Book Description
Paris: Sebastien Mabre-Cramoisy.. 1685. 4to. (28),360,(16)pp. Index. Illustrated with 2 copper engraved headpieces & 2 decorative initials and the publisherís copper engraved title-page vignette. This copy lacks the added engraved title. Cont. calf, worn & rubbed, gilt decorated spine rubbed & chipped, hinges cracked but cords still holding.
Not sure what some of these terms mean? Look it up in our glossary.
spine : The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf. Also known as the back.
chipped : A defect in which small pieces missing from the edges.
gilt : The decorative application of gold or gold coloring to a portion of a book. The edges of the text block, or an inlay in the front cover of the boards, for example.
cracked : In reference to a hinge or a book's binding, means that the glue which holds the opposing leaves has allowed them to separate, revealing the stitching or binding underneath.
calf : Leather binding made from calfskin. Most common form of leather binding.
4to : Or quarto. A term used generally to describe the approximate size of a book, a book that is about 10" to 12" tall and roughly squarish in shape. The term is based on the size of paper traditionally used by book printers which has been folded and cut into 16 pages.
vignette : A small illustration or graphic placed at the beginning or end of a book or a chapter.
