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Glossary of Book Terms
A
Advance Reading Copy (ARC)A copy for reviewers and/or booksellers, usually bound in paperwraps and usually with either the finished cover art or possibly trial cover art. Generally, this copy is as it will appear in the bookstores and differs from the Uncorrected Proof.
Advertisements (ads, advts, adverts)Advertisements placed in the binding of the book.
All Edges Gilt (A.E.G.)The top, fore-edge and foot of the book are colored in gold. See Gilt Edges.
All Edges Stained (A.E.S.)The top, fore-edge and foot of the book are colored with a decorative stain.
Antiquarian BooksA loose term implying collectible books rather than used books. Refers to old, rare, and out-of-print books. Some sellers say antiquarian books are published before 1900.
ApocryphalA work whose authenticity or authorship is in doubt.
AppendixAdditional or supplementary material generally found at the end of a book.
As IssuedA term indicating a given book is in the same condition as when originally published.
Association CopyA book that belonged to or was annotated by the author, someone close to the author, a famous or noteworthy person, or someone especially associated with the content of the work. Should have documentary evidence of its association, such as the author's bookplate.
As NewThe book is in the exact condition as when it left the print shop. See Mint.
As UsualA favorite term to describe defects that probably occur only on copies of the book the particular dealer often handles, such as "lacks endpapers, as usual".
Audio BookA cassette, LP, CD, audio file or other recording of a voice actor reading the text of a book.
Autograph Letter (al)A handwritten letter.
Autograph Letter, Signed (als)A handwritten letter signed by the writer.
Autograph Manuscript, Signed (ams)A manuscript handwritten by the author.
B
BackstripThe covering on the book's spine.
Bastard TitleThe page carrying nothing but the title of the book, usually preceding the title page. Also known as: Mock Title, Fly title, half-title.
BiblioFrom the Greek; signifying or pertaining to books.
BiblioclastA destroyer of books.
BibliognostHaving a deep knowledge of books.
Bibliography (bibl)A systematic list of books and other works that pertain to a certain subject.
BibliokleptA book thief.
BibliomaniacA bibliophile in whom the love of books has become an obsession; includes many bookdealers and certain collectors.
BibliophileA lover of books.
BibliophobiaA fear of books.
BibliopoleA dealer of rare books.
Binding (bdg)The cover of the book surrounding the book block.
Binding CopyA book that needs to be rebound and is worth rebinding. In a copy like this the leaves are intact and the book block itself is still square but the binding may be in tatters.
Blind-stampingAn impressed mark, decoration, or lettering, not colored or gilded, usually appearing on the binding. One way that the Book Clubs have marked their editions when they are otherwise identical to trade editions is to use a small square, round or sometimes leaf-shaped blind stamp in the bottom right corner of the rear board.
Block BooksBooks made around the mid-1400s in Germany and the Netherlands in which pictures and explanatory text were printed from woodblocks; not to be confused with a "Book Block".
BlurbA comment from a review (often by another author praising the particular book) printed on the dust wrapper or covers of a proof copy, or on a wrap-around band.
Boards (bds)The stiff binding material for most modern books.
Book BlockA book that has been printed, folded, gathered and sewn, but not yet bound; not to be confused with "Block Books". See Text-block.
Book Club Edition (bc, bce)A separate edition of a book usually printed especially for a book club such as "The Book of the Month Club" or "The Literary Guild." These copies will usually have the words "Book Club Edition" printed on the bottom right corner of the front flap of the dust wrapper.
Book LabelA label indicating the ownership of a book. Generally smaller than a bookplate.
Bookplate (bkpl)A pasted-in sign of ownership. Modern bookplates are pressure sensitive (peel-and-stick) as opposed to the older bookplates that were made with water-activated adhesive (lick-and-stick). Some bookplates from the 19th century were quite elaborate with engravings.
BoundA book with a cover of any type, or a periodical that has a cover other than its published wraps.
BowedA condition of the covers or boards of a hardcover book. Bowed covers may turn inward toward the leaves or outward away from the leaves. The condition generally results from a rapid change in the level of moisture in the air and is caused by different rates of expansion or contraction of the paste-down and the outer material covering the board.
