Duodecimo
Duodecimo (sometimes abbreviated to "12mo," and sometimes
pronounced "twelve-mo"), a term from bibliography, refers to the format of a book. A duodecimo is smaller
than even an octavo — about the size
of a modern popular paperback. A sheet
is folded over twelve times, so each sheet consists of
twenty-four leaves (or forty-eight pages). The average hardcover book today is
the rough size of an octavo.
Duodecimos have traditionally been the format of choice for
popular writing.
From the Guide to Literary Terms by Jack Lynch.
Please send comments to Jack Lynch.
Note: This guide is still in the early stages of development.
Three question marks mean I have to write more on the subject. Bear with me.