You open the cover and see the title page. fold that back and the back of that is the publication date, number of printings, etc. keep going and you see page one on the right side. Most books also start each chapter on the right side page. Probably something to do with the old idea that the left is the "sinister" side.

Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python