Important Terms Related to Books

General Book Terms

Title – The name of the book.

Author – The person who wrote the book.

Publisher – The company or person that produces and distributes the book.

Edition – A particular version or update of a book.

ISBN (International Standard Book Number) – A unique code to identify books.

Preface – Introduction written by the author, often about how or why the book was written.

Foreword – Introduction written by someone other than the author.

Table of Contents – A list of chapters or sections with page numbers.

Index – An alphabetical list of topics and page numbers at the end of the book.

Glossary – A list of difficult or technical words with meanings.

Types and Formats of Books

Hardcover – A book bound with rigid protective covers.

Paperback – A book with a flexible paper cover.

E-book – A digital version of a book.

Audiobook – A recorded reading of a book.

Novel – A long fictional story.

Anthology – A collection of literary works (poems, stories, etc.)

Biography – A book written about someone’s life.

Autobiography – A book written by a person about their own life.

Textbook – A book used for studying a particular subject.

Reference Book – A book like a dictionary or encyclopedia used for information.

Literary and Academic Terms

Plot – The main story or sequence of events in a book.

Character – A person or being in the book.

Theme – The central idea or message of the book.

Genre – The category or type (e.g., fiction, mystery, history).

Protagonist – The main character of the book.

Antagonist – The character who opposes the protagonist.

Narrator – The voice or person telling the story.

Setting – The time and place in which the story occurs.

Conflict – The struggle or problem in the story.

Climax – The most intense or turning point in the story.

Publishing and Library Terms

Manuscript – The original written work before publishing.

Copyright – Legal rights of the author over their work.

Bibliography – A list of sources used or referenced.

Citation – A reference to the source of information.

Dewey Decimal System – A system used in libraries to classify books.

Loan Period – Time allowed for borrowing a book.

Due Date – The return date of a borrowed book.

Out of Print – A book that is no longer being published.

Best Seller – A book that sells very well.

Book Review – An evaluation or critique of a book.

Important Terms Related to Books

Educational Use of Books

Workbook – A book containing exercises and problems for practice.

Guidebook – A book that gives information or instructions.

Syllabus Book – A book covering the curriculum of a subject.

Answer Key – A book or section with answers to exercises.

Supplementary Reader – An extra book used to enhance learning.

Book Accessories and Parts

Cover Page – The front page with the title and author.

Spine – The edge of the book where pages are bound.

Back Cover – Often includes a summary or reviews.

Bookmark – A strip used to mark your place in a book.

Blurb – A short promotional summary usually on the back cover.

Important Terms Related to Books

Cities on the Bank of Rivers