Why do English and non-English books have different spines? (apart from the language, obviously)?

Question

When looking at books shelved vertically, in order to read an English title one has to tilt one's head to the right to make the text horizontal; in order to read a French or German title one tilts to the left.

Is there an explanation for this difference?

Answer 1

One could easily assume that it was an arbitrary decision and became a standard over time, much like the languages written from right to left instead of left to right. If North and South were switched and most of civilization emerged and thrived in Australia/South America, I'm sure the globe would be flipped over as well (though we wouldn't know it, of course.) Because German and English have a common root, I have to assume that it can be the only possible explanation.

Answer 2

Is it the same principle the side of the road one drives?

could not think of anything better