Crown octavo meaning

Crown octavo refers to a book size that is small and compact, typically measuring around 7 by 5 inches.


Crown octavo definitions

Word backwards nworc ovatco
Part of speech The term "crown octavo" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division crown oc-ta-vo
Plural The plural form of the word "crown octavo" is "crown octavos."
Total letters 11
Vogais (2) o,a
Consonants (6) c,r,w,n,t,v

When it comes to book sizes, crown octavo is a popular choice for many publishers and authors. It is a standard book size that falls between the octavo and duodecimo sizes, making it a versatile option for various types of publications.

Size and Dimensions

Crown octavo books typically measure around 7.5 to 8.5 inches in height and 5 to 6 inches in width. This size is convenient for reading and handling, making it a preferred choice for novels, non-fiction books, and academic works.

Printing and Binding

Printers and binders find crown octavo dimensions ideal for producing books efficiently. The size allows for economical use of paper and easy binding, resulting in cost-effective production for publishers.

Presentation and Layout

The crown octavo format offers a good balance between text and white space on the page, making it aesthetically pleasing and easy to read. Authors and designers can play with fonts, spacing, and margins to create a visually appealing layout.

Popularity and Usage

Crown octavo is commonly used for paperback fiction and non-fiction books, as well as academic publications such as journals and research papers. Its compact size makes it convenient for readers to carry and store.

Typography plays a crucial role in crown octavo design, as the text must be legible and visually pleasing to the reader. Publishers often carefully select fonts and typesetting to enhance the reading experience.

Overall, crown octavo is a versatile book size that offers a balance of readability, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice in the publishing industry.


Crown octavo Examples

  1. I purchased a beautiful novel in crown octavo size.
  2. The library added several crown octavo editions to its collection.
  3. She preferred reading books in crown octavo format.
  4. The antique bookstore had a rare crown octavo printing on display.
  5. The crown octavo book fit perfectly in her small bag.
  6. He treasured his collection of crown octavo literature.
  7. The professor recommended the crown octavo edition for its portability.
  8. The crown octavo size made the book easy to hold during long reading sessions.
  9. They released a limited edition crown octavo version of the classic novel.
  10. The publishing house specialized in producing crown octavo books.


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  • Updated 20/06/2024 - 23:20:17