spine : The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf. Also known as the back.

raised band(s) : On leather bound books, the ridges that protrude slightly from the spine.

gilt : Decorative patterns imbedded into the affected portion of a book. Often appears on the boards or the spine, and may be very simple, to elegant, to ludicrous.

calf : Leather binding made from calfskin. Most common form of leather binding.

8vo : Short for Octavo, A book whose page size is approximately 8-10 inches tall. The size is based on a sheet of paper 25 inches by 38 inches, the size of paper traditionally used by book printers, which has been folded and cut into 16 pages.. Unfortunately often misunderstood to mean 8 volumes.