What is "presentation copy"

Presentation \Pres`en*ta"tion\, n. [L. praesentatio a showing, representation: cf. F. pr['e]sentation.]

1. The act of presenting, or the state of being presented; a setting forth; an offering; bestowal.

   Prayers are sometimes a presentation of mere desires.
   --Hooker.

2. Hence, exhibition; representation; display; appearance; semblance; show.

   Under the presentation of the shoots his wit.
   --Shak.

3. That which is presented or given; a present; a gift, as, the picture was a presentation. [R.]

4. (Eccl.) The act of offering a clergyman to the bishop or ordinary for institution in a benefice; the right of presenting a clergyman.

   If the bishop admits the patron's presentation, the clerk so admitted is next to be instituted by him.
   --Blackstone.

5. (Med.) The particular position of the child during labor relatively to the passage though which it is to be brought forth; -- specifically designated by the part which first appears at the mouth of the uterus; as, a breech presentation.

   Presentation copy, a copy of a book, engraving, etc., presented to some one by the author or artist, as a token of regard.

A presentation copy is a copy of a book that has been dedicated, illustrated, or signed (without request) by the author, or a book that was a gift from the author. An inscribed copy, by contrast, is one signed by the author at the book owner's request. Presentation copies are generally more valuable and rarer than inscribed copies.