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.
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