Book Condition Definitions &
Terminology
BOOK CONDITIONS
AS NEW (AN) OR VERY FINE (VF):
Without faults or defects, unread, in the same immaculate condition in which
it was published. (Note - very few "new" books qualify for this grade,
as many times there will be rubs/scuffs to the dust jackets from shipping,
or bumped lower spine ends/corners from shelving.)
FINE (F):
Approaches the above, but not crisp. May show signs of having been
carefully read, but no real defects or faults. (Note: From here on,
there may be "+" and "-" 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 "-".
NEAR FINE:
Also used, although not contained in Bookman's Weekly definitions, meaning a
book or dust jacket approaching FINE but with a couple of very minor defects
or faults, which should be noted.
VERY GOOD:
A used book showing some small signs of wear on either binding or dust
jacket. Any defects/faults must be noted.
GOOD:
The average used and worn book that has all pages or leaves present.
any defect must be noted.
FAIR:
A worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or
plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title page, etc. (which must be noted).
Binding, dust jacket, etc. may also be worn. All defects/faults must
be noted.
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 should still be noted. May
be soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted, and may have loose joints, hinges,
pages, etc.
EX-LIBRARY:
Must always be designated as such no matter what the condition of the book.
BOOK CLUB:
Must always be noted as such no matter what the condition of the book.
BINDING COPY:
A book in which the text block, incuding illustrations, is complete but the
binding is lacking, or in such poor condition it is beyond realistic
restoration efforts.
REMAINDER MARKS,
BOOKPLATES, PREVIOUS OWNER'S NAME:
Should be noted unless you explain in your general information that you do
not note such.
ODORS/ SOILING:
It is the bookseller's responsibility to either describe such conditions in
book descriptions or rectify them before listing, if possible to do so
without harm to a book or its dust jacket. If either cannot be
rectified before listing a book online, then it should be mentioned in he
description of the book. This also applies to dust jacket protectors
and packing materials; buyers should not have to be responsible for trying
to rectify odors or soiling not mentioned by a bookseller. Always, if
issued with one, the lack of a dust jacket or slipcase should be noted.
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This site was last updated
11/28/09
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