unopened (books)

Said of a book sold with the folded fore edges of the gatherings (bolts) not trimmed or cut, intended to be slit by hand by the purchaser with a paper knife. Distinct from "uncut" which is said of a book of which the folded fore edges have not been cut with the plough or guillotine prior to sale.

Web Term ID
http://vocab.getty.edu/aat/300263770