noun
bibliography
The study and description of books as physical objects.
Bibliography examines how a book's paper, type, and binding reveal its history.
Etymology
The pieces join books with writing or description. This scholarly sense concerns describing books as physical productions, including their materials and construction, rather than simply listing their titles.
More examples
- She studies bibliography to understand how early printers assembled books.
- In bibliography, differences in type can help distinguish editions.
- The course on bibliography includes close examination of paper and bindings.
Forms
bibliography
bibliographer noun — A specialist who studies and describes books.
bibliographic adjective — Concerning the study and description of books.
Similar words
- codicology
- Specifically studies manuscript books as physical objects, rather than printed books.