a.e.m. All edges marbled, marbling applied to top edge, bottom edge& foreedge of volume (see also a.e.g. and g.t.). All edges marbled, marbling applied to top edge, bottom edge& foreedge of volume (see also a.e.g. and g.t.).

ABA Antiquarian Bookseller's Association (U.K. antiquarian booksellers assoc.); also the American Booksellers Association (primarily independent booksellers offering new books for sale). Antiquarian Bookseller's Association (U.K. antiquarian booksellers assoc.); also the American Booksellers Association (primarily independent booksellers offering new books for sale).

ABAA Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America. Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America.

ABAC Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of Canada. Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of Canada.

ABPC American Book Prices Current, an annual compilation of book, autograph & manuscript auction records. American Book Prices Current, an annual compilation of book, autograph & manuscript auction records.

ADS Autograph document signed Autograph document signed

ADS Autograph document signed ( see also ALS, ANS, LS, TLS). Autograph document signed ( see also ALS, ANS, LS, TLS).

Advance copy a copy of a book usually sent to reviewers prior to publication, may be in a different format and may or may not be bound. a copy of a book usually sent to reviewers prior to publication, may be in a different format and may or may not be bound.

Advertisements Many books & pamphlets, especially of the 19th century contained ads, especially ones advertising others books by the same publisher,often located at the back of the volume, following the text pages. Many books & pamphlets, especially of the 19th century contained ads, especially ones advertising others books by the same publisher,often located at the back of the volume, following the text pages.

ALAI Associazionne Librai Antiquari d'Italia (Italian antiquarian booksellers' association). Associazionne Librai Antiquari d'Italia (Italian antiquarian booksellers' association).

All published the book or set is complete as is, and any additional parts or volumes were never published. the book or set is complete as is, and any additional parts or volumes were never published.

ALS Autograph letter signed, letter handwritten by the person signing the letter as opposed to LS, which is a manuscript letter written by someone other than the signer (see also ADS, ANS, LS. TLS). Autograph letter signed, letter handwritten by the person signing the letter as opposed to LS, which is a manuscript letter written by someone other than the signer (see also ADS, ANS, LS. TLS).

Annotated Including critical and explanatory notes Including critical and explanatory notes

ANS Autograph note signed. Autograph note signed.

ANZAAB Australian and New Zealand Association of Antiquarian Booksellers. Australian and New Zealand Association of Antiquarian Booksellers.

Binding the method of holding pages or sheets together; may be simply stapled or sewn, or sewn and enclosed in wrappers, but most often refers to a "hard" binding or covers. This type of binding may be covere... the method of holding pages or sheets together; may be simply stapled or sewn, or sewn and enclosed in wrappers, but most often refers to a "hard" binding or covers. This type of binding may be covere...

Binding copy a book lacking the original binding or with a binding in poor condition, i.e. a book in need of a new binding - can also be referred to as a reading copy. a book lacking the original binding or with a binding in poor condition, i.e. a book in need of a new binding - can also be referred to as a reading copy.

Boards the covers of a hard bound book; the boards are the stiff cardboard or paperboard which is usually covered with cloth or leather; and when covered with paper, the covers are properly referred to as "b... the covers of a hard bound book; the boards are the stiff cardboard or paperboard which is usually covered with cloth or leather; and when covered with paper, the covers are properly referred to as "b...

Book club edition usually an inexpensive reprint utilizing poor quality paper and binding and sold by subscription to members of a book club; in general, of little interest to book collectors and of low monetary value... usually an inexpensive reprint utilizing poor quality paper and binding and sold by subscription to members of a book club; in general, of little interest to book collectors and of low monetary value...

Book formats The traditional terms in use for describing book formats are derived from early printing methodology and the size of early handmade sheets of paper. When two leaves (four pages when printed on both si... The traditional terms in use for describing book formats are derived from early printing methodology and the size of early handmade sheets of paper. When two leaves (four pages when printed on both si...

Book jacket the paper, often with illustrations and information about the book and author, used as a protective covering over the book; usually referred to as a "dust jacket" or "dj", sometimes called a "dust wra... the paper, often with illustrations and information about the book and author, used as a protective covering over the book; usually referred to as a "dust jacket" or "dj", sometimes called a "dust wra...

Bookworm any of a number of moth or fly larvae which tunnel through the pages of books leaving behind small channels, holes in individual leaves. Very early books often have some evidence of bookworm damage. any of a number of moth or fly larvae which tunnel through the pages of books leaving behind small channels, holes in individual leaves. Very early books often have some evidence of bookworm damage.

