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P Page One 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. Pagination The numbering of the pages. Panel Refers to borders in binding. Can also be used in connection with the main surfaces of a dust jacket. Pamphlet A small separate work issued in paperwraps Paperback A book bound with flexible paper covers; usually a term reserved for mass-market publications. Paperback Grading A letter grade system is sometimes used for describing the condition of a paperback: "A" grade. Basically an unread book. No book store stamps on the edges, inside the front cover, etc. The book is as close to perfect as possible. These are typically very difficult to find for older books written in the 1980s and near impossible for those in the 1970s and earlier. "B" grade. Given to a book that is slightly creased in the spine. Might have name, initials, light stamp in the book. "C" grade. This means that there are creases in the spine and maybe on the tips of the cover. Basically, it is a reader's copy only. Paper Covers (Also Paper-Covered Boards) Describes a book not bound in stiff paper covers. Can refer to a temporary binding, a booklet or pamphlet, or a book in early (1800s) wrappers. Parchment The skin of a sheep, goat, etc., prepared as a surface for writing or for use as a binding material. Parts The practice of publishing novels in separate monthly installments in magazine format. Paste-Down - Pastedown Endpaper The part of the endpapers that is pasted to the inside of the front and rear covers. Perfect Binding Used 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 book binding and stapling. Pictorial Describes a book with a picture on the cover. Pirated Edition Any edition of a work issued without permission of the author and without payment of royalties to the author or copyright holder. Plate A special page containing an illustration or other extra information; often printed on glossy paper. Points Peculiarities in a published book whose presence or absence helps to determine edition, issue, or state. Presentation Copy A book inscribed by the author to someone else of importance to the author, the book, or society in general. Price Clipped The price on the inner flap of a dust jacket has been cut off. Printed Cover Used to describe a dust wrapper or paper cover that is only lettered. Printing Another word for Impression. Private Press A small press, often operated by one person, usually devoted to the production of small quantities of finely printed books. Privately Printed This term refers to a book or pamphlet whose printing was paid for by an individual or a group, and which is meant for private circulation, not public sale. Proof See Uncorrected Proof. Prospectus A publisher's announcement of a forthcoming book, set, or periodical, with information about the price, contributors or authors, date of publication, and binding. Provenance Evidence of the history of the ownership of a particular book (e.g.: auctions records, booksellers' records, book plates, etc.) The book may be important because of who owned it; perhaps a president or important bookseller, collector, royalty, or someone who may be related to the book in some way. Important in establishing the ownership of especially rare items. Pseudonym / Pen-Name / Nom De Plume An assumed name used to protect the anonymity of an author. Publication Date The date a book is formally placed on sale. Publisher's Binding Binding provided by the publisher when supplying a book for a bookseller. This practice, while common today, dates from the 1800s. Q Quarter Binding A book with its spine bound in a different material than the boards (i.e.: a leather spine and cloth- or paper-covered boards). Quarter Leather A book with a leather spine. Also 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 Band The raised areas on the spine concealing a cord which is attached to the covers. In earlier leather books cords were really used. In some modern books the raised bands are purely decorative and conceal no underlying cord. Rare Implies the books is extremely scarce, perhaps only turning up once every ten years or so. Reading Copy A copy of a book that is worn or used to such a degree that it is not in good enough condition to be considered collectible Reading Crease A crease down the spine of a book (usually a paperback); considered a defect. Rebacked A repair, where the original spine or backstrip has been removed, the spine replaced, and the original reglued on top. Can be considered a defect, but more valuable than not having any of the original spine present. Rebound A repair, where the entire binding has been replaced by a new one. Recased A repair, where a book is taken apart and put back together using original pages, cloth, and endpapers. Usually done to tighten the sewing or to wash the pages, etc. Recto A right-hand page, when a book is open and facing the reader. Rejointed Means the book has been repaired preserving the original covers, including the spine. Remainder A new book returned to the publisher as unsold, then re-marketed at a much lower price. Remainder Mark A mark (rubber stamp, felt marker stroke, or spray, often on a book's bottom edge) signifying that the book was returned to publisher as unsold, and then sold at a much lower price. Considered to be a defect. Reverse The rear side of a leaf in a bound book; in other words, the left-hand page of an opened book. Also called the Verso. Review Copy A copy of new book sent free-of-charge for purposes of review. Often includes a laid in review slip with publishing information; not necessarily a first edition. Rubbed Where color has been worn from portions of the binding or dust jacket. |
