Understanding the jargon of bibliographies.
Glossary
I
ISBN International Standard Book Number is a system of numerical identification for books, pamphlets, educational kits, microforms, CD-ROM and Braille publications. Commenced in 1970 there can be a 10 digit number and a 13 digit number (introduced in 2007.
Identifier A number that enables world wide identification, usually given as a ISBN but some books published before 1970 have a BNB: number, some show both.
ill, illus Book contains illustrations.
Impression The number of books printed in a press run, or the run itself. All copies of a work printed at one time from one setting of type. There may be several impressions (presumably unaltered) of one edition, each new printing from standing type or original plates constituting a new "impression" of the work. If, however, the pages are reimposed to produce a different format, the resultant impression is a different edition.
imprint An identification of a publisher; a publisher's name along with the date and address and edition that is printed at the bottom of the title page.
L
Legal deposit see Statuary deposit.
Letterpress printing A technique of relief printing using a printing press. A worker composes and locks movable type into the bed of a press, inks it, and presses paper against it to transfer the ink from the type which creates an impression on the paper.
Limited edition A printing which is limited to a stated number. Often inscribed with the author's signature and a sequence number.
Lining papers The plain, colored, fancy, or marbled paper attached to the inside of the board of a book after it has been covered, or when it is cased-in. It is also sometimes called the "endpaper" (singular), "end lining," "end sheet" (singular), or "pastedown."
M
map Book contains a map
Mass-market paperback The most common paperback book, about four inches wide and seven inches high. Seen most often as mystery, science fiction and romance.
N
New Ed edition, New edition edition means "revised edition", a version that is really not very different. May just be a new cover or some corrections.
New impression edition A reprinting of the book as the previous print-run has run out. A new impression is a chance to change things in a small way, e.g. fix typos.