Broadsheet a printing which occurs on both sides of a single leaf (see also broadside). a printing which occurs on both sides of a single leaf (see also broadside).

Broadside a printing, often an official announcement or poem or music, which occurs on a single sheet of paper and only on one side; the verso (other side) is blank. When printed on both sides, the sheet become... a printing, often an official announcement or poem or music, which occurs on a single sheet of paper and only on one side; the verso (other side) is blank. When printed on both sides, the sheet become...

BSA Bibliographic Society of America. Bibliographic Society of America.

Buckram a stiff, coarsely woven, filled cloth used for less expensive, but stronger wearing, cloth book binding material; often used for library books. a stiff, coarsely woven, filled cloth used for less expensive, but stronger wearing, cloth book binding material; often used for library books.

Cancel leaf a new leaf, often the title page, to which changes have been made, which is glued onto the narrow stub left by the removed leaf which has been excised. a new leaf, often the title page, to which changes have been made, which is glued onto the narrow stub left by the removed leaf which has been excised.

Cloth book binding material woven from cotton, linen, wool or synthetic fibers. book binding material woven from cotton, linen, wool or synthetic fibers.

Collation used in descriptive bibliography as the term which describes the non-binding portion of the book, verifying the proper sequence and completeness of pages & their gatherings (signatures). used in descriptive bibliography as the term which describes the non-binding portion of the book, verifying the proper sequence and completeness of pages & their gatherings (signatures).

Colophon a statement occurring at the rear of a volume following the text, relating information about the printing history and physical aspects of the book; often includes name of printer, type of paper, typef... a statement occurring at the rear of a volume following the text, relating information about the printing history and physical aspects of the book; often includes name of printer, type of paper, typef...

Conjugate leaves leaves which are physically attached, part of the same sheet. leaves which are physically attached, part of the same sheet.

Covers the binding of a book; i.e. cloth, calf, morocco, boards, wrappers, etc. the binding of a book; i.e. cloth, calf, morocco, boards, wrappers, etc.

Cut edges the most common type of book edges, trimmed even with a large binders knife prior to finishing the binding process (see also uncut, unopened, and deckle edges). the most common type of book edges, trimmed even with a large binders knife prior to finishing the binding process (see also uncut, unopened, and deckle edges).

Dampstain stain often of a shade of tan or gray resulting from water or other liquid damage to a volume; tolerated by collectors when it is minimal and occurs in very old, scarce volumes; its presence does lowe... stain often of a shade of tan or gray resulting from water or other liquid damage to a volume; tolerated by collectors when it is minimal and occurs in very old, scarce volumes; its presence does lowe...

Deckle edge natural or sometimes artificial rough edge of page, left uncut (see also cut edges, uncut, and unopened). natural or sometimes artificial rough edge of page, left uncut (see also cut edges, uncut, and unopened).

Disbound descriptive term for a book or pamphlet or ephemera which has been removed from its binding. descriptive term for a book or pamphlet or ephemera which has been removed from its binding.

DNB Dictionary of National Biography, multi-volume (number of volumes dependent upon the edition) reference of biographies of British citizens (the U.K.). Dictionary of National Biography, multi-volume (number of volumes dependent upon the edition) reference of biographies of British citizens (the U.K.).

Dummy copy book made to appear like a soon to be published title, but with a text block of blank pages (see also salesman sample). book made to appear like a soon to be published title, but with a text block of blank pages (see also salesman sample).

Duodecimo (see definition under "Book sizes") (see definition under "Book sizes")

Dust jacket the paper, often with illustrations and information about the book, used as a protective covering over the book; sometimes called a book jacket (dj) or a dust wrapper (dw). Collectors of literary firs... the paper, often with illustrations and information about the book, used as a protective covering over the book; sometimes called a book jacket (dj) or a dust wrapper (dw). Collectors of literary firs...

Dust wrapper (see above definition of dust jacket). (see above definition of dust jacket).

End paper paper, often of coated stock or marbled paper or otherwise "fancy" paper, with one half pasted to the cover; used primarily to give a finished appearance to the binding. paper, often of coated stock or marbled paper or otherwise "fancy" paper, with one half pasted to the cover; used primarily to give a finished appearance to the binding.

Ex-library legitimately removed (discarded/deaccessioned) from an institutional library, such as a public library, university library, historical society, etc. Often has catalog numbers inked or painted on the s... legitimately removed (discarded/deaccessioned) from an institutional library, such as a public library, university library, historical society, etc. Often has catalog numbers inked or painted on the s...

