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Book Condition Ratings Explained
Book Condition Definitions are used to describe both the book and
the dust jacket, if applicable. Thus the word “book” may be replaced by “dust jacket” in the following
definitions:
AS NEW; FINE; MINT: Without faults or defects.
NEAR
FINE: a book approaching FINE (or AS NEW or MINT) but with a couple of very minor defects or faults, which are
always noted in our descriptions on books over $5.00 in value.
VERY GOOD:
A book showing some signs of wear. Any defects are always noted in our descriptions on books over $5.00 in value. It
is our policy to sell books that meet or exceed this condition grade. Exceptions would apply for rare and hard to find
books.
GOOD: The average used book that is totally complete (as issued) and
intact. Many booksellers refer to this as "standard" used condition. It is below our condition standards for common
and easy to find books.
FAIR: A worn book that has complete text pages (including those with
maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title page, etc. It is not our policy to sell books in this condition.
POOR or READING COPY: A book that is sufficiently worn that its only
merit is the complete text, which must be legible. Any missing maps or plates must be noted. May be soiled, scuffed, stained,
or spotted, and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc. It is not our policy to sell books in this condition.
EX-LIBRARY:
Will always be designated. We will never classify an ex-library book better than Very Good--regardless of how nice it
looks on the shelf. It is not our policy to sell books in this condition. Exceptions to this rule are made for books
that are hard to find.
BOOK CLUB: Will always be noted as such no matter what the condition
of the book. It is not our policy to sell books in this condition. The Exception to this rule is for First Editions.
Some mysteries and science fiction novels were first published in book club form. For this reason we will occasionally
make an exception to this rule.
BINDING COPY: A book in which the text block, including illustrations, is complete
but the binding is lacking, or in such poor condition it is beyond realistic restoration efforts. It is not our policy
to sell books in this condition.
REMAINDER MARKS, BOOKPLATES, PREVIOUS OWNER'S NAME: These are faults and will
always be noted, if they apply. It is not our policy to sell books in this condition. Exceptions to this rule
are made for books that are hard to find.
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