ancient tome
Dusty leather volume
An ancient tome is an old, large, and imposing book, typically suggesting arcane knowledge, forgotten wisdom, or magical secrets.
The phrase appears constantly in fantasy fiction, video games, and tabletop roleplaying: The wizard consulted an ancient tome.
In casual use, it often carries affectionate irony when describing any thick, dusty, or intimidating book: I found an ancient tome on tax law in the basement.
- grimoireTextbook of sorcery
- manuscriptOriginal text before publication
- illuminated manuscriptHand-decorated medieval book
- scrollWound document of parchment
- parchmentTreated hide for manuscripts
leather cover · dusty · yellowed · arcane · dead language · wisdom · forbidden · hidden knowledge · library · scholar · secrets · ink · quill · candle · spellbook · codex · vellum · musty
- fantasywizard, witch, magic, dragon, elf
- fantasy elementsdragon, wizard, witch, spell, wand
- mystical questholy grail, magic sword, enchanted forest, dragon slaying, treasure hunt
- mystery objectscrystal ball, magic mirror, glowing orb, sealed letter, cursed ring
- occult booksgrimoire, grimoires, spellbook, spellbooks, Book of the Dead
- fantasy magicmagic wand, crystal ball, flying broom, love potion, invisibility cloak
ancient tomenew release
ancient tomepaperback
Book with flexible cover
pocket book · pamphlet · leaflet · airport novel · beach read
ancient tometabloid
Sensationalist newspaper format
pulp fiction · ephemera · junk mail · flyer · broadsheet