BreakerA person who breaks up books to sell the plates separately, or the book itself when the covers are so bad that it either has to be rebound or broken up.
BroadsideA single sheet of paper usually printed on one side only.
BuckramA sturdy cloth binding material.
C
CancelA tipped-in (i.e., pasted in) page to replace a page removed after a book has been bound.
Case-BoundA case-bound book is a hardcover book where the boards have been covered before being adjoined with the text block as opposed to afterwards; which is defined as bound.
ChapbookA cheaply printed book sold by street vendors in the 18th and 19th centuries.
ChippedUsed to describe where small pieces are missing or where fraying has occurred on a dust jacket or the edge of a paperback.
ClothA cloth-bound book. The covering can be linen, buckram or another textile.
CockedAlso shelf-cocked. A condition resulting from storing a book on a shelf so that it leans and rests against its neighbor or the side of a bookcase. Gravity deforms the book binding. Cocked also refers to a book where the spine no longer remains at right angles to the covers.
CodexThe gathering of leaves of paper, parchment or other similar material; or a book by another name.
CollationTechnically, the examination and notation of the physical make-up of a book. By checking for the presence of every leaf or page originally in the volume when issued, a book may be collated as complete.
ColophonAn identifying inscription or emblem from the printer or publisher appearing at the end of a book. Also the emblem at the bottom of the spine on both the book and dust wrapper as well as a logo on the title or copyright page.
Comb BindingA book binding similar to a spiral binding but using a round tubular plastic piece with many teeth which fit through small rectangular holes punched into the binding edge of the book. The plastic piece, if laid flat, would resemble a comb.
D
DampstainedA light stain on the cover or on the leaves of a book caused by moisture such as a piece of food or perspiration. Generally not as severe as waterstains.
DarkeningWhen book covers are exposed to light, the color darkens or becomes more intense. See Fading.
Deckle EdgesAnother term for uncut or untrimmed edges.
Decorative Stamped BindingA highly detailed impression stamped into the cover and/or spine of a book.
Dedication CopyThe copy of the book inscribed by the author to the person to whom the book is dedicated.
Definitive EditionThe most authoritative version of a work.
DentsDamage to the edges of the cover of hardcover books.
DeviceA printer's ornament. Also an insignia that is the publisher's identifying mark. Now interchangeable with colophon.
Die-CutA process where shapes are cut out of paper allowing publishers to put "windows" or change the shape of a page/book.
DisboundThis term refers to a book or pamphlet, once bound, from which the binding has been removed.
Dog-EaredBook pages that have been folded over in the corners. Some readers do this to mark their place in a book.
Dos-a-dosTwo separate books bound together so that each cover represents the cover for a different title. Ace paperbacks and many science fiction books were issued this way.
DummyA mock-up of a book used by salesmen in the late 19th and early 20th century to show prospective buyers what the book would look like. It usually had a title page, 10 or 20 pages of text, and then blank pages to fill out the rest of the binding.
DuoDecimo (12mo)A book approximately seven to eight inches tall.
Dust Jacket (dj)A term synonymous with Dust Wrapper, indicating the usually decorative paper wrapper placed around a book to protect the binding.
Dust Wrapper (dw)See Dust Jacket.
E
E-BookShort for Electronic Book, this is a computer file that contains the entire text of a book. There are many different types of e-book files and some can be read only with a specific e-reader (Amazon's Kindle etc) while others can be read on any computer, personal digital assistant or e-reader.
EdgesThe outer surfaces of a book's leaves.
EdgewornWear along the edges of hardback book covers.
Edited (ed)Prepared for publication, a book that has been worked on by an editor.
Edition (ed)All the copies of a book printed from the same plates or typesetting. Additions, changes and revisions are made with each new edition. Also see Reprint.
Editor (ed)A person who gathers material for a book, oversees text written by others, and/or makes the text more readable.
Elephant FolioA large book about 23 inches tall.
End Papers (ep)The sheets of paper pasted onto the inner covers, joining the book block to the covers. One side of the sheet is pasted to the inside cover, the other is left free.
EphemeraPrinted or written items produced with a short intended lifetime that are now collectible. Examples include posters, postcards, tickets, maps and pamphlets.
