forskeyti

Forskeyti is an Icelandic term used in publishing to denote a short introductory text that appears at the very beginning of a book, report, or other written work. It is part of the front matter and is typically written by the author, though it can also be contributed by another person with a connection to the work. The primary function of the forskeyti is to set the stage for the reader by explaining the purpose, scope, and motivation of the work, and it may include acknowledgments, notes on collaboration, or context for the material.

In practice, the forskeyti is placed after the title page and before the main body of the text, with its exact placement varying by publisher or genre. It is related to other introductory elements such as forewords and introductions, but it is commonly seen as a more concise or personal statement than a full introduction or a separately authored foreword. The line between these front-matter components can be blurred in some publications, and the use of the term may vary by tradition or publisher.

Etymologically, forskeyti is a compound of for- meaning “before” and skeyti, a word connected with writing or inscription, reflecting its role as something set before the main text. The precise historical development of the term is not universally documented, but it remains a recognized element in modern Icelandic publishing terminology.

See also: forord, inngangur.