With books their CONDITION matters. It matters a lot. When buying books in a bookstore, in an antiquarian bookshop, you can pick up the book, look at the condition of the binding, check for any marks or stains, etc. Remember that condition is to books as location is to real estate property.
ArchBooks provides a description of condition. When buying online you need to understand our bookseller terminology. As a collector you always want to buy the best condition that you can afford.
Here are the definitions of condition we use to describe books and dust jackets.
- As New/Fine: Without faults or defects.
- Near Fine: a book approaching FINE (or AS NEW) but with a couple of very minor defects or faults, which are noted.
[NOTE: From here on, there may be “+ (Plus)” or “- (Minus)” in a grade, which will mean that it is above the grade noted but not quite to the next higher grade for “+”, and that it is below the grade noted but not quite to the next lower grade for “-“, i.e., Very Good + (or Plus)/Very Good – (or Minus). Which means the book is better than Very Good and the dust jacket grade is less than Very Good.]
- Very Good: A book showing some signs of wear. Any defects or faults are noted.
- GOOD: The average used book that is totally complete (as issued) and intact. Any defects are noted.
- Fair: A worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title page, etc. Any defects or faults are noted.
- Poor or Reading Copy: A book that is sufficiently worn that its only merit is the complete text, which must be legible. Any missing maps or plates are noted. May be soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted, and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.
- Binding Copy: A book in which the text block, including illustrations, is complete but the binding is lacking, or in such poor condition it is beyond realistic restoration efforts.
- Ex-Library: Must always be designated as such no matter what the condition of the book.
- Book Club: Must always be noted as such no matter what the condition of the book.
- Remainder Marks, Bookplates, Previous Owner’s Name:: These are faults and must always be noted, if they apply.
The goal of book collecting is to show your love of books.
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