There are 9 Volumes and one supplementary volume for a total of 10 books. This is the fifth edition of the set, edited by Eric Blom. The dictionaries house all music relevant terms, from Bach to Tchaikovsky, instrument names, styles of play ex. There is some edgewear on the top and bottoms of the spines. The binding is secure and the pages are clean. The gilt letters on the spines make for a pretty shelf prescence. This all-encompassing music reference is perfect for a curious mind, a learned musician, or music history buff!