Large sheets of paper have been historically used for newspapers and other publications, with a length of at least 22 inches and varying width. The size was adopted for its association with authority and the ability to print more information. The format has been used for song lyrics, posters, and informational materials. The size of the paper was also used to reduce taxes for publishers.
The term “large sheet” is used both to refer to a generic paper format and to specific types of publications that have historically been produced on such paper. The classic example is a large-circulation newspaper, with the broadsheet size preferred by many newspaper publishers. Newspapers that are intended to serve as the main information authority are classically printed on pieces of paper of this size.
Unlike many other paper sizes, which include very precise dimensions, the size of a large sheet can actually vary greatly. As a general rule, the sheets are vertically long and horizontally short, with a length of at least 22 inches (56 centimeters) and a width that can vary. When full-sized, a sheet of paper is printed and folded to create four pages: one front and one back, and two inside pages. A half sheet is a single piece of paper printed on both sides without creases. For convenience in distribution, these sheets are often folded in half lengthwise, but the fold does not affect page count.
The origins of this paper format seem to date back to the 1600s, when the first newspapers began printing half sheets with important news items. The size has also been used for song lyrics, posters and other informational materials. Over time, news makers began adopting the full size and eventually additional sheets were interleaved to create the newspaper. The term was used to refer to newspapers and advertising materials printed on these large sheets of paper.
Several explanations have been given for why the large format of oversized paper has become so popular. In the days of single-sheet publications, the larger the paper, the more information could be printed on it, which may have been a factor. Historically, taxes were also calculated by the number of pages, rather than their size, so using large pages would reduce the total number needed, thus lowering tax rates for a publisher.
The real explanation seems to lie in the traditional association between great things and greater authority. A large publication seemed more official, reputable, and authoritative than a smaller newspaper. It was also more difficult to print, which is why many manufacturers switched to tabloid size, which is about half the size. The implications of the larger format were that the paper was a reputable authority who could afford the oversized presses needed to produce large sheets, as opposed to a cheap, low-market tabloid which was forced to use a smaller paper size . Of course, most modern presses are perfectly capable of handling wide format, but the link between “large sheet” and “respected authority” continues to exist in many eyes, which is why traditional format papers attract comment. when they switch to tabloid size.
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