AS NEW: 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: Approaches As New, but is not crisp. It may have been carefully read, the dust jacket slightly rubbed, or spine ends slightly bumped from shelving/shipping, but there are no significant defects or faults. (Note: From here on, there may be ‘+’ and ‘–’ in a grade. A ‘+’ indicates above the grade noted but not quite to the next higher grade; a ‘–’ that it is below the grade noted but still above the next lower grade.

NEAR FINE: A book or a dust jacket approaching Fine but with a few minor defects or faults, which are noted.

VERY GOOD: A used book showing some small signs of wear. The book has been clearly read and handled; the dust jacket may show tears or chipping. Any defects or faults are noted.

GOOD: The average used and worn book that has all pages or leaves present and intact.

FAIR: A worn book that has complete text pages and any maps or plates, but may lack endpapers, half-title page, etc.

POOR: A very worn book adequate as a reading copy, with complete and legible text. In addition to other defects, it may have significant flaws such as loose binding or pages.

Other points

Ex-Library: Designated regardless of the book’s condition.

Book Club: Designated regardless of the book’s condition. Names, Inscriptions, Stamps or Remainder

Marks: Designated regardless of the book’s condition.

Price Clipped: If the price has been clipped from a dust jacket, this is noted, though is not considered a flaw.