Glossary

These definitions apply to the description of early printed books (sixteenth and seventeenth century). There is, of course, much variation in practice.

Argument

A statement in prose summarizing the plot or meaning of a long poem or part of a poem.

Catchword

The word or part of a word below the last line of one page and identical to the first word or part of the first word of the next page. Its purpose is to aid in the imposition of the pages in the correct order.

Chain Lines

Widely spaced horizontal lines visible when holding a page to the light. Paper with such lines is "laid" as opposed to "wove." See Wire Lines.

Chase

Wooden frame into which pages of type are locked.

Colophon

The printer's information at the end of the book, usually a device or a paragraph, or words such as "finis" or "The End."

Conjugate Leaves

Leaves which, when traced into and out of the binding, form a single sheet.

Duodecimo

In printed books, a standard piece of paper (a foolscap, 17" by 13.5," but sizes varied), folded in twelfths. The term also describes a volume made up of duodecimo sheets. Thus, a duodecimo volume has twelve leaves (twenty-four pages front-and-back) per gathering. Sometimes, the term applies to books of a certain size regardless of the number of pages per gathering.

Folio

In printed books, a standard piece of paper (a foolscap, 17" by 13.5," but sizes varied), folded in half. The term also describes a volume made up of folio sheets. Thus, a folio volume has two leaves (four pages front-and-back) per gathering. Sometimes, the term applies to books of a certain size regardless of the number of pages per gathering.

Outer Forme of Folio Sheet (To be folded along dotted line)	Inner Forme of Same Folio Sheet

Gathering

A group of leaves in a book cut from a single sheet after it has been folded. A gathering can also be called a signature or a quire.

Imposition

Setting up the pages in the chase such that when folded the pages are properly ordered and oriented.

Imprint

Information on the lower part of the title page regarding where, and by or for whom the book was printed. Similar information at the end of the book is called a colophon.

Initial

Large or ornamental letters at the beginning of paragraphs. A "factotum initial" is an ornamental block inside which various regular pieces of type could be inserted.

Leaded Type

Lines of type set with strips of metal or wood between them in order to create space.

Octavo

In printed books, a standard piece of paper (a foolscap, 17" by 13.5," but sizes varied), folded in eighths. The term also describes a volume made up of octavo sheets. Thus, an octavo volume has eight leaves (sixteen pages front-and-back) per gathering. Sometimes, the term applies to books of a certain size regardless of the number of pages per gathering.

Quarto

In printed books, a standard piece of paper (a foolscap, 17" by 13.5," but sizes varied), folded in quarters. The term also describes a volume made up of quarto sheets. Thus, a quarto volume has four leaves (eight pages front-and-back) per gathering. Sometimes, the term applies to books of a certain size regardless of the number of pages per gathering.

Outer Forme of Quarto Sheet (To be folded along dotted lines and cut along the top)	Inner Forme of Same Quarto Sheet

Recto

When viewing an opened book, the "recto" is the page on the "right" hand side. The "verso" is on the left, and is the "reverse" of the preceding page. Thus every page has two sides, the recto and the verso.

A list of the signature letters usually printed at the end of a book as a guide to the binder. To "register" pages is to print rectos and versos such that the printed areas correspond back to back.

Running Title

(Or "running head") The line of type repeated across the tops of pages identifying the title or section of a book.

Signature

A signature is the letter or other mark found at the foot of the first leaf of each gathering. Its purpose is to guide the binder in the arrangement of the gatherings. "Signature" may also refer to the gathering itself. Various marks are used for the signatures of the preliminary matter; the letter 'A' is reserved for the beginning of the text itself. See Ronald B. McKerrow. An Introduction to Bibliography for Literary Students. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1927. Rpt. Winchester: St. Paul's Bibliographies, 1994. p. 73.

Singleton Leaf

A leaf with no conjugate.

Verso

When viewing an opened book, the "verso" is the page on the left hand side. The "recto" is on the "right." Thus every page has two sides, the recto and the verso. See Recto.

Watermark

A design of semitransparent lines visible near the middle of the inner margin when held to the light. Watermarks are useful in determining the maker of the paper and the place of manufacture.

Wire Lines

Thinly spaced vertical lines visible when holding a page to the light. Paper with such lines is "laid" as opposed to "wove." See Chain Lines.

English Department | Emory College | Emory University