Standard Bookman's Terms

As New
A book that appears just as it came from the publisher, without blemish or flaw. The dust jacket (if issued with the book) is also perfect, without blemish or flaw. An As New book has never been read. Any minor, barely noticeable flaw in book or dustjacket will reduce this book grading to "Fine" or lower.

Fine
A Fine book approaches As New but is not as crisp and tight. Small defects should be noted. The few minor defects are exceptions to the book's fine condition.

Very Good
Very Good means that a book shows minor signs of wear. Any defects must be noted. Very Good books should not be dog-eared, foxed, or shelf-cocked.

Good
Good books have some noticeable wear and fading and may show some looseness. All defects and wear must be noted.

Fair
Fair books have very obvious wear. Some pages may be loose but the text material is complete. The endpapers may be missing. All defects and wear must be noted.

Poor (Also Reading Copy)
Poor or Reading copies have complete text but may be missing maps or plates. Such copies may be scruffy, beat up, stained and have broken or torn hinges and weak or missing spines.

Ex-Library
Ex-Library are copies were once part of a public, university/college, or corporate library. They are usually identified with one or more markings of the library such as stampings, card pockets, cataloging numbers, etc. Frequently they are marked as discarded or withdrawn when sold by a library. Ex-Library copies must be identified in addition to describing the overall condition of the book.

Book Club Edition
Book Club Editions are issued by various book clubs. They are frequently, but not always, of lesser quality than the same title sold in bookstores. Book Club editions must be identified in addition to describing the overall condition of the book.

Binding Copy
Binding Copy describes a book with complete text and illustrations or plates but with a binding which is in very bad condition, detached or missing and thus suitable for re-binding.

Return back to our - Home Page