The following is a key to descriptions used in relation to book
condition:
As New: The book is in the same immaculate
condition as when it was published. This could be the description for a
book that has been lost in a warehouse for years, never shelved, thumbed or
even opened yet may still be some years old.
Fine (F or FN): A Fine book approaches the
condition of As New, but without being crisp. The book may have been
opened and read, but there are no defects to the book, jacket or pages.
Very Good (VG): Describes a book that shows some
small signs of wear - but no tears - on either binding or paper. Any defects
should be noted by the seller.
Good (G): Describes the average used worn book
that has all pages or leaves present. Any defects should be noted by the
seller.
Fair: Worn book that has complete text pages
(including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title, etc.
(which must be noted). Binding, jacket (if any), etc., may also be worn. All
defects should be noted.
Poor: Describes a book that is sufficiently
worn. Any missing maps or plates should still be noted. This copy may be
soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted and may have loose joints, hinges, pages,
etc.
Binding Copy: describes a book in which the pages
or leaves are perfect but the binding is very bad, loose, off, or nonexistent.
Reading Copy: A copy usually in poor to fair
condition that includes all text presented in a legible fashion. The copy
is fine to read but nothing more.