Keep collections to yourself or inspire other shoppers! Keep in mind that anyone can view public collections - they may also appear in recommendations and other places. Fine copy – The highest grade of a book’s physical condition, generally taken to mean a fresh, largely unread copy of a book, with perhaps the merest trace of wear. Condition grades then descends through “near fine”, “very good plus”, “very good” and “good”. “Poor” or “reading” copies are not for purposes of collectability. Bumped – Refers to the corners or spine ends of a book that has been damaged by being dropped, or carelessly handled or shelved. Review Copy – A copy of a book sent out for review prior to publication. Review copies may be marked by a note on an endpaper or flyleaf (rare today), or by a slip of paper inserted into the book, which is more common at present.

Covers – The everyday term for the covered boards of a book. The front and rear surface of a binding, as opposed to the spine. These may be composed of card, wood or other materials, covered by cloth, paper or leather. Mounted – An illustration can be mounted (as opposed to printed directly) on a blank sheet in a book. Book Embosser Personalized/From the Library of Stamp/Library Embosser/Personalized Book Embosser/Custom From the Library of Book Stamp Endpapers – A single sheet, half of it pasted to the inside of the binding (the pastedown), and half forming a blank leaf at the beginning or end of the book (the front or rear free endpaper).Replacement Value – The amount you would expect to pay for the book or ephemera item from a dealer or retailer. We answer one of the biggest questions about first editions: Why are they valuable and sought after by collectors? We also provide tips on determining whether your book is a first edition. READ MORE

Beveled – Boards (edges or boards) that are cut at an oblique angle prior to covering, as opposed to the standard 90 degree cut. Minimalist White Owl on Vintage Library Books Art Print Magical Animal Bookish Decor Light Academia Wizard Pet Illustration by AislingElyse Book Blanket, Vintage Books Blanket, Soft Cozy Throw Blankets, Gift For Reading Lover, Bookworm, Velveteen Plush Blanket, Blanket Gift

Rebound – The original binding of the book has been removed and a new binding has been attached and re-sewn.

Foxing – A patchy discoloration found in the paper of old books that have been improperly stored or exposed to high humidity. It can range from barely visible to quite unsightly. The name may derive from the fox-like reddish-brown color of the stains, or the rust chemical Ferric Oxide which may be involved. Paper so affected is said to be “foxed.” Although a negative factor in the value of the item for collectors, foxing does not affect the actual integrity of the paper. Ephemera – An item that was usually created for reading and then subsequent disposal. Examples include letters, advertisements, magazines and newspapers. Browning – An overall discoloration found in the paper of some old books, sometimes due to the decomposition of the paper coating.Good – A description of condition implying some degree of wear but structural soundness and reasonably good appearance. A book described as good will not usually appeal to the fastidious collector unless the book is extremely rare, but books in good condition may prove a bargain for the general collector or when fine copies are priced out of budget. Please remember that an old or antique book is not necessary valuable just because it's old. Common books like the works of William Shakespeare, prayer books, bibles and encyclopedias were printed in huge quantities during the Victorian era and usually have little value. Bindings – A term generally used in the antiquarian book world to mean Fine Bindings, of which there are numerous styles. Some examples include Antique, Cambridge Style, La Greque, Dos-A-Dos, Etruscan, and Spanish Calf. Prelims (preliminaries) – Any material that precedes the main text of the book. Prelims are usually set and printed after the main text; they are numbered with lower-case Roman numerals (rather than Arabic numerals) so that any late changes to the content or extent of the prelims do not affect the pagination of the text. Impression – Synonymous with printing. The number of copies of an edition printed from one type setting. One edition may have more than one impression.