Why Books Are Rectangular:You must have read so many books in your life. Some may have been boring and some may have touched your heart but did a question ever come to your mind? Why are books always of the same shape? Neither a round book nor a triangular one nor a star shape or any different design? When there is a lot of creativity in everything these days then why is the shape of books so simple? Let’s find out.
Why Books Are Rectangular“ But Never Round?
- Generally the shape of books is not round or triangular.
- Most of the books found in the market are square in shape.
- There are many reasons responsible for this special shape of books.
We have always seen books in the same way – straight, square, rectangular, but have you ever questioned why? Is this a rule? Is it a tradition? Or is it a reason that we never thought of? When experiments are being done every day in the design of mobile phones, models of vehicles and even chairs, then why are we so ‘serious’ in the case of books? Today we are going to tell you its interesting reason related to science and design, which you have probably never heard before. Let’s know.
Practical Design
Square or rectangular books are very easy to stack, arrange in a cupboard, keep in a bag or keep one on top of the other. If the books were round or triangular, folding, storing and carrying them would become a hassle.
Just imagine what would happen if round books started spinning in bags, the corners of triangular books got bent and there was no space for books in the library?
Scientific reason for printing
Why Books Are Rectangular? Because the large paper sheets used in printing machines are rectangular, and the most efficient, least wasteful way to cut and fold them is also in a rectangular shape.
This means making round or triangular books means more time, more cost and more wastage.
The convenience of reading also matters
When you open a book, your eyes move from left to right and top to bottom. Rectangular pages are best suited for this reading pattern. Round pages are difficult to fit the text into, and triangular pages are a waste of space.
imprint of history
In ancient times people wrote on scrolls (long paper rolls), but scrolls were very difficult to read – the roll had to be opened again and again. When books were invented, the rectangular format seemed most convenient.Gradually this format became a habit and today it has become the norm.
From design to production
Books are not just meant for reading, they also have to be designed, printed, bound and shipped. All these processes are easiest and cheapest in a square shape. This shape is also the most “cost-effective” for publishers.
Have round or triangular books ever been made?
Of course! Some artistic or children’s books have been made in the shape of round, heart or triangle as an experiment, but these have not become common because they are difficult to use and store.Books being square is not just a coincidence, but is the result of centuries of practical understanding, convenience of reading and production needs and this is the reason why we read square books even today and will probably continue to read them in the future too.
(Disclaimer: The information given here is based on general information. Before adopting it, definitely take medical advice. THE MONK does not confirm this.)
