Book frontispiece Book frontispiece A frontispiece in books is a decorative or informative illustration facing a book's title page—on the left-hand, or verso, page opposite the right-hand, or recto, page. While some books depict thematic elements, other books feature the author's portrait as the frontispiece. In medieval illuminated manuscripts, a presentation miniature showing the book or text being presented (by whom and to whom varies) was often used as a frontispiece. The word comes from the French "frontispice", or the late Latin "frontispicium", from the Latin "frons" ('forehead') and "specere" ('to look at'). It was synonymous with 'metoposcopy'. In English, it was
Southwest Festival of the Written Word Southwest Festival of the Written Word The Southwest Festival of the Written Word is a biennial book festival held in Silver City, New Mexico, USA. The festival was the brainchild of several Silver City community members including poet Bonnie Buckley Maldonado, author Larry Godfrey, and journalist Jim Kelly. Its mission is to celebrate "the power and beauty of the written word, embracing the rich diversity of Southwestern cultures." The festival, which takes place in late September/early October of odd-numbered years, includes themed readings, panel discussions, practical workshops, poetry slam performances, book signings, live drama and music, and children's activities. All