Recto is a term commonly used in bookbinding and typography to refer to the right-hand page of an open book or document. It is the page that is on the front or top side when a book is opened and read from left to right. In traditional Western bookbinding, recto is typically numbered with odd numbers, such as 1, 3, 5, and so forth.
In addition to its significance in bookbinding, recto also carries importance in the context of manuscripts and historical documents. In this context, recto denotes the side of a page that contains the main or primary content, while the other side is referred to as the verso. The recto page usually holds the primary text, images, or illustrations, while the verso page may contain supplementary or additional content.
The term recto is derived from the Latin word "rectus," which means straight, right, or correct. It represents the right side of a page based on the orientation of Western writing systems and reading practices. By distinguishing between recto and verso, it becomes easier to refer to specific pages when discussing books, manuscripts, or documents.
In summary, recto is the right-hand page in a book or manuscript, and it typically contains the main content. It is an essential term in the fields of bookbinding, typography, and manuscript studies, enabling precise referencing and analysis of the layout and structure of printed material.
