Avol's Books, LLC

Avol's sells used books in Madison, Wisconsin and online.

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Booksellers’ Glossary

Terms in bold are listed elsewhere in this glossary, alphabetically.

  • Addendum: Additional information at the back of a book, sometimes laid in.
  • Advance Copy orAdvance Reader Copy (ARC): Copy of a book sent out to reviewers in advance of public edition release; sometimes not identical to actual edition.
  • Bonded Leather: Plastic binding containing particles of real leather. Technically not misrepresented by the publisher, for very large values of “technically.”
  • Broadside: Generally a limited edition of a poem or other short work printed on a single sheet.
  • Condition: These terms have specific and precise meanings in the used-book world, as follows:
    • Like New (sometimes As New) ~ in essentially perfect condition
    • Fine ~ an exceptionally well preserved copy showing little if any sign of wear. The standard typically demanded by collectors.
    • Near Fine ~ very closer to fine condition; perhaps slight shelfwear.
    • Very Good ~ although there may be some minor faults which will be enumerated, the binding is sound and the contents are clean and well preserved. May still be desirable to some collectors.
    • Good ~ the average used copy with obvious signs of wear which will be enumerated. Not collectable, but still a serviceable copy.
    • Fair ~ a below-average copy with major flaws which will be enumerated. Often referred to as a “reading” copy.
    • Poor ~ a book with serious damage and flaws. Reputable booksellers generally do not sell books in this condition.
    • Ex-Library: traditionally a catch-all euphemism for a poor copy, now only refers to used second-hand books from institutional collections.
  • Edition: All copies of a book printed (see printing) from the same setting of type; i.e., a revision of a book would be a new edition.
  • Errata, erratum, errata slip: List of mistakes noticed after the book was printed, usually laid-in.
  • Folio: More than 13 inches tall.
  • Laid-in: Separate pages or items placed inside the book, loose (not bound or attached).
  • Letterpress: Hand-press.
  • Octavo (8vo): Between 8 and 10 inches tall.
  • Parchment: Untanned animal hide used in bookbinding (usually pale, like thin doggie-bone rawhide).
  • Printing: Copies of a work from the same press run or setting of type as an earlier printing; when revisions are made, a subsequent printing is considered to be a new edition. Generally indicated by a row of numbers at the bottom of the copyright page.
  • Publisher’s Copy (PC): Similar to an ARC; a proof copy not included in the edition itself.
  • Quarto (4to): Between 10 and 13 inches tall.
  • Type: Metal letters or digital document file used to print a book.
  • Uncut edges: Untrimmed page edges.
  • Vanity publishing: Printed at the author’s own expense; generally indicates that reputable publishers were unwilling to print the work, for a variety of possible reasons.
  • Vellum: Untanned calfskin; a fine grade of parchment used in bookbinding; pale and smooth, like thin rawhide.

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