3 ms·
Does anyone know why books are the size and shape that they are? Is it optimization over time for users or because it fits better in a truck pallet? Or somethin
by brador 14y ago
Does anyone know why books are the size and shape that they are? Is it optimization over time for users or because it fits better in a truck pallet? Or something else? Suit pockets maybe?
- recuter 14y agoPaperbacks become widespread after WWII as a cheap and portable alternative to hardcovers, the size you're used to now is a legacy of that.
- barrym 14y agoThere's an explanation in Mark Forsyth's excellent The Etymologicon claiming it's based on the size of sheepskin. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=KUZxTvay3PMC&lpg=PP1&pg=PT50#v=onepage&q=papyrus&f=false http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=KUZxTvay3PMC&lpg=PP1&... (I can't seem to get a direct link to the page, but just click page).
- bane 14y agoSomething interesting is that cultures with different sources of literary traditions have slightly different sizes and aspect ratios for what is considered a "normal" book size and shape. It doesn't vary too much, there are obvious physical constraints on how large or small or awkward reading technology can be, but it's different enough that it's noticable.