Glossary of book history terms

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The glossary below aims to help both novices and more advanced researchers of the history of the book and its many variants understand some of the common terms employed in the many different disciplines that contribute to this varied field of study. Additions and updates are welcome.

bifolium
two conjugate (connected) leaves, prepared as a surface for writing.
broadside
an undivided sheet of paper printed on one side only.
catchword
a word positioned below the final word on a given page which duplicates the first word on the following page, in order to guide the printer or reader.
chain lines
lines visible in laid paper, caused by the wire of the paper mould displacing fibers during the paper making process.
chase
codex
collation
the process of comparing the book in hand to one or multiple other witnesses in order to reveal differences and establish completeness. Collation can also refer to the bibliographical description of the book, given in a formula which articulates its physical composition (format, signatures, and number of leaves).
colophon
coucher
deckle
folio
font
format
internal title page
recto
repository
running heads
signatures
letters printed in the lower margin of the page as a guide to binding. These typically appear on at least the initial leaf of a gathering; the preliminary leaves may not be signed at all, or may be signed with a symbol such as an asterisk.
Stationer
STC
quire
verso
witness
a single material instance of a given text.

See Also

[1]

  1. Richard W. Clement, "Glossary of Terms for Pre-Industrial Book History" (2009). Library Faculty & Staff Publications. Paper 11. http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/lib_pubs/11.