Openings: Title Pages in the History of Printed Books

Introduction

Openings: Title Pages in the History of Printed Books explores the creativity and utility of an essential part of practically every modern book, the title page. Such pages signal and inform, incite pleasure and intrigue, as well as conceal and mislead. They are replete with fonts, colors, or images to indicate what makes a particular book special. Titles thus provide clues on the who, what, where, and when, urging readers to explore the why. 

The works shown here from the holdings of the University of Michigan Library illuminate critical moments in the history of books. They range from some of the first title pages in the history of print to twentieth-century title pages designed to camouflage the publication’s contents, spanning genres such as poetry, history, medicine, and politics. 

Open this exhibit as one opens a book to discover what title pages reveal. 

Note: The items selected for this exhibition represent cultural perspectives from a specific place or time. Some of the items contain culturally sensitive or racist material and may be considered offensive or objectionable to some audiences. This content is not provided as an endorsement from the library but offered to allow space for our community to confront challenging histories through scholarship and discussion. Please use your discretion while exploring this site. Individual pages that contain culturally sensitive or racist materials will also be labeled.

Beginnings

Title pages are a standard feature in printed books today. This is why they are easy to overlook. Those who..

Experiments & Standards

Before the advent of the printing press, books did not feature title pages with the names of authors or the..

Imagery Upfront

Printers and printed books compete for the attention of readers. They seek ways to stand out, to liven up words..

Censure & Camouflage

Note: Some materials displayed on this page contain fascist symbols. In context, they are used for a subversive, anti-fascist purpose,..

Acknowledgements

This exhibit is the work of students in a University of Michigan class on "The Book in History," taught by..