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Glossary of Rare Book Terms

What is a rare book? What is signed versus inscribed? What is a first edition? What does 8vo stand for?
Find some of the common jargon booksellers and book collectors often use.

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Kermes

A red dye derived from the dried bodies of the females of a scale insect (Coccus ilicis) in the genus Kermes, primarily Kermes vermilio. It forms the root for the English color word crimson is derived from the word kermes based on the widespread use of this dye in medieval times and the rich red color it yields.

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