Octavo

Folio-Quarto-Octavo Compared

Octavo is a term originating from the Latin word octavus, meaning eighth. It is used to describe a format of book size resulting from the folding of a full sheet of paper into eight leaves (16 pages). The term is an important one in the world of book collecting, bookbinding, and bibliography, indicating not just the size of the book but also aspects of its manufacture and layout.

History

The octavo format has its roots in the early days of printing, where the size of the book was determined by how many times the printer folded a sheet of paper. An octavo book was traditionally made by folding a sheet of paper three times to create eight leaves. Each leaf was then cut to separate the pages, resulting in a book that was smaller and more portable than a folio (folded once) or a quarto (folded twice). This size became popular for its balance between readability and portability, making it a favored choice for novels, manuals, and other types of literature.

Dimensions

The actual size of an octavo book can vary depending on the original size of the sheet of paper used and the country or time period in which it was produced. However, traditionally, an octavo measures roughly 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm) tall, a size that has influenced the dimensions of many modern books.

Significance in Book Collecting

In the realm of book collecting and antiquarian books, the term octavo is crucial for categorizing and describing books. Collectors often seek specific formats due to their rarity, aesthetic, or historical significance. The octavo format, in particular, is prized for its practicality and the role it played in making books more accessible to a broader audience in the past.

Modern Usage

Today, the term octavo is still used by librarians, book dealers, and collectors to describe the size of books, though the exact dimensions can vary due to changes in paper size standards and printing practices. It remains a useful classification, especially for historical and collectible books.

See Also

• Folio
• Quarto
• Book size
• Bookbinding
• Printing press