The front matter of a book also known as the prelims consists of technical details and these pages are typically numbered using roman numerals. This section of a book may contain; the title page, copyrights page, table of contents, preface, acknowledgement, and an introduction. However, these items are not mandatory and may vary depending on the author’s discretion. It introduces the reader to what the author would offer them through their book. This short introduction in the form of a foreword is written by someone apart from the author. Moreover, the length of any books front matter is not fixed some might have only a few pages whereas, others could be between 15-20 pages.
The above attachments show what the front matter of this book contains which includes the title page, copyrighted material, contents, and a note of gratification. The title page shows the publisher name, author name and the title. Depending upon the genre of the book the cover page is designed accordingly. Since this is an instructional manual the colors are subtle with no use of pictures. The copyrights page illustrates the rights the authors have over their material and is also a form of authentication of content. In the section of gratification both the authors acknowledge those people who helped them compile this book either directly or indirectly. This is important for authors because this way they acknowledge contributions made by others, and do not show possession of ideas which were not originally their own.
Markus Zusak in his book starts with the cover page followed by the copy rights page and then the prologue. This proves that what contents an author includes in his front matter of the books would vary. However, in this case the importance of the prologue cannot be under-estimated. It gives the reader an idea of what the book would be like and introduces the body of the book in a condensed form. People who just want to get a brief idea of the subject of the book might find it useful to read the prologue before deciding to purchase a book. Therefore, we can conclude that what constitutes the front matter of a book may vary but it does provide the reader with some useful information which would not be included in the main body of the book.
References
Christenson, C. (2013). Innovator's Solution: Creating and Sustaining Successful Growth. s.l.: Harvard Business Press.
Graham, L. (2005). Basics of design: layout and typography for beginners (2nd ed.). Clifton Park, N.Y.: Thomson/Delmar Learning.
Williams, R. (2008). The non-designer's design & type books: design and typographic principles for the visual novice (Deluxe ed.). Berkeley, Calif.: Peachpit Press.
Zusak, M. (2006). The Book Thief: I Am The Messenger:. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
