Books Series
Crown Octavo
Recognized as a standard in the realm of paper sizes, Crown Octavo holds a unique position. Part of neither the ISO nor ANSI series, it stands independently, carving its own niche in the world of publishing and printing.
Measuring 7.5 x 5 inches, Crown Octavo is often chosen for its compact yet spacious dimensions. This size offers an optimal balance between readability and portability, making it a preferred choice for publishers worldwide.
Crown Octavo paper dimensions
Specs
| Format | in | mm | cm | pt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2A0 | 46.81 x 66.22 | 1189 x 1682 | 119 x 168 | 3370 x 4768 |
| A12 | 0.51 x 0.71 | 13 x 18 | 1 x 2 | 37 x 51 |
| 4A0 | 66.22 x 93.62 | 1682 x 2378 | 168 x 238 | 4768 x 6741 |
| A11 | 0.71 x 1.02 | 18 x 26 | 2 x 3 | 51 x 74 |
| A10 | 1.02 x 1.46 | 26 x 37 | 3 x 4 | 74 x 105 |
| A3+ | 12.95 x 19.02 | 329 x 483 | 33 x 48 | 933 x 1369 |
| A1+ | 23.98 x 35.98 | 609 x 914 | 61 x 91 | 1726 x 2591 |
| A0+ | 35.98 x 50.87 | 914 x 1292 | 91 x 129 | 2591 x 3662 |
| A6 | 4.13 x 5.83 | 105 x 148 | 11 x 15 | 298 x 420 |
| A5 | 5.83 x 8.27 | 148 x 210 | 15 x 21 | 420 x 595 |
| A4 | 8.27 x 11.69 | 210 x 297 | 21 x 30 | 595 x 842 |
| A3 | 11.69 x 16.54 | 297 x 420 | 30 x 42 | 842 x 1191 |
| A9 | 1.46 x 2.05 | 37 x 52 | 4 x 5 | 105 x 147 |
| A2 | 16.54 x 23.39 | 420 x 594 | 42 x 59 | 1191 x 1684 |
| A8 | 2.05 x 2.91 | 52 x 74 | 5 x 7 | 147 x 210 |
| A1 | 23.39 x 33.11 | 594 x 841 | 59 x 84 | 1684 x 2384 |
| A7 | 2.91 x 4.13 | 74 x 105 | 7 x 11 | 210 x 298 |
| A0 | 33.11 x 46.81 | 841 x 1189 | 84 x 119 | 2384 x 3370 |
The term 'Octavo' originates from the Latin word 'octavus', meaning 'eight'. It refers to a traditional method of book production where each sheet of paper was folded three times to produce eight leaves or sixteen pages. The prefix 'Crown' signifies that this particular size is slightly larger than the standard Octavo.
Crown Octavo's unique dimensions make it ideal for various types of publications including novels, memoirs, and academic texts. Its compactness allows readers to easily carry their favorite books wherever they go while providing ample space for text layout and design elements.
Crown Octavo's distinctiveness lies not only in its measurements but also in its historical significance and practicality. It continues to be an influential factor shaping the landscape of print media today.
Other Formats in the Books Series
Interesting facts about Crown Octavo
1: Origin of Crown Octavo
Crown Octavo paper size originated in England during the early 19th century. It was first introduced by William Savage, a renowned printer and author, in his book "A Dictionary of the Art of Printing" published in 1841.
2: Paper Dimensions
Crown Octavo paper measures approximately 7.5 x 5 inches (190 x 127 mm) when trimmed. It is created by folding a larger sheet of paper into eight equal sections.
3: Royal Connection
The term "Crown" in Crown Octavo refers to the British royal crown, symbolizing its association with elegance and prestige. This paper size was often used for printing books that were considered high-quality or important.
4: Popular Book Format
Crown Octavo became a popular format for publishing novels, poetry collections, and other literary works during the Victorian era. Its compact size made it convenient for reading and handling.
5: Versatile Usage
Crown Octavo paper is not limited to book printing alone. It is also commonly used for stationery items such as writing pads, notebooks, and personal diaries due to its portable nature.
6: International Adoption
The popularity of Crown Octavo extended beyond England's borders. Many countries around the world adopted this paper size as a standard for certain types of publications due to its practicality and aesthetic appeal.
7: Variations in Dimensions
In different countries, slight variations in dimensions exist for Crown Octavo papers. For example, in Germany, it is known as "Crown Oktav" and measures approximately 195 x 125 mm.
8: Influence on Modern Paper Sizes
The concept of folding a larger sheet of paper into eight sections, as seen in Crown Octavo, influenced the development of other paper sizes such as A5 (148 x 210 mm) and B5 (176 x 250 mm) used widely today.
9: Preservation Challenges
Due to its smaller size, preserving Crown Octavo books can be challenging. The delicate nature of the paper and binding requires special care to prevent damage or deterioration over time.
10: Nostalgic Appeal
Crown Octavo paper evokes a sense of nostalgia for book lovers and collectors. Its association with classic literature and historical printing techniques adds to its charm in the modern era.
