Clamshell case – A protective case with hinged side that securely retain the book within while permitting easy inspection, not necessarily (or often at the present) made from clam shells. 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. Inscribed – A book in which a written inscription has been made by the author, to a specified person. This is not to be confused with a non-authorial inscription, which would be written name, note, phrase, or comment made by someone other than the author (usually a previous owner). 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.

Ephemera – An item that was usually created for reading and then subsequent disposal. Examples include letters, advertisements, magazines and newspapers. Ex-Library – Previously owned by a public lending library, and usually accompanied by the usual library stamps, marks, etc. These are generally not valued by collectors. 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. Browning – An overall discoloration found in the paper of some old books, sometimes due to the decomposition of the paper coating.

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Association copy – A copy once owned by a well-known person or author or someone connected with the author or the book. The book may be inscribed by the author to the person or simply from the library of that person. Collecting ‘association copies’ can be one of the more exciting areas of book collecting. Look inside the book and identify the book's publisher - complete the publisher field but leave out terms like limited, company or press.

Points (or Issue Points) – An error or peculiarity in a book that helps differentiate it from other copies and may indicate a priority of issue. A point may increase the value of a book dramatically. Octavo – A book size resulting from folding a sheet with three right angle folds. In bookselling terminology, a book measuring from about eight to ten inches in height. Bookplate – A label on the front pastedown or flyleaf or sometimes elsewhere in the book, used to mark ownership. Unless it is the book plate of a well-known person, this usually decreases the value of a book. Alternatively, a bookplate is sometimes signed by the author and then included in the book. While not as valuable as having the signature on the book itself, this can be a nice collectible. Limited Edition – An edition issued in a stated, usually small, number of copies; the lower the number, the more valuable the copy. Impression – Synonymous with printing. The number of copies of an edition printed from one type setting. One edition may have more than one impression.Rebound – The original binding of the book has been removed and a new binding has been attached and re-sewn. Very Good – A description of condition implying some slight wear. A book so described would usually be acceptable to all but the most condition-conscious of collectors. Issues (See States) – A portion of the printing of an edition that has a different format, binding, or paper. An issue, of an edition, is done intentionally by the publisher and can contain various states. Colophon – A printed statement at the end of the book stating usually the title of the book, the publisher and or printer, and the place and date of publication.