In a Nutshell
The front matter is the sequence of pages at the beginning of a book that precedes the principal text.
Books are more than just their main content. The pages before the story or main text—collectively called the front matter—serve several roles: orientation, context, form, and sometimes even persuasion. These are the pages that come before chapter one (or the main text), and among bibliophiles, their details are often what mark a high‐quality or carefully‐crafted book.
What is the front matter of a book?
- The front matter is the sequence of pages at the beginning of a book that precedes the principal text.
- These pages often use lowercase Roman numerals for page numbering (i, ii, iii, etc.), or sometimes no page numbers at all for display pages (title page, half‐title, etc.).
- Components of front matter vary by genre (fiction vs. nonfiction), by edition, and by publisher, but there is a fairly standard order.
Why is front matter important?
- It sets expectations and gives readers the framework: who wrote the book, why, who endorses it, where it was published, and what structure to expect.
- It contributes to credibility (especially in nonfiction) via endorsements (foreword), the author’s explanation (preface), and situating the work among others.
- For collectors and bibliophiles, front matter details (edition notices, copyright, previous titles, printing history) are vital for determining rarity, value, and authenticity.
- It also serves aesthetic and practical functions: clean design, proper pagination, organization (table of contents, etc.), which all contribute to how usable and enjoyable a book feels.
Components of Front Matter: Key Sections
Below are some of the usual parts of front matter. Certain elements are optional, with some more frequently found in nonfiction and others more common in fiction.
| Component | What It Is / Who Writes It | Typical Position / Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Title Page / Half-Title Page | The title (and subtitle) of the book; author name; sometimes publisher. The half‐title is a pared-down page just with title, often without author or subtitle. | Very first or among the first pages; the half-title usually comes before the full title. Critical for identifying editions and printings. |
| Copyright Page | Legal and publication details: copyright year, edition, ISBN, publisher, printer. | Follows title page; tells when and by whom the book was published; very important for collectors. |
| Table of Contents | Lists chapter or section titles with page numbers; helps navigate. | Usually after dedication / acknowledgments; sometimes before introduction/preface. In nonfiction especially essential. |
| Foreword | Written by someone other than the author; often a figure of authority or recognition in the field; provides endorsement or context. | Comes before preface/introduction; helps situate reader, possibly lends prestige. |
| Preface | Written by the author; why the book was written, how it came about; may include acknowledgments (though sometimes separate). | After foreword (if present), before introduction; gives personal context, author’s voice outside the main text. |
| Introduction | More formal background; lays out subject, scope, sometimes the argument or structure of the main text. Often more tied to the content itself than the preface. | Sometimes part of front matter, sometimes considered part of body matter depending on publisher; often in nonfiction. |
| Prologue | In fiction (or narrative nonfiction) a scene or passage that precedes the main story; may set setting, mood, provide background or foreshadowing. | Although it precedes the “main” text, prologue is usually considered part of the body of the book (depending on style). |
Distinguishing Between Preface, Foreword, Introduction, and Prologue
Because these four can be confusing (they sometimes seem similar), here are comparisons and rules of thumb:
- Foreword vs. Preface: A foreword is by someone other than the author; it often praises or places the work in context. A preface is by the author; it is more personal and more about how the work came into being.
- Preface vs. Introduction: The preface is about the author/creation; the introduction is about the content. If essential information (definitions, scope, structure) is needed to understand the rest of the book, that belongs in the introduction.
- Introduction vs. Prologue: An introduction is usually nonfiction; a prologue is fiction (or narrative nonfiction) and serves the story itself. A prologue may show events before the main timeline or a snapshot that’s relevant later.
- Where each appears: Usual ordering (if all are used) tends to be: foreword → preface → introduction → prologue → chapter one (main text). However, not every book includes all of these elements.
Practical Details for Collectors and Bibliophiles
- Look at page numbering: front matter uses Roman numerals; main text uses Arabic numerals. If you acquire a book and the numbering seems off, that sometimes signals a variant or difference in printing.
- Watch for new vs. later editions: prefaces or forewords in later editions often add commentary about changes, context, or revisions. These additions can be crucial for understanding the author’s or publisher’s perspective on the updates.
- Observe which sections are omitted: Some books skip the foreword, introduction, or even preface; the absence itself can be a stylistic choice or reflect genre conventions. For example, many novels omit introductions; many nonfiction works omit prologues.
- Design and typographic cues: Dedication pages, epigraphs, half‐title pages, and title pages—all can be displayed differently, sometimes with ornamental or design flourishes that collectors value.
Further Reading
Front Matter Matters: A Guide for Indie Authors by Betty Kelly Sargent, Publishers Weekly
(The) Front Matter(s)! by Oculi Mundi
Publishing and Book Design Basics: Frontmatter by Michigan State University
