ABC for book collectors

by John Carter

Hardcover, 1994

Status

Available

Call number

AN 37200 C323

Collection

Publication

London Werner Shaw 1994

Description

"John Carter's ABC for Book Collectors has long been established as the most enjoyable as well as the most informative reference book on the subject. Here, in over 450 alphabetical entries, ranging in length from a single line to several pages, may be found definition and analysis of the technical terms of book collecting and bibliography, interspersed with salutory comment on such subjects as auctions, condition, facsimiles and fakes, 'points', rarity, etc." "This seventh edition, revised and with a new introduction by Nicolas Barker, editor of The Book Collector, incorporates additions and amendments which he has accumulated since the last edition was updated fourteen years ago. Nicolas Barker worked with his friend John Carter revising the ABC up to the latter's death in 1975 and has faithfully preserved the spirit of the original. The ABC thus retains its character as an indispensable guide to book collecting."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member gibbon
Not only a joy to read, but a marvellous compendium of both elementary and arcane knowledge of the book and its history. How many, for instance, would know the difference between a fly-leaf and a free front endpaper? But it exists, and Carter tells you.
LibraryThing member BMK
Not only is this a terrific glossary for those interested in book collecting and those who just love books, it's like a mini-history of book-collecting. Interspersed with short anecdotes and occasionally tart commentary, it's the perfect book to flip through while waiting to fall asleep. The only
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drawback to that plan is that, like a bowl of peanuts, there is no such thing as, "just one". You'll end up staying awake longer than you intended and finishing the whole thing.
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LibraryThing member Aetatis
An absolute must have for book collectors. Carter's is the "bible" of the rare book trade. Or one of them....
LibraryThing member turnthepages
The best glossary of book terms for anyone interested in collecting books or selling books.
LibraryThing member JBD1
I finally took the opportunity to read John Carter's ABC for Book Collectors all the way through - I've dipped into it for various reasons for years, but never actually sat and read the whole thing. It's a classic, and justifiably so. Carter's witty erudition and excellent ability to put the most
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complex bibliophilic terms into easily understandable language make this a must-have reference book for all bibliophiles. And beyond the usefulness, it's endlessly amusing (his entry on "misprints" is an absolute delight). If you don't have a copy on your shelf, order one today. Or, collect all the different editions ...
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LibraryThing member wrichard
This is a straightforward glossary of book terms, and extremely useful for those who are buying or selling books.
LibraryThing member andyray
An ABC collated by a perfectionist must, almost by definition, be a five star. I simply refuse to give this the full five stars because Carter must have missed something. seriously, this is the best synopsis of a Bookman's language I've run across. please note the entry for "misprint" as you breeze
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throiugh it.
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LibraryThing member Paperpuss
Extraordinary helpful mass of info for any lover of books, collector or not.

Subjects

Language

Original publication date

1952

ISBN

0907961061 / 9780907961062
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