The first leaf of a book can easily become damaged or even lost. For this reason, in the second half of the 1460s, printers began to make books with the text starting on the second leaf. They left both sides or only the front side of the first leaf blank. In the early 1480s, printers began printing simple letters on the front side of the first leaf. This developed into the title page.

It was not until the early 16^th century that decorated title pages including bibliographical information came into use, a format similar to today's books.

A preface is printed on the reverse side of the first leaf.

The reverse side is left blank.

The reverse side includes a woodcut illustration.