Ex-libris a Latin phrase meaning "from the books" or to paraphrase, "from the library or collection of"; the phrase is frequently used on bookplates. a Latin phrase meaning "from the books" or to paraphrase, "from the library or collection of"; the phrase is frequently used on bookplates.

Extra-illustrated usually a volume made into a unique copy with additional illustrations, autographs, or manuscripts added by carefully gluing or tipping-in this extra material. usually a volume made into a unique copy with additional illustrations, autographs, or manuscripts added by carefully gluing or tipping-in this extra material.

First Books the first book appearance by an author (usually refers to a book entirely by the author, not merely a first appearance of a poem or short story in an anthology). Frequently an established, well known ... the first book appearance by an author (usually refers to a book entirely by the author, not merely a first appearance of a poem or short story in an anthology). Frequently an established, well known ...

First Edition All of the copies printed from the first setting of type; can include multiple printings if all are from the same setting of type. Every printed book has a first edition, many never have later edition... All of the copies printed from the first setting of type; can include multiple printings if all are from the same setting of type. Every printed book has a first edition, many never have later edition...

Flyleaf a blank leaf (or leaves) inserted during the binding process between the free end paper and the beginning or end of the printed pages. a blank leaf (or leaves) inserted during the binding process between the free end paper and the beginning or end of the printed pages.

Folio see Book size. see Book size.

Foxing rust colored spots which occur on paper resulting from oxidation of both organic and iron impurities left behind during the paper making process. Only when these impurities exist in the paper, given e... rust colored spots which occur on paper resulting from oxidation of both organic and iron impurities left behind during the paper making process. Only when these impurities exist in the paper, given e...

Frontispiece an illustration or plate inserted immediately in front of the title page, with the illustration facing the title page, often abbreviated as frontis. an illustration or plate inserted immediately in front of the title page, with the illustration facing the title page, often abbreviated as frontis.

Full binding volume is entirely encased in leather (calf, sheep, morocco, etc.) volume is entirely encased in leather (calf, sheep, morocco, etc.)

Full Binding usually refers to leather binding, see Binding. usually refers to leather binding, see Binding.

Gathering a folded printed sheet of leaves prior to binding; referred to as a signature after binding. a folded printed sheet of leaves prior to binding; referred to as a signature after binding.

Gutter the inner margin of the leaves of a bound book; adjacent inner margins of facing pages when book is open. the inner margin of the leaves of a bound book; adjacent inner margins of facing pages when book is open.

Half title a page which precedes the the title page and the text, with the title (often abbreviated) usually centered on the page. a page which precedes the the title page and the text, with the title (often abbreviated) usually centered on the page.

Hinge the inside portion of the flexible area where book cover meets the book spine; often used interchangeably with the term joint, which should be used to designate the outside or exterior portion of the ... the inside portion of the flexible area where book cover meets the book spine; often used interchangeably with the term joint, which should be used to designate the outside or exterior portion of the ...

Holograph Anything handwritten entirely by the writer; i.e. a letter written entirely in the handwriting of the correspondent is a holograph of that person. Anything handwritten entirely by the writer; i.e. a letter written entirely in the handwriting of the correspondent is a holograph of that person.

Imprint when used as a noun refers to the publication data located at the base of a title page, usually includes the city of publication, name of the publisher (sometimes the printer), and the year of publica... when used as a noun refers to the publication data located at the base of a title page, usually includes the city of publication, name of the publisher (sometimes the printer), and the year of publica...

Incunable anything printed during the 15th century, the first century of printing with “moveable type”; from the Latin, meaning “from the cradle”; can also be used in a relative sense to refer to other ... anything printed during the 15th century, the first century of printing with “moveable type”; from the Latin, meaning “from the cradle”; can also be used in a relative sense to refer to other ...

Inscribed a book, or other printed piece, with a handwritten and signed statement usually written for a specific named person(s) and often located on the end paper or title page; when "inscribed" is used to des... a book, or other printed piece, with a handwritten and signed statement usually written for a specific named person(s) and often located on the end paper or title page; when "inscribed" is used to des...

Issue a portion of an edition printed or published deliberately by the printer or publisher in a distinct form differing from the rest of the printing relative to paper, binding, format, etc. The distincti... a portion of an edition printed or published deliberately by the printer or publisher in a distinct form differing from the rest of the printing relative to paper, binding, format, etc. The distincti...

Leaf (leaves) refers to the smallest, standard physical unit of paper in a printed piece; in the case of books and pamphlets, usually with a printed page on each side of a leaf; a broadside is printed on a single s... refers to the smallest, standard physical unit of paper in a printed piece; in the case of books and pamphlets, usually with a printed page on each side of a leaf; a broadside is printed on a single s...

