Condition of Books

For most of our books we give a short description of condition.  Unless otherwise stated it will be perfectly readable; We don't, as a rule, sell books with missing pages or weak-bindings (unless a little special) and we will say if we do.

We do not wish to mislead anyone, please ask for a more detailed description if you need one - invariably we forget to put in relevant information (normally dimensions) and from our own experience this can be frustrating upon opening.

If you feel cheated by a description please let us know.  We would like to keep our good feedback rating.

We would be pleased if you could rate the condition of the book in our feedback, to reassure other buyers.

RATINGS

AS NEW (AN) or VERY FINE (VF) or MINT (M): Without faults or defects, unread, in the same immaculate condition in which it was published (Note: very few 'new' books qualify for this grade, as many times there will be rubs/scuffs to the dustjackets from shipping, or bumped lower spine ends/corners from shelving).

FINE (F): Approaches the above, but not crisp. May have been carefully read and dustjacket may have been slightly rubbed or spine ends slightly bumped from shelving/shipping, but no real defects or faults. (NOTE: From here on, there may be '+' and '-' 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 '-'.

NEAR FINE: Also used, although not contained in Bookman's Weekly definitions, meaning a book or dustjacket approaching FINE but with a couple of very minor defects or faults.

VERY GOOD: A used book showing some small signs of wear on either binding or dustjacket. Any defects/faults must be noted.

GOOD: The average used and worn book that has all pages or leaves present. Any defects must be noted.

FAIR: A worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title page, etc. (which must be noted). Binding, dustjacket, etc. may also be worn. All defects/faults must be 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 should still be noted. May be soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted, and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.