ErosionLoss of paper or cloth caused by a slow and steady wear, as opposed to a chipping or tearing. See Loss.
ErrataMistakes or errors. Generally encountered in the term "errata slip," a small sheet of paper laid into a book by a publisher who discovered errors prior to publication.
Example (ex)A particular copy of an edition.
Ex-LibraryA term used to indicate a book was once in a public library. Ex-library books are usually identified with one or more markings of the library such as stampings, card pockets, cataloging numbers, etc. Frequently they are marked as "discarded" or "withdrawn" when sold by a library.
Ex-LibrisA bookplate printed with the owner's name or initials. Latin for "From the library of..."
Extra IllustratedA copy of a book with additional illustrations.
F
Facing PageThe page opposite the page being referred to.
FadingThe color of some book covers fade or become less intense when exposed to light. See Darkening.
Figured ClothA cloth binding decorated with embossed patterns.
First & Second Printing before PublicationThis indicates the publisher was successful in promoting the book and had more orders before the actual publication date than the first printing quantity would cover, therefore a second printing was ordered. Not a first edition.
First EditionGenerally used by book dealers and collectors to mean the first appearance of a work in book or pamphlet form, in its first printing.
First Separate EditionThe first appearance as a complete book or pamphlet of a work that has previously appeared as part of another book.
First ThusMeans not a first edition, but something that is new. It may be revised, have a new introduction by the author or someone else, be the first publication in paperback form, or first by another publisher.
First Trade EditionThe edition produced for general commercial sale, as distinguished from a limited edition.
J
JacketThe printed or unprinted cover, usually paper, placed around the bound book. Sometimes called Dust Jacket (dj), Dust Wrapper (dw), dust cover or book jacket.
Japan VellumA smooth, glossy paper, made in imitation of vellum, generally a light tan color. Also called Japon or Japanese Vellum.
JointThe exterior flexible portion where the book cover meets the spine. Often used in conjunction with the term Hinge which describes the interior portion.
JuvenilesBooks originally or primarily written to be read by (or to) children.
JuveniliaWork written when an author was extremely young, often as a child. For example Eragon was written by Christopher Paolini when he was a school-age teenager.
K
L
Laid InA letter or other sheet(s) inserted but not glued into a book.
Laid PaperPaper that was originally made in a frame or mould. The paper paste is spread out on sieves whose bottom is tightened with wires which leave a mark on the paper, the laid. These lines are called wire lines or chain lines and are visible on the finished paper when held up to the light.
Large Paper CopyA type of special edition typically printed in smaller quantities and sold at a higher price than the standard print run. In these runs a larger paper (often of superior quality) was used.
Large PrintA book printed with large type for the visually impaired.
LeafA single sheet in a book; each leaf contains two printed pages, one on each side.
LedgitA label or memo slip projecting from a book's pages.
Library BindingReinforced bindings used by many public libraries.
Limited Edition (Ltd)Any book whose publication is deliberately restricted to a comparatively small number of copies, usually numbered and often signed by the author and/or illustrator.
LimpAn adjective describing a flexible binding in suede or imitation leather such as that used on the early titles of the Modern Library.
LooseThe binding of a new book is very tight; that is, the book will not open easily and generally does not want to remain open to any given page.
LossParts of the paper of cloth that has worn away. A lighter form of erosion.
M
Made-up CopyA copy of a book whose parts have been assembled from one or more defective copies.
Manuscript (ms mss)The original form of a work as it was created by the author. This could be typed, handwritten, or computer generated.
MarbledPaper or bindings decorated with an imitation marble pattern.
MarginThe space surrounding the text on a page. In antiquarian book collecting, bindings often have a wide range in margin sizes due to variant bindings, often copies with wider margins are deemed more desirable.
N
Near FineA term used in grading books indicating a book approaching Fine condition but with minor defects noted.
O
Out-of-SeriesRefers to overruns or extra copies of limited editions.
Oversized wrapsA bound book where the soft covers (or wraps) extend beyond the edges of the text block. These extended covers are more susceptible to wear. See Yapped.
Owner's BookplateSee Bookplate.