LS Letter signed, a letter written by another, usually a secretary, but signed by the correspondent, as opposed to an ALS which is written entirely in the hand of the correspondent (see also ADS, ALS, AN... Letter signed, a letter written by another, usually a secretary, but signed by the correspondent, as opposed to an ALS which is written entirely in the hand of the correspondent (see also ADS, ALS, AN...

Marbled paper paper decorated with a multi-colored, swirled design or pattern; often used for end papers or for paper covered boards, especially with 3/4 or 1/2 leather bindings. paper decorated with a multi-colored, swirled design or pattern; often used for end papers or for paper covered boards, especially with 3/4 or 1/2 leather bindings.

Morocco leather binding made from goat hides; usually used in high quality or fine bindings for the interesting texture of the leather; originally tanned with sumac in the country of Morocco (see also calf, s... leather binding made from goat hides; usually used in high quality or fine bindings for the interesting texture of the leather; originally tanned with sumac in the country of Morocco (see also calf, s...

n.p. No place of publication provided in the imprint. No place of publication provided in the imprint.

NAN Nederlandsche Vereeniging Van Antiquaren (Netherlands or Dutch antiquarian bookseller's association). Nederlandsche Vereeniging Van Antiquaren (Netherlands or Dutch antiquarian bookseller's association).

NUC National Union Catalogue; when used in antiquarian book descriptions usually refers to the pre-1956 imprints NUC which lists Library of Congress holdings plus the holdings of all reporting libraries i... National Union Catalogue; when used in antiquarian book descriptions usually refers to the pre-1956 imprints NUC which lists Library of Congress holdings plus the holdings of all reporting libraries i...

Octavo see "Book sizes". see "Book sizes".

Out-of-print no longer available from the publisher (o.p. or op). no longer available from the publisher (o.p. or op).

Pre-publication price When a new title is first offered for sale, often this special lower price is promoted and available for a limited time before publication. When a new title is first offered for sale, often this special lower price is promoted and available for a limited time before publication.

Presentation copy a copy of a printed item inscribed and signed by the author (or publisher) and provided as a gift; see "inscribed". a copy of a printed item inscribed and signed by the author (or publisher) and provided as a gift; see "inscribed".

Printing the copies of a book or other printed material which originate from the same press run or from the same plates or setting of type at one time. In the example given for "Edition", the 500 copies would ... the copies of a book or other printed material which originate from the same press run or from the same plates or setting of type at one time. In the example given for "Edition", the 500 copies would ...

Prospectus printed material, often in the form of a leaflet or broadside, which describes a forth-coming title in detail, often including information on ordering the book including pre-publication price. printed material, often in the form of a leaflet or broadside, which describes a forth-coming title in detail, often including information on ordering the book including pre-publication price.

Quarto see "Book formats". see "Book formats".

Rebacked the spine or backstrip has been replaced with new material, in some cases the original worn backstrip is saved and glued over the new material. the spine or backstrip has been replaced with new material, in some cases the original worn backstrip is saved and glued over the new material.

Rebound copy of a book which has had the original binding removed and a new binding attached; when there is no need to resew or trim the book, the term "recased" is sometimes used to indicate that a new bindi... copy of a book which has had the original binding removed and a new binding attached; when there is no need to resew or trim the book, the term "recased" is sometimes used to indicate that a new bindi...

Recto the front side of a leaf or in the case of an open book the page on the right, with the page on the left being the verso. the front side of a leaf or in the case of an open book the page on the right, with the page on the left being the verso.

Salesman sample volume made for door-to-door sales of a forth-coming title, usually has examples of several binding styles, the title page, a few pages of text and some illustrations (if any) and often a few ruled le... volume made for door-to-door sales of a forth-coming title, usually has examples of several binding styles, the title page, a few pages of text and some illustrations (if any) and often a few ruled le...

Self-wrappers the wrappers of a pamphlet consist of the first leaf of the first signature and the final leaf of the last signature; i.e. no special or distinct paper wrappers have been added; often government pamph... the wrappers of a pamphlet consist of the first leaf of the first signature and the final leaf of the last signature; i.e. no special or distinct paper wrappers have been added; often government pamph...

Sewn-as-issued a pamphlet which has been sewn together and exists in its original state relative to binding; normally a pamphlet with self-wrappers. a pamphlet which has been sewn together and exists in its original state relative to binding; normally a pamphlet with self-wrappers.

Shaken indicates that sections (signatures) of a book or pamphlet are becoming quite loose, but remain attached to the binding. indicates that sections (signatures) of a book or pamphlet are becoming quite loose, but remain attached to the binding.

