Quantum Theory, Volume 2: Aggregates of Particles

boards : Common term for the covers of a hardbound book.

DJ : Short for dust jacket, a protective and often decorative wrapper, usually made of paper which wraps around the binding of a book.

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.

tight : Used to mean that the binding of a book has not been overly loosened by frequent use.

8vo : Short for Octavo, A book whose page size is approximately 8-10 inches tall. The size is based on a sheet of paper 25 inches by 38 inches, the size of paper traditionally used by book printers, which has been folded and cut into 16 pages.. Unfortunately often misunderstood to mean 8 volumes.

crisp : A term often used to indicate a book's new-like condition. Indicates that the hinges are not loosened. A book described as crisp will not have 'well-read' pages, i.e., where the book will naturally open to certain pages or sections.

F/VG : Fine condition book, with a Very Good condition dust jacket. Fine approaches the condition of As New, but without being crisp. For the use of the term Fine there must also be no defects, etc., and if the jacket has a small tear, or other defect, or looks worn, those should be noted. Very Good can describe a used book that does show some small signs of wear - but no tears - on either binding or paper. Any defects must be noted. (condition definitions from AB Bookman's Weekly).