I believe it to be a hard back because of the cardboard inside. The outside wrapping is of paper and folds around the cardboard. Thus the paper is a little tattered around the edges because it is paper thin. The pages on the inside are in excellent condition. I do not normally deal with books and not sure how to rate them but, I have tried to describe this book to the best of my ability. Copywrite 1913. Please see Photographs for details. If interested please call or text Four,Zero,Eight, Four,ZeroSix, Seven,Three,Two,One to view, buy and pick up. This is located in North San Jose off North First Street and Nicholson Lane. Thanks for looking and please check out the rest of my ads, Margie