Book Grading and Conditions

Book condition and defect notations are standardized terms used by many booksellers to describe the physical state of a book. Please pay attention to any specific condition notes on the book's page. 

📘 Standard Book Condition Grades

1. New

   • Brand new, unread, perfect condition.

   • No markings, damage, or shelf wear.

2. As New / Fine

   • Appears new but may have been opened.

   • No visible defects; clean, tight, and crisp.

3. Near Fine (NF)

   • Almost like new with minor imperfections.

   • May have slight shelf wear or very minor rubbing.

4. Very Good (VG)

   • Light wear, possibly small marks or creases.

   • No major damage or missing parts.

5. Good or Acceptable (G)

   • Used with average wear.

   • May have notes, highlighting, or minor damage and creases.

   • All pages and covers intact.

6. Fair

   • Heavily worn but readable.

   • May have tears, stains, creases or loose binding.

7. Poor

   • Significant damage or missing elements.

   • Only useful as a reading copy or for parts.

🔍 Common Defect Notations

• Ex-Library: Former library book; may have stamps, labels, plastic dust jacket cover if it has a dust jacket or card pockets.

• Remainder Mark: A mark (often a dot or line) on the bottom edge to indicate a closeout at the time of sale.

• Foxing: Redish-Brown or Yellow spots due to age of the paper. It is not mold.

• Thumbed: Where a book is fanned or looked through by fanning the pages much like a card deck is done. 

• Shelf Wear: Scuffing or minor damage from storage.

• Toning: Yellowing or discoloration of pages due to age.

• Corner bumps: Where the corner of the book is hit or pressed against something that causes the corner to blunt or bend or point up or down slightly

• Dust Jacket (DJ):

  • With DJ: Includes original dust jacket.

  • Price Clipped: The original price has been cut from the DJ.

  • Chipped/Torn DJ: Dust jacket has small tears or missing pieces.

• Signed/Inscribed: Author has signed or written a message in the book.

• Rolled: Where the page edges are slightly rolled up or down from use or being pressed on something. Can also apply to hard covers, dust jackets, etc.

• Loose Binding / Cracked Hinge: Weak or partially detached spine.