A back rest would throw one forward in a frontward lurch, and give no support in case of a backward one.
"Sand Doom"
William Fitzgerald Jenkins
But Wife, and Harry, the four-year old, Big Charley, Nimblewits, and I, Blithe as the wind was bitter, drew More frontward of the mighty fire, Where wise Newfoundland Fan foreknew The heaven that Christian dogs desire- Stretched o'er the rug, serene and grave, Huge nose on heavy paws reclined, With never a drowning boy to save, And warmth of body and peace of mind.
"In The Yule-Log Glow, Vol. IV (of IV)"
Harrison S. Morris
She spoke, gazing frontward all the while.
"The Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith"
George Meredith