Half title

The half-title (Latin anti Porta) - rare titles, Frontispiece Title or intent - the most catchy short title of the work is referred to, which is listed on a separate, the actual title page preceding page. This additional page called half-title page and bears the pagination ( paging ) are not printed number 1

Function and Applications

In general, the half-title called the abbreviated title of the work or the author, sometimes both. He can map next to the series title even the publisher Signet. Production of relevant features can be found either on the imprint, the main title page or the imprint. The half-title is part of the titles and the title sheet. For books that are published in scientific ranks, or at work issues are available on the half-title back, ie on the side 2, often the series title, and the series editor, if not a frontispiece adorns this page.

Origin of the half-title page

The half-title page was, until the mid 18th century, the exception - the bookseller had an interest in the main title page, which rested in the unbound book above. The half-title page is attested since the 18th century and now part of almost every book. For their origin, there are two theories, which are not mutually exclusive. So the name is on the one hand it back out so that the half-title should protect the main title page from contamination: Originally printed sheets were not bound by the publisher or printer, but sold without hard cover in Rohbogen in barrels or shipped. After they had then purchased in the bookstore, such a "package", it was brought to the bookbinder. The first page of the half title gave a few phrases regard to the content and so protected the prestigious title page. Other Specialized claim, however, that the half-title to " technical printing conditions or book design considerations going back because it is ugly, the beginning of a book directly on the intent to make, for example, follow the envelope. "