Book Descriptions

A book may start out as one of many in an edition, but they live individual lives. An edition will share some special characteristics, paper, type, design and content, but individual owners may add notes on the pages, order a new binding, or paste in their bookplate, creating a unique history for that book. Collectors look for these individual characteristics that can add value to a book. An edition may have an added special edition, that is, a small number of books produced with special paper, in a larger size, or include a portfolio of special illustrations. When looking at library entries, or investigating to purchase the book beautiful, the collector learns the language behind book descriptions. Featured at this link is a interactive image on deciphering book descriptions.