end papers

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The end paper (sometimes end pages) refers to the folded sheet of paper found at the front and rear of hardbacks.  One half of the sheet is pasted to the cover leaving the other half free.  The end papers provide a finished look to the binding.  Traditionally they are of higher quality than the interior pages, sometimes highly decorated, but often left blank in modern books.  The end papers are rarely numbered.  The half attached to the cover is often called the paste down.  The front paste down is most commonly referred to as the front end paper (Fep) while the back is known as the rear end paper (Rep). The remaining half of the sheet is the free paper, sometimes called the free page.  The front is known as the front free end page (Ffep); the term is deployed by booksellers more frequently than the Rfep since it is the preferred page for gift inscription (e.g. owner’s name to ffep).

Rear end papers from Enid Blyton's Secret Seven Win Through, Brockhampton Press, 1955

<in previous issues>

wrappers – april 2008

foxing – march 2008

french flaps – february 2008

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