1 or 2 shillings
and measured 4 1/5 by 6 5/8 inches. Their yellow
covers earned them the nickname of "mustard
plasters." (69 , 89 ,236 )
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