A book cover which may be used in the manufacture of durable, high quality softbound or hardbound books is disclosed which is constructed of a transparent or semi-transparent cover sheet having opposed first and second surfaces. The cover sheet is printed on its second surface in multiple layers, including at least one printed layer of indicia applied in a wrong-reading orientation that appears in readable orientation when viewed from the first surface, or exterior surface of the book cover. Further, the second surface of the cover sheet may contain at least one printed layer of indicia corresponding to the information or ornamentation designated to appear on the interior surface of the book cover. The improved book cover of the present invention eliminates the need for paper book coverings requiring expensive laminates or protective coatings, and provides increased durability and strength over such conventional book covers while also having a superior glossy appearance over conventional book cover constructions.