GLOSSARY
Common terminology used in relation to books, CDs, VHS tapes, and DVDs.
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BINDING - The cover type of a book [hardcover, softcover or paperback, leather, etc.]
BOARDS - The material used in a hardcover book.
BOOK JACKET - The removable cover protecting a hardcover book; usually paper. Also called a dust jacket, jacket, or dust-wrapper.
BOOKLET - A small book that is usually saddle stitched [stapled]. It is typically used as an accompaniment to CD's, DVD's, and card decks.
BOOKPLATE - Ownership label typically on the front endpapers [paste-down or front free endpapers].
BUMPED - Usually the corners of a book [typically on a hardcover book] that has been dented and damaged.
CASE - A DVD or CD is usually held in a case which is plastic.
CHIPPED - Pieces of dust jacket broken off. Usually small pieces on edges of jacket.
CLAM SHELL CASE - Plastic case housing a VHS tape [usually Ex-Library where the cardboard sleeve has been replaced].
CLIPPED - Referring to the corner where the price is clipped from the page. Usually the upper inside front flap of jacket. The price of the book is cut off because the book is usually presented as a gift.
CLOSED TEAR - Tear without material missing. Can be glued or taped to appear barely visible.
COCKED - A spine that is slanted.
COPYRIGHT PAGE - Typically placed reversed of the title page, and shows publisher's information.
DAMP-STAIN - A stain on cover or text; water, coffee, or other type of liquids.
DECKLE EDGE - Uneven and uncut edges of paper used. A certain style.
DEDICATION PAGE - A page usually appearing in the front section of a book, naming who the book is dedicated to.
DING - Small dent on cover of book.
DISK - DVD or CD.
DOG-EARED - Creased corners of pages of book because they've been folded down.
DUST JACKET - Removable paper cover on a hardcover book.
EDGES - Outer sides of a book; top, sides or bottom edges.
ENDPAPERS - Comprising the front/rear first and last pages [usually blank] pastedowns and text-free endpapers.
EX-LIBRARY - Withdrawn book from a library. There are library markings or stickers on endpapers, numbers on spine, and usually markings on edges.
EX-LIBRIS - Book comes from a private library with bookplate, or embossed stamp of former owner.
FIRST EDITION - First printing. Book states "First Edition" or "First Printing". Full number line staring with a 1 or 01 identifier.
FLAT SIGNED - Signature of author only. No inscription.
FLY-LEAF'S - Blank pages front/rear after end-papers.
FOOT - Bottom of book/spine.
FORE-EDGE - Right, opening edge of a book.
FOXING - Brown spots caused by impurities in paper.
FREE ENDPAPER - Front and rear pages opposite pastedown.
GILT EDGES - Gold leaf edges.
GUTTER - Inner margins of two facing pages.
HALF-TITLE PAGE - The page in front piece with only the title of the book is printed.
HARDCOVER - A type of book with hard, thick or stiff boards covering the pages.
HEAD - Top edge of spine or text block.
HEADBAND - Band of cotton or silk attached to top of spine. A decorative piece.
HINGES - Interior of a book where the side of the binding meet.
INSCRIBED - Signed by the author, or another entity associated with the production of the book.
ISBN - International Standard Book Number. A ten or thirteen digit number that is the book's identification.
LAMINATE - Thin protective, plastic cover over dust jacket.
LEATHER BOUND - A book with leather vs. paper covered boards.
LIMITED EDITION - A small number of books printed, without additional printings added.
LIMITATION PAGE - Page stating the number of printed books from a Limited Edition. This information usually includes the author's signature.
MARBLED PAPER - Special type of paper sometimes used to decorate endpapers.
OPEN TEAR - A piece missing from a tear larger than the size of a chip.
OUT OF PRINT - Media no longer in print.
OWNER'S INSCRIPTION - Writing in book [usually on front endpapers] by former owner.
PAPERBACK - A softcover book with a flexible paper cover.
PASTEDOWN - The paper of a hardcover book pasted to the inside front and rear cover.
PRICE CLIPPED - The corner of the front dust jacket flap is cut off.
READING COPY - A "good" book for reading only. Usually well worn or soiled.
READING CREASE - The defined crease on the spine of softcover books.
REMAINDER MARK - A book returned to the publisher and usually marked with black or red ink on top or bottom edge.
RIBBON - Cloth or silk attached to book used as a bookmark.
RUBBED - Heavier wear to cover [usually softcover books] where discoloration happens caused wear handling occurs.
SHAKEN - Where text block is loose from binding, but not detached.
SIGNED - Name only signed by author, which is typically called "Flat Signed".
SLEEVE - Cardboard slipcase to VHS tape, DVD, or CD.
SLIPCASE - A custom fitted box for a book where the spine is exposed.
SPINE - The books backbone. The title of the book is on the spine.
STICKER DAMAGE - Damage caused from the removal of a sticker [usually price or library sticker].
SUNNED - The browning, tanning, yellowing or discoloration of jacket or cover, text, edges or endpapers due to sun exposure.
TAIL - Bottom of book or spine.
TAPE RESIDUE - Brown staining or small fragments of tape remaining on cover or text which cannot be removed without causing damage to material.
TEXT BLOCK - The book's text on each page, not including the endpapers.
TITLE PAGE - The page that holds the complete title, author's name, and publisher's name.
TOP STAIN - Decorative colored edges, typically on top edge of book. Typically red, black, or yellow but can be any color.
VOLUMES - Numbers from a set of books.
VERSO - The left page or reverse page when a book is open.