Sheep a common leather binding material from sheep hides; used like calf for a less expensive binding than morocco, appears to have been frequently used for text books and law books in the 19th century (see... a common leather binding material from sheep hides; used like calf for a less expensive binding than morocco, appears to have been frequently used for text books and law books in the 19th century (see...

Shelfback another term for spine or backstrip. another term for spine or backstrip.

Signature a group or gathering of leaves printed together on a sheet of paper which is folded, bound with other signatures and trimmed to form a book or pamphlet; i.e. a section or grouping of pages in a book r... a group or gathering of leaves printed together on a sheet of paper which is folded, bound with other signatures and trimmed to form a book or pamphlet; i.e. a section or grouping of pages in a book r...

Signed refers to a printed item on which the author (or illustrator or publisher) has written their name, usually on the end papers, title page, or in the case of pamphlets on the wrappers. refers to a printed item on which the author (or illustrator or publisher) has written their name, usually on the end papers, title page, or in the case of pamphlets on the wrappers.

SLAM Syndicat National de la Librarie Ancienne et Moderne (French booksellers' association). Syndicat National de la Librarie Ancienne et Moderne (French booksellers' association).

Slipcase a box with one open side, into which a volume or a multivolme set is "slipped" for protection; publishers often issue a slipcase with two and three volume sets. a box with one open side, into which a volume or a multivolme set is "slipped" for protection; publishers often issue a slipcase with two and three volume sets.

Solander case a box in which a book is stored for protection which has one end (often leather) which resembles the spine or backstrip of a book. a box in which a book is stored for protection which has one end (often leather) which resembles the spine or backstrip of a book.

Spine The back portion of a book's binding which is visible when a book is shelved in a bookcase; the portion which is attached at the joints to the front and rear covers. The back portion of a book's binding which is visible when a book is shelved in a bookcase; the portion which is attached at the joints to the front and rear covers.

Started indicates that one or more signatures of a book are protruding beyond the rest of the fore edge, i.e. beginning to pull away from the binding to which they are still attached; not as loosened as the t... indicates that one or more signatures of a book are protruding beyond the rest of the fore edge, i.e. beginning to pull away from the binding to which they are still attached; not as loosened as the t...

State a portion of a printing with changes such as minor alterations to the text either intentional or accidental; insertion of cancels, advertisements, or insertions; copies on different paper without inte... a portion of a printing with changes such as minor alterations to the text either intentional or accidental; insertion of cancels, advertisements, or insertions; copies on different paper without inte...

Three quarter binding volume has leather spine and corners which occupy approx. 3/4 of the space along top edge of board (cover). The remainder of the board is covered with marbled paper, plain paper, cloth, different leat... volume has leather spine and corners which occupy approx. 3/4 of the space along top edge of board (cover). The remainder of the board is covered with marbled paper, plain paper, cloth, different leat...

Three quarter binding see "Binding". see "Binding".

TLS typed letter signed, as opposed to ALS, a handwritten letter signed by the writer (see also ADS, ALS, ANS and LS). typed letter signed, as opposed to ALS, a handwritten letter signed by the writer (see also ADS, ALS, ANS and LS).

Uncut refers to the edges of a book in an untrimmed state, edges are somewhat uneven, also see "Deckle edges". refers to the edges of a book in an untrimmed state, edges are somewhat uneven, also see "Deckle edges".

Unopened a book with signatures which have never been cut as opposed to untrimmed and uneven (see "Uncut"); unopened books retain the folds of the original gathering and contain many pages which cannot be read... a book with signatures which have never been cut as opposed to untrimmed and uneven (see "Uncut"); unopened books retain the folds of the original gathering and contain many pages which cannot be read...

VDAV Verband Deutscher Antiquare e. V. (German antiquarian booksellers's association). Verband Deutscher Antiquare e. V. (German antiquarian booksellers's association).

Vellum true vellum is a thin specially treated untanned "leather" from calf skin, also known as parchment (high quality parchment from calf skin is called vellum; general quality parchment is made from calf,... true vellum is a thin specially treated untanned "leather" from calf skin, also known as parchment (high quality parchment from calf skin is called vellum; general quality parchment is made from calf,...

Verso the reverse or opposite or left-hand side, especially used in reference to a leaf which has a recto and verso side; in a open book the recto is the right hand page and the verso is the left hand page;... the reverse or opposite or left-hand side, especially used in reference to a leaf which has a recto and verso side; in a open book the recto is the right hand page and the verso is the left hand page;...