Condition Definitions

We do our best to use industry standards when describing our books. If applicable, book Condition Definitions are used to describe the book and the dust jacket. Thus the word "book" may be replaced by "dust jacket." The process of grading a book is not an exact science; we do our best to describe defects that inform the customer about the conditions that impact the value of a book negatively. Unfortunately, we don't always list the positive aspects of a book's condition.

Here are the following definitions we follow:

  • ​As New (AN); Fine (F): Without faults or defects.
  • Near Fine (NF): A book approaching Fine (or As New) but with minor defects or flaws that must be noted.

    Note: There may be "+ (Plus)" or "- (Minus)" in a grade, which will mean that it is above the grade noted but not quite to the next higher grade for "+", and that it is below the grade noted but not quite to the next lower grade for "-", i.e., Very Good + (or Plus)/Very Good â (or Minus). Which means the book is better than Very Good, and the dust jacket grade is less than Very Good.]​

    • Very Good (VG): A copy with one or more defects and/or dust jacket wear, from light rubbing and sunning to short tears and small nicks. It may contain minor writing or markings.

    • Good (G): Complete but with readily apparent defects: fragile binding, heavily rubbed or chipped jacket, noticeably bumped corners, faded jacket or spine. It may contain writing or markings.

    • Fair (FR): A worn book with complete text pages (including maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title pages, etc.

    • Poor or Reading Copy: A sufficiently worn book and its only merit is the complete text, which must be legible. Any missing maps or plates must be noted. It may be soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted, and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.

    Please e-mail us with any questions before purchasing and we will do our best to ensure quality service. If you are unhappy with your purchase and feel our description was inaccurate, we always offer free returns.