I've had an alternative answer via email from a non-LJ person who read this.
The pointed out that as you look at a book on the shelf, it's actual contents goes right to left (ie first page on right, last page on left). So by putting Vol II to the left of Vol I, you have better coninuity of content... and indeed, if you were to rebind them as one vol, you'd want them that way round.
Since I believe it used to be moderately common to split large volumes up post-binding, this might be relevant.
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timeasmymeasure
Re: Books going right to left
Date: 2003-04-01 05:45 am (UTC)The pointed out that as you look at a book on the shelf, it's actual contents goes right to left (ie first page on right, last page on left). So by putting Vol II to the left of Vol I, you have better coninuity of content... and indeed, if you were to rebind them as one vol, you'd want them that way round.
Since I believe it used to be moderately common to split large volumes up post-binding, this might be relevant.