Q & A

A.G. from Calgary, Alberta writes:

I really enjoyed Jeri Bass' piece on book collecting, because I have drifted into buying antiquarian books as a result of my historic research. Although I'm far less interested in condition than a true collector (I buy them to *read*!), it was very interesting to learn about the terms that I often see used by my favorite booksellers to describe a potential purchase. I'd love to hear more definitions, like "foxing" and "ex-library" (does that really mean a library, or does it just mean there's a bookplate or owner's name in it?) Also, how would she describe a book which is in fine condition for reading, but is stinky? I bought one once--it was described as a "reading copy", which is all that I wanted--but found it worthless even as a reading copy because I just couldn't stand the smell long enough to read it!

We asked Jeri Bass to respond:

Technically the bookseller was right in describing a smelly book as a reading copy...even if you had to pinch your nose while you read it. But the bookseller should have noted in the description that the book had an odor.

"Reading copy" is really only a grading term. Reading copies are not good copies and may not even be complete (again the bookseller should state if anything is missing). So next time you order a "reading copy" ask the bookseller why she or he is grading the book as a reading copy.

Ex-library means the book was in a library and is often a discard. Many people will describe a book as Ex-library with usual markings, meaning the book was subjected to stamps, card pocket and numbers on the spine. "The ABC For Book Collectors" defines it as: "...a book which has at one time been in a lending library."

Ex-Libris is something different: it is a bookplate, which would have been added by the previous owner, which states on it "Ex-Libris", or "From the Library of" and there the previous owner writes their name. It is not usually considered a fault and often helps establish association or provenance of the book, author and owner.

Editor's note: You can also find the definition of foxing in our glossary, together with many other useful terms.