This remains a work in progress and is subject to corrections and additions. Please send me any ideas and suggestions you may have. This page can only be read with a tables-compatible browser e.g Netscape, Explorer etc. ALS Autograph Letter Signed. An elaborate style of French binding developed in the late Sixteenth century.
All edges gilt, booksellers' cataloguing term.
A style of ornament originally of Moorish origin often used in the tooling of bindings. An armorial device was often used on bindings, bookplates and the like as a mark of ownership. A term used in describing French illustrated books to indicate that the plates are in the earliest state, before the addition of titles. B before letters As avant la lettre , although not pertaining specifically to French books. Two conjugate leaves from a folio work.