Half-Title

Half-Title

A Half-Title, also known as a bastard title or a fly-title, is a page commonly found in printed books that appears before the title page. It usually contains only the main title of the book and is often used to separate different sections of the book or to add a level of formality to the book's presentation. The Half-Title is typically printed on the recto (right-hand) side of the page, with a blank verso (left-hand) page facing it. The Half-Title is usually printed in a smaller font size than the main title and is often centered on the page. One of the primary purposes of the Half-Title is to provide a visual break between the front cover and the title page, allowing the reader to pause and take in the cover design before diving into the book's content. It also serves as a way to protect the title page from wear and tear, as the Half-Title can be removed without damaging the book's main title page. The use of Half-Titles is not universal, and some publishers and authors choose to omit them from their books. However, they are still commonly used in many types of books, including novels, non-fiction works, and academic texts. In some cases, the Half-Title may also include additional information, such as the author's name or a subtitle. Overall, the Half-Title is a small but important element of book design that serves to add structure and formality to a book's presentation. While it may not be essential to the reading experience, it can help to create a more polished and professional look for the book as a whole.

Half-Title, bastard title, fly-title, printed books, title page

— Anthony Martinez