What is front and back matter?

All books need to have some information about the book itself included on pages either at the front or back of the book. These pages are often referred to as front or back matter.

Check with your organization or publisher for specific requirements and suggestions for front and back matter.

Front and back matter is information about a book that is included in the book.

accessory pages

Here are some examples of front or back matter:

• Appendix
• Bibliography
• Copyright information
• Book cover
• Credit information
• Glossary
• Index
• Preface
• Postface

• Publisher's information

  • Name and address of publisher
  • Date published
  • Publishing history
  • Place printed
  • Edition number
  • ISBN
  • Number of copies printed
• Table of contents
• Title page

• Putting together a book

• Concept module: front and back matter
• In overview module: Glossary (Literacy): F
• In modular book: Glossary of literacy terms
• In document collection: Reference materials
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 2 July 1998

© 1999 SIL International