Recto & Verso

Recto (pronounced rek-toh)

(1) A right-hand page of an open book or manuscript (almost always bearing the odd numbers); the front of a leaf.

(2) The front of a loose sheet of printed paper

1815–1825: A clipping of the Late Latin phrase rēctō foliō (on the right-hand (leaf or page)), ablative of the Latin rēctus (in this context “right”).  Recto is a noun; the noun plural is rectos.  The Latin rēctus (past participle of the verb “regere” (to rule; to guide; to straighten) and perfect passive participle of regō (to keep or lead straight, to guide)) was from the Proto-Italic rektos, corresponding to the primitive Indo-European hreǵtós (having moved in a straight line), from reǵ- (to move in a straight line; to direct).  It was used to mean “straight”, “upright” and “correct” as well as “right”.  In general use it was used in the sense of “right, correct, proper, appropriate, befitting with a particular emphasis on “morally right, correct, lawful, just, virtuous, noble, good, proper, honest”.  The association with “straightness” and “rightness” also influenced other derivatives in Latin and Romance languages, such as rectum (straight (and its use in anatomy)), rectitude (moral uprightness) and words in modern languages (rectify, direct et al).

Verso (pronounced vur-soh)

(1) A left-hand page of an open book or manuscript (almost always bearing the even numbers); the back of a leaf.

(2) The back of a loose sheet of printed paper.

(3) In numismatics, the side of a coin opposite to the obverse (the reverse)

1830–1840: A clipping of the New Latin phrase versō foliō (the leaf having been turned; the turned side of the leaf; on the turned leaf), the construct built with the Latin verb vertere (to turn; to revolve; to change) + folium (a leaf). 

Vertere ultimately was from the primitive Indo-European root wert- (to turn; to rotate).  Verso was the ablative form of versus (turned; facing; a line or verse in poetry, (originally meaning “a turning of the plow”), thus, as used in versō foliō , the reference was to the back (reverse) side of a page in a book or manuscript (as opposed to the recto (the front side).  The primitive Indo-European root wert- also provided the ultimate source of a number of related words in Indo-European languages, all of which is some way emphasize the concept of “turning” or “change”, the modern descendants including verse, invert, revert, and versatile, all of which preserve the idea of turning or changing orientation.  Verso is a noun; the noun plural is versos.

Recto is the front (right) and verso the back (left) side of a leaf of paper in something assembled permanently (ie bound or in some way joined permanently at the spine) in a book, codex or such.  The terms have always been used to refer to the finished article, not the material used in production.  This was not something of significance when books were assembled from single sheets which then were bound but in mechanical printing, it became common for larger sheets (the folium) to be printed with many pages, later to be folded (prior to binding) so the numbers on those larger sheets weren’t sequential when the page was flat but became so when folded.  Rēctō foliō (on the right side of the leaf) and versō foliō (on the back side of the leaf were thus created in the bindery, not by the scribe).  The use of the terms for loose leaf sheets came later.

Recto & Verso are sometimes referred to as part of the architecture or archeology of printing, correctly, they’re an aspect of codicology (the study of codices) and there is some academic dispute about the origins, the Australian historian Martyn Lyons (b 1946) suggesting the term rēctum (right, correct, proper) for the front side of a leaf was derived from the use of papyrus in late antiquity, based on a different grain running across each side with on one suitable for writing upon (the “correct”, smooth side).  In an echo of that, even modern paper has a “grain” (by virtue of the way the pulp is laid in the production process) and when using heavily textured bond paper, the most fastidious technicians ensure the stock is “laid” the “correct” way.  Recto and verso are reversed when language read right-to-left are used (so regardless of language, the verso is read first).  In publishing, the convention is for the first page of a book (page 1) to be a recto so almost all recto pages have odd numbers and all versos even numbers.

On-line editions of publications are not simply digital replications of the layout used in print where the recto-verso model remains in use.  The migration to screens has been cited as the prime reason the “two-page spread” is now less common in print.

With the coming of computers, pages came to be viewed on screens and as technology improved, it became possible to display two pages, side-by-side, thereby permitting publications such as pictorial magazines to maintain the recto-verso model and for readers to consume the content presented in the same visual format as the printed edition.  However, the screens of eBook readers, smartphones and tablets have a smaller surface area than the typical computer monitor and tend to be optimized for single-page display (although may do have a two-page option).  For that reason, publications which maintain both traditional print editions and on-line versions, have been compelled to create a different visual model for each format (there can be several) because the old “two-page spread” simply doesn’t work was well, viewed a page at a time.  The layout of on-line content is not simply a replication of a print edition (which follows the classic recto-verso model) and it seems clear the small has had a great influence on the large.

Louis Vuitton Recto Verso in Monogram Empreinte leather (left) and Louis Vuitton Pochette Cles (Vivienne collectors edition). 

Lindsay Lohan with Louis Vuitton Pochette Cles (key pouch) from LV’s Vuitton Monogram Charms collection.  

Among the many problems troubling the world, some have to ponder whether to buy a Louis Vuitton Recto Verso card holder or a Louis Vuitton Pochette Cles (key pouch), two items similar in size and function.  LV describes the Pochette Cles as a “…playful yet practical accessory that can carry coins, cards, folded bills and other small items, in addition to keys. Secured with an LV-engraved zip, it can be hooked onto the D-ring inside most Louis Vuitton bags, or used as a bag or belt charm.”  The Recto Verso is said to be a “…versatile accessory offers multiple practical features, including a flap pocket, a zipped compartment with a wide, L-shaped opening, and four card slots. It also has a concealed hook and chain which allow it to be attached to a bag or belt.”

Amber Ashleigh’s guide to choosing between Louis Vuitton's Retro Verso and Pochette Cles (Key Pouch).

The retail price of the Retro Verso is between US$590-720 while the Pochette Cles lists between US$320-410 (the price varying with the material used in the construction) and while the solution obviously is to buy at least one of each, not all modern young spinsters can afford that so they should watch Amber Ashleigh’s invaluable guide.  Ms Ashleigh says this is among her “most requested videos.”