P
PageOne side of a leaf. The front side of a leaf is called the recto or obverse and the back side of the leaf is called the verso or the reverse.
PamphletA small separate work issued in paperwraps.
PanelThe front or back of a dust jacket, as opposed to the spine or flaps.
PaperThere are many different kinds of paper of various qualities.
Paperback (pb, ppr)Books in paper wraps published since the 1930s, although paperback can describe any book with a paper cover.
Paperback original (pbo)A paperback that is a real genuine first edition of a particular title. William Burrough's Junkie was a paperback original.
Paper BoardsStiff cardboard covered in paper.
Perfect bindingUsed in paperback books, trade paperbacks and magazines that have too many pages to be stapled. The page edges are glued together, then placed in the covers. This is a less expensive process than traditional bookbinding and stapling.
Q
Quarter BindingA book whose spine is covered in a different and generally fancier material than the covers.
Quarter LeatherA book with a leather spine. See Half Leather.
Quarto (4to)A book between octavo and folio in size; approximately 11 to 13 inches tall. To make a quarto, a sheet of paper is folded twice, forming four leaves (eight pages).
R
Raised BandsThe raised areas on the spine concealing a cord that is attached to the covers. In earlier leather books cords were rarely used. In some modern books the raised bands are purely decorative and conceal no underlying cord.
RareImplies the book is extremely scarce.
Reading CopyA complete and readable copy of a book that is worn or used to such a degree that it is not considered to be collectible.
Re-backedA book that has been repaired by replacing the spine and mending the joints.
Re-casedA book that has been glued back into its covers after having been shaken loose.
RecommendationA small positive review from an author or commentator. Recommendations can also act as a way to determine the edition or printing. See Issue Point.
ReboundWhen the boards of a book have been replaced. This can occur as a result of damage or because the owner simply likes the new boards better.
Re-jointedMeans the book has been repaired preserving the original covers, including the spine.
Remainder (rem)When a book has ceased to sell, a publisher may get rid of his overstock by "remaindering" the title to booksellers who specialize in selling this kind of book.
ReprintA subsequent press run of an edition of a book. The text usually remains unchanged for each re-print, but may be updated for a new edition. See Edition.
S
ScuffedLike rubbed, but more damage has occurred.
Secretarial inscriptionA signature that was made by someone other than the author. This however differs from a forgery in that the signature was made with the author's knowledge and usually by a secretary or some other agent.
Self-WrapsWrappers that have vestigial flaps that imitate a dust jacket.
Series (ser)A group of volumes with a common theme issued in succession by a single publisher.
Sextodecimo (16mo)A small book, approximately four inches wide and six inches tall. To make it, each sheet of paper is folded four times, forming 16 leaves (32 pages).
ShadowA discoloration of a leaf or cover caused by the use of stickers, tape, etc. The discoloration can be caused by a chemical reaction from the adhesive or from a difference in sun exposure. This is sometimes referred to as Tape Shadow or Sticker Shadow.
ShakenAn adjective describing a book whose pages are beginning to come loose from the binding.
Shelf WearThe wear that occurs as a book is placed onto and removed from a shelf. It may be to the tail (bottom) edge of the covers as they rub against the shelf, to the dust jacket or exterior of the covers (when no dust jacket is present) as the book rubs against its neighbors, or to the head of the spine which some use to pull the book from the shelf.
SheetThe piece of paper on which the printer prints. The sheet is folded one or more times to form the leaves of the book.
SignedA book that the author has autographed. See Inscribed.
SignatureIn bookmaking, this does not mean the author's name written in his hand. It refers rather to the group of pages produced by folding a single printed sheet, ready for sewing or gluing into a book.
SlipcaseA cardboard case covered in paper, cloth or leather that holds a book(s) with only the spine exposed.
SliverA small narrow chip, nick or tear usually at the edge of a dust jacket.
SoilingA gathering of dust or dirt usually caused by handling.
SophisticatedA book that has been restored or worked on in order to increase its apparent value, this is often seen as a undesirable quality among collectors.
SpineThe book's backbone, where the signatures are gathered. The spine is covered with the backstrip.
Spiral BoundA book that is held together at the spine by a metal or plastic spiral which is threaded through holes punched though the leaves.
