BOOK
CONDITION
New
(NEW)
A book that has never been read and is in
perfect condition.
Fine (F)
A book in "Fine" condition approaches
the condition of "New", but without being crisp.
If the book was read, it was done very carefully. May
have a small bump or two. A minor flaw
may be present.
Very
Good (VG)
A
book in "Very Good" condition shows light
wear to the book, and/or jacket, but with no large
tears, or major defects. It is attractive, but not unusually
so and is no longer fresh. Acceptable flaws might include:
clipping, rubbing, and a less than tight binding.
There may be an Inscription on the front
flyleaf or a small amount of writing (ie:
name, date) in the first few pages. To qualify for "Very
Good" however, the book must be completely
intact, with a dust jacket (if one was issued).
Good (G)
A book, or dust jacket in average used, and
worn condition, but complete. They may
have some chips and tears, price clipping, inscriptions,
writing in the pages, a loose binding etc.
Fair
(FR)
A book that is worn and handled,
but no text pages are missing. It may be
without a dust jacket, endpapers, or a title page.
The binding may be loose and the jacket (if any), will likely
be well-worn. It may be soiled with tears,
but maps and plates must still be present. There can be
writing in the pages and/or highlighted text.
Poor (P)
Having very little collector value, a book
in "Poor" condition is relegated to merely
a "reading copy". It is very well worn
and may have severe binding defects. A few text pages and
perhaps maps or plates may be missing. "Poor"
copies may be soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted and may
have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc. Not fit for collecting
unless extremely rare.
Remainder
Books / Closeouts / Overstock
Unsold books
that have been returned to their publisher for credit by
the retailer. They may be indelibly marked (usually on the
top or bottom of the book's edge) to avoid their return
to the publisher a second time.
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