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Here's a
hopefully helpful guide through the maze of book grading. We are strict
when it comes to grading and do not allow rips, tears, creasing of any
kind in our Fine or Near Fine books. We grade older and antique books
using the same standards as modern/contemporary books. i.e. we do not
upgrade an older book due to appearance just because it's older. When it comes
to grading, the book itself is indicated first, then the dustjacket. For
example, VG/VG+ is a very good book in a very good plus dust jacket.
As
New//Very Fine
We use the term as new only when the book is in the same immaculate
condition in which it was published. There can be no defects, and the
dustjacket (if it was issued with one), is perfect.
F - Fine
As free from defects as possible.
Virtually new books also, but perhaps have been opened or on a shelf.
NF - Near Fine
All flaws must be disclosed. Minor defects, light
wear, no tears, rips, holes or creasing to dust jacket. A Near Fine
book can have other types of flaws. For example, a bookplate or a
previous owner’s name written in the book are flaws, but in an otherwise
Fine book, may downgrade the item to Near Fine.
VG - Very Good
A very good book is an average used, read book that shows some signs
of wear. DJ may have closed tears or creasing. Book may have some foxing
or soiling. All flaws are indicated. Variations on the VG grading may be
used,
such as VG+ and VG-.
G - Good
A book in Good condition contains all text, but is heavily worn.
Generally books in Good, Fair, and Poor condition are used as Reading
Copies only--not a collector copy. Contains flaws like rips and stains.
Heavily thumbed, well worn. Typical used book that has been passed around
and not protected properly.
Variations may be used, such as Good+
Fair
A very worn book that may lack endpapers, half-title, etc. Binding, jacket
(if any), etc. may also be worn, spine can be canted. Major defects are
noted. Defects may include:
Rough
appearance, scuffs and creases.
Discoloration, fading and/or soiling.
Some pieces may be missing.
Cover may be detached.
Split or damaged spine.
Pages may be brittle/discolored around the edges.
Tape or other forms of repair.
Poor
A Reading Copy only book. Contains complete text, which must be
legible. This copy may be soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted and may have
loose joints, hinges, pages, etc. Defects may include:
Front cover
may be gone or coverless.
Extreme wear
Moderate to extreme brittleness.
Much soiling
Chunks missing from DJ or wraps
Fading
Much creasing, folding, etc
Other Terms
ARC - Advance Review Copy (Uncorrected Proof as well)
An ARC is a special, usually softbound pre-hardcover 1st edition of a
new book sent to bookstores and reviewers by publishers. They are quite
collectible.
BCE - Book Club Edition
Book Club Editions are published
and sold through a book club in usually cheaper formats. DJ feels lighter
and different and usually does not have a price on the interior flap. The
text is usually poor, and book often has a "blindstamp" impressed on the
rear board. Some publishers actually released book club editions that
state "first edition" and that resemble the trade first very closely.
Always lift the dustjacket and look at the rear of the book to check for
the small, usually square or circular stamp to the lower right.If it's
there, the book is a BCE.
We do not sell book club
editions, they are a "bane" to collectors.
Ex-Library
Ex-library books are generally
not acceptable to collectors. We sell ex-library copies sometimes, but only
if the book is scarce and very clean. An ex-library book MUST be designated as such prior to
sale. These books usually have their dust jackets and Brodarts taped or
glued to the book, contain stampings on the end papers to indicate the
library's ownership, and may or may not contain a pocket in the rear of
the book. Defects are noted.
Flat signed
This refers to an author's signature being written directly on the
book's page, rather than on a bookplate affixed to the inside of the book.
A book that is flatsigned generally commands a higher price than those
with signed bookplates.
Foxing
Yellow/brown stain or spots on a book's pages, which is apparently
caused by a micro-organism reacting chemically with the paper.
Inscribed
A book that has not only been signed by the author (or illustrator), but
that has an inscription, sometimes personalized, as well. For example,
"To Joe-Bob, Merry Christmas 1982, Tony Hillerman."
Remainder Mark
Usually a bane to collectors -- an ink marking made by the
publisher or book dealer on the top, side or bottom of the leaves. This
indicates that the book was overstock or not sold at retail price. We
usually do not sell books with remainder marks, but once in a while it
happens. Presence of reminder mark is always
disclosed in
description.
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