Meaning and Function of a Half Title

The half title is a page with a shortened version of the book's title, located before the main title page. It is part of the so-called front matter and appears on the first page of the book block, but does not carry a visible page number. The half title usually features the abbreviated book title in smaller font. Sometimes it also contains additional information such as the author, volume number, or publisher's logo.

Origin and Prevalence

Half titles have existed since about the 18th century and are now a standard feature in most books. There are two theories about their origin:

In the past, the unbound, printed raw sheets were covered with a sheet to protect them from dirt and damage. This cover sheet carried a short title of the book.
When printing the title sheet, a quarter sheet often remained unused. This could be filled with the half title. Moreover, it was considered unaesthetic to start a book directly with the main title page.

Function and Design

The half title primarily serves an aesthetic function as a transition between the book cover and the main title page. It contains a reduced, concise version of the most important title information. On the back of the half title, series titles and editors are often found in the case of series or collected works. Any frontispiece (title image) is also placed on this page. The exact design of the half title is part of the book's overall design and varies according to genre and publisher.

Although the half title does not serve an essential function, it has become an indispensable part of most books. It is a traditional element of book design and contributes to the professional overall impression. For readers, the half title marks the transition from the cover to the actual book content.