A tipped-in page is a blank page with an image or other graphic element glued or pasted to the center. Tipped-in pages are often used as bookmarks, to add visual interest to a book, or to include extra information that does not fit within the normal flow of the text.
The term “tipped in” comes from the printing process, in which individual pages are printed on large sheets of paper and then cut down to size. The extra blank space around the edges of each page is called the margin. To add a tipped-in page, the printer leaves a margin that is twice as wide as usual. They then print the image or graphic element on a separate sheet of paper and glue it to the margin of the page.
Tipped-in pages are usually found in hardcover books, but they can also be added to paperback books and magazines. They are most commonly found in non-fiction books, particularly those with a lot of illustrations, but they can be used in any type of book.
Tipped-in pages are often used to highlight particular images or artwork in a book. For example, a book about the history of art might have a tipped-in page with a reproduction of the Mona Lisa. A book about the American Civil War might have a tipped-in page with a map of the battlefield.
Tipped-in pages are an important part of the book publishing process, as they provide a way to add extra information or images into a book without interrupting the text. This can be especially important for non-fiction books, which often include maps, diagrams, or other visual aids that would be difficult to include in the text itself. Tipped-in pages also provide a way to add extra content without increasing the overall cost or page count of the book, making them an attractive option for publishers and authors alike.