A book no longer available from the publisher. It is no longer being printed and no new copies remain available for sale. Also OP or OOP.

Words written in a book by a previous or original owner of book. Also known as previous owner’s inscription.

The numbering of the pages.

A pamphlet is a printed publication of a few pages, either in wrappers or self-wrappers. If multiple leaves are used, they may be bound with stitching, staples, or glue. Pamphlets are frequently used to inexpensively distribute brief information, treatises, essays, or opinion pieces. The example image shows a prospectus for several books by George Meredith. It is in pamphlet format and comprised of a single, small sheet, folded once.

Refers to borders in binding. Can also be used in connection with the main surfaces of a dust jacket, as front or rear panel.

Stiff, usually heavy-weight paper (though flexible) covers into which a book is bound by various methods. Can refer to a temporary binding, a booklet or pamphlet, or a book in early (1800s) wrappers.

Book binding (casing); front and back panels which have an outer paper surface glued to underlying stiffer and/or heavier material. The outer paper surface may be decorative or plain.

A book bound with flexible paper covers; usually a term reserved for mass-market publications. Also Softcover.

The skin of a sheep, goat, etc., prepared as a surface for writing or for use as a binding material.

The part of the endpapers that is pasted to the inside of the front or rear covers.

Paperback original.

In this binding, the pages of the text block are glued, or side stapled together, then trimmed on all edges. A soft or stiff paper wrapper is attached to the block with flexible binding glue. The result is a smooth, flat spine that provides space for text like the title, author, and publisher. Perfect binding is typically used in trade paperback and mass market paperback books.

The image shows three perfect bound trade paperback books.

An edition of a book or work that is published without the authorization of the author or copyright holder. Typically, there is no payment by sum or royalties for the use of the work. 19th and 20th century piracies were sometimes born from lax or nonexistent copyright laws between British and European nations and the United States. Thomas Bird Mosher and Elbert Hubbard took advantage of this to publish both known and obscure works without the authorization of, or payment to, authors. 

A special page containing an illustration or other extra information. Usually produced on higher quality paper and unprinted on the reverse.

Peculiarities in a published book whose presence or absence helps to determine edition, issue or state.

A trade term. Postpaid. The price includes the cost of shipping the item.

Printing.

A book inscribed by the author to someone else (usually of importance to the author, the book, or society in general).

The price on the inner front flap of a dust jacket has been cut off.

See Uncorrected Proof.