Duodezimo

Duodezimo is a term used in bookbinding and printing to describe a book size. It originates from the Latin phrase "duodecimo," meaning "twelfth." In the duodecimo format, a printer's sheet is folded twelve times to produce a book made up of twenty-four pages. This results in a small, compact book, typically around 3 to 6 inches in height. Historically, duodecimo books were popular for their portability, making them convenient for travelers and for use as personal devotional or reading materials. The size allowed for easy handling and carrying, and it became a common format for novels, poetry collections, and religious texts. While the term "duodecimo" directly refers to the folding process, the resulting dimensions can vary slightly depending on the original size of the printing sheet. Modern book sizes are often described using more precise measurements in inches or centimeters, but the historical term duodecimo remains a recognized descriptor for a particular small book format.