SquareA book which has kept its original shape and shows no rounding of the spine.
StateClosely allied to the definition of Issue. State generally refers to a change other than a correction of a misprint.
StubA narrow strip of paper usually remaining where a leaf has been cut away.
Sunned or SunningFaded from exposure to light or direct sunlight.
T
TailThe lower margin of a leaf, cover or endpaper. Sometimes referred to as the bottom.
TailpieceDecorative typography ornament on the lower part of a page at the end of a chapter or a poem. See Headpiece.
TanningSee Fading.
TarnishedA darkening of the book's gilt though oxidation.
Text-blockIf you take a book and remove the binding, you are left with the text-block. See Book Block.
ThousandsSome publishers in the 19th century added a notice on the title page stating, for instance "Eighth Thousand" to indicate a later printing. These are not first editions.
ThusA reissue of a book that contains new material or is published by a new publisher. Often seen as "First Edition Thus".
Three-deckerA book in three volumes, almost exclusively used to describe Victorian novels of the late 19th century.
TightThe binding of a new book is very tight; that is, the book will not open easily and generally does not want to remain open to any given page.
TissueA thin, protective sheet laid over an illustration.
Tipped-inMeans the plate, autograph, letter, photo, etc., is actually attached to the book but is not integral to the binding.
TirageFrench for "a printing." Usually used for a limited edition, often numbered and dated.
Title Page (tp)The title page, near the beginning of the book, lists the title and subtitle of the book, the authors, editors, and/or contributors, the publisher or printer, and sometimes the place and date of publication.
ToolingWork or ornamentation done with tools, especially stamped or gilded designs on leather.
Top Edge Gilt (T.E.G.)Usually abbreviated teg, it means that the top edges of the pages have been covered with gold leaf or gilt material.
Trade EditionThe edition of a book intended for the public, as opposed to a limited edition.
TrimmedAn adjective indicating that the pages have been cut down to a size smaller than when originally issued.
True FirstThe correct first edition for any given title, usually denoted by the original country of origin the earliest publishing date.
Typed Letter Signed (TLS)A typewritten letter signed by hand.
U
UncutThe pages of the completed book have not been shaved down to a uniform surface.
UnderliningUsing a pencil or pen to underline passages in a book to draw attention to the underlined text. See Highlighting.
UnopenedThe leaves of the book are still joined at the folds, not slit apart.
Unpaginated (unpag)The pages are not numbered (although each signature may be designated by letter).
UnsophisticatedPure, genuine, unrestored. If a book is so described, it can mean trouble as far as condition is concerned.
V
VariantA book that differs in one or more features from others of the same impression, but a positive sequence has not been established. Taschen is famous for producing variants of its art books.
VellumA thin sheet of specially prepared skin of calf, lamb, or kid used for writing or printing, or for the cover.
VersoThe second, or rear, side of a leaf in a book; in other words, the left-hand page of an opened book. Also called the Reverse.
Volume (vol)A single book in a series (ie volume two of six).
W
Wartime paper stockDuring WWII conservation of materials was encouraged and publishers opted towards highly acidic (cheaper) paper. Books made with this cheaper material tend to degrade faster and subsequently are harder to find in fine condition.
WatermarkA distinguishing mark incorporated into Laid Paper, it is created by incorporating a design into the wire mesh tray which the pulp settles into. The watermark is then visible when the paper is held up to the light.
WaterstainStain on a book cover or leaves from water or other liquids. May cause discoloration and perhaps actual shrinking, has also been known to be referred to as Tidemark.
Worming, WormholesSmall holes resulting from bookworms (the larvae of various beetles).
Wrap-around BandThe band of printed paper the length of the dust wrapper of a book. Wrap-around bands contain favorable reviews and are put around some copies of books. Obviously fragile, they are of interest to collectors.
Wrappers (wr, wrs)The outer covers of a paperbound book or pamphlet. Not to be confused with Dust Wrapper.
X
Y
YappedRefers to the edges of the cover of a book bound in paper or another soft material. These yapped edges are not flush with the pages but extend beyond the edges of the book and are fragile by nature. See Oversized Wraps.