Pasternak's back! (In hardback?) (5)
I believe the answer is:
stern
'hardback?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
'pasternak's back in' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'STERN' can be found hidden inside 'pasternaks back'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stern that I've seen before include "having a forbidding appearance" , "End part" , "Strict, grimly serious" , "Strict, austere" , "Severe, demanding" .)