Sponsors Visit the IBCA often at http://www.rarebooks.org Glenn Larsen's glossary helps you understand important book related terms. Many catalogs and dealer listings use terms to describe books that you should be familiar with. Here are some of the more common terms that you'll find. This page is edited and managed by Dale R. Myers. Advance Copy A book sent to reviewers, wholesale customers, and the media. Usually they are in wraps and inexpensive bindings. Used to get quotes for publicity and leads for advance sales. The precede the printed copies that are sold to the public. Binding Copy A book whose binding is missing or in poor condition and will require rebinding. (Note: a book usually must be worth 2 to 3 times the cost of binding to make this cost effective. Thus the book should be worth $150 or more if you are thinking of doing this. Book Scout A individual who searches for valuable books with the expectation of selling them to other dealers or collectors at a profit. They usually sell at wholesale. Books Sizes Are measured but how many folds make a leaf. Without getting into how books are made, use the following to estimate book size. 32 mo. - a book 4 to 5 inches in length. 16 mo. - a book 5 to 6 inches in length. 12 mo. - a book 6 to 7 inches in length. 8 vo (octavo) - an average book of 7 to 10 inches in length. 4 to. - a book 10 to 12 inches in length Folio - a large book 12 or more inches in length. Browning The aging of a book that creates a brown looking page. This process is most noticeable in older books with some degree of acid content within the book. This detracts from a books appearance and value. Condition and Grading Terms We have a separate section that explains condition grading of books. Copyright The right granted by the government to protect ones work for exclusive publication. The copyright page holds the notice of copyright and is usually on the reverse of the title page. Ex-Libris or Ex-Library A books that has been circulated within a library. Dealer listings should carry a notice of ex-libris if a book has indications of library stamps, card pocket, or similar designations. Ex-libis cuts heavily into a books value. Facsimile A reproduction of a book. Many facsimiles have some designation on them to distinguish them from the book they are replicating. First Edition The first time a book has been typeset and printed. See our first edition guide for additional information. Foxing Rusting of a page. Early books have some iron content in them. Over time and especially in humid environments the iron "rusts" and leaves spots on book pages. Heavily foxed pages can be hardly readable. Foxing is usually more prevalent towards the end papers and title pages rather than to pages in the middle of a book. Not to be confused with browning. Galley Proof (Author's Proof) Copies of the book (usually in an inexpensive binding) intended for the author, editors, and proof readers to correct. Jacket (Dust jacket, wrapper) The book jacket or dust cover (usually made of paper or plastic) designed to protect the book. Jackets are removable and tend to become misplaced over time. As such a jacket can constitute 75% of a books value. International Book Collectors Association collecting tip. Visit your library annual sale and buy beat up first edition books with jackets for almost nothing. (The covers are protected in plastic.) Go to the internet and buy a fine first edition copy of the same book without a jacket. Bingo, you'll have a nice book at a 75% discount. Remainder Mark A mark designating that the book did not sell at the published price. Leftover books were remaindered to wholesaler for discount sales. The mark is usually a stamp or a marker line across the bottom page edges. These marks usually reduce the value of a book by 20%. Slipcase A protective box that houses the actual book to provide for additional protect. Usually found on more expensive books and those from specialty publishers. Trade Edition An edition intended for publication and release to the public for sale in book stores and other outlets. Editions other than trade could include, limited, book club, library, and reprint books. Wraps A book with a simple paper cover that differs from a dust jacket in that it lacks lacks the color design, layout, and the impulse selling. Wraps were often just trashed and not considered a part of the books design. Thus books with wraps can now have added value.. Write Dale R. Myers if you would like a term added to our glossary. You might be interested in a reference glossary for off line use. Free Counter [IBCA Home] [To Inform] [To Collect] [To Educate] [To Preserve] [Read Guest book] [Sign Guest book!] [ Send E-mail ] [Sponsor Us] Copyright 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999