You’ll find the preliminary pages (prelims) at the beginning of the book. These pages serve to provide essential information about the book to the reader. These include the title page, copyright page, dedication, table of contents, and foreword.
The title page features the book’s title and details, such as the author’s name and publisher’s logo. You’ll find important information on the copyright page, like copyright notice, ISBN, and Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data.
A heartfelt dedication from the author can be found in this section—a brief message for readers. The table of contents outlines all chapters and subchapters within the book. Lastly, there’s also an introduction written by someone other than the author included—the foreword—to provide a glimpse into what lies ahead in those pages.
A book begins with preliminary pages (prelims) that precede the main text. These typically include the title page, copyright page, and dedication page.
The first of these is the title page, which appears at the beginning of the book and displays its title, author’s name, and publisher information.
Following this is the copyright page, situated as the second page, containing crucial details such as copyright information and ISBN (for hardcover editions).
Lastly, we have the dedication page on the third leaf. Here, authors express gratitude to those who assisted them or dedicated their work to someone special.
Once these preliminary pages (prelims) conclude, readers will turn to page one for the commencement of the main text.
Preliminary pages (prelims) are important in books by furnishing essential information about their nature and substance. This aids potential readers in determining if a particular book aligns with their interests while guiding their reading experience. Furthermore, these initial pages serve promotional purposes by featuring author profiles and showcasing accolades or awards received by the book.