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    biblio-key

    Biblio-key is a growing glossary of terms for book buyers and collectors

     

    end papers

     
     
    The end paper (sometimes end page) refers to the folded sheet of paper found at the front and rear of hardbacks.  One half of the sheet is pasted to the cover leaving the other half free.  The end papers provide a finished look to the binding.  Traditionally they are of higher quality than the interior pages, sometimes highly decorated, but often left blank in modern books. 
     
    The end papers are rarely numbered.  The half attached to the cover is often called the paste down.  The front paste down is most commonly referred to as the front end paper (Fep) while the back is known as the rear end paper (Rep). The remaining half of the sheet is the free paper, sometimes called the free page.  The front is known as the front free end page (Ffep); the term is deployed by booksellers more frequently than the Rfep since it is the preferred page for gift inscription (e.g. owner’s name to ffep).
    Rear end papers from Enid Blyton's Secret Seven Win Through, Brockhampton Press, 1955
     

     

     foxing
     
    Foxing (sometime spotting) is a catch-all term for spots or stains -- usually reddish as with a fox coat.   It is most often found on the endpapers, where the pages are closer to the boards, and as the discoloured imprints from inserted papers (such as bookplates, clippings etc).  
     
    Foxing is typically caused by moisture content and can be prevented or arrested through effective dehumidification.   Books avoid fungus best in moderate temperatures.   However, as with sunning/tanning, certain books appear to be more at risk of foxing than others and those with a high acid content, such as machine-made books from the nineteenth century, tend to show stronger foxing due to the absorption of minerals like iron salts.
     

     
     
     
     
     

    french flaps

     

     
    French flaps (like the 'Pink' title by Gus Van Sant illustrated) are the folded in extensions to the covers of paperbacks.  They are increasingly used to add weight and substance to paperback original first editions. 
     
    Not only do the flaps frame the book visually, they are tactile, playful and make great bookmarks --but remember to flip flaps halfway otherwise your book will start to resemble an over-stuffed wallet.  French flaps are excellent depositories for synopsis and author biography ... and perhaps even proof that you may occasionally judge a book by its cover
     

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