indicia

Indicia is a term used in the field of typography and printing to refer to the information printed on the verso (back) of a book's title page. This information typically includes the printer's name, the date of publication, and sometimes the number of copies printed. The term "indicia" comes from the Latin word "indicium," which means "sign" or "mark." Indicia is an important aspect of bibliographic information, as it provides details about the book's production and can be useful for identifying and dating a particular edition.

The inclusion of indicia on the title page is a practice that dates back to the early days of printing. It was a way for printers to assert their authority and claim ownership of the work. Over time, the information included in indicia has expanded to include more details about the book, such as the printer's address, the bookbinder's name, and even the name of the person who paid for the printing.

In modern times, indicia is less commonly used, as many books are now published digitally and do not have a physical title page. However, it remains an important part of the history of printing and a valuable source of information for bibliographers and historians.