Flyleaves are blank pages between a book’s front or end matter and its index or end matter, often precluding or following it, respectively. They initially refer to any leaf in an open book that moved or turned over during its creation process. Today, this term commonly refers to any blank page between chapters of text in an edition that serves only to set aside an argument or make points before returning it for revision or completion.
Flyleaves serve many different functions within printed books. In earlier editions, flyleaves would protect delicate engravings on title pages and frontispieces from wear-and-tear damage while simultaneously serving as a space where book owners could write their personal information or leave instructions about themselves or any identifying data that needed updating.
Furthermore, flyleaves have long been used to strengthen a book’s spine or add rigidity when rebounding it. Today, they may also add stability when used during rebounding processes.
Flyleaves used in limited edition books often bear special printing featuring either the publisher’s logo, title, author information, or both to increase the collectability of the book.
Flyleafs are essential for books as they protect and keep pages looking new and unwrinkled, helping avoid wrinkled pages that could eventually tear or bend over. Flyleaf can even prevent pages from becoming wrinkled or damaged from the pages being stretched open during reading sessions.
When bound into books with glue bindings, flyleaves represent both its first and last pages that do not form part of its text block. In-front leaves may include half title/frontispiece/author portrait/publisher imprint/printer mark/date, etc. Meanwhile, rear flyleaves usually remain blank for ease.
Early manuscripts and incunabula used the flyleaf for annotations and ownership inscriptions. Typically, these appear on the front flyleaf (usually found here), back flyleaf, blank pages at the end of the text, or even as endpaper protectors in later books.