How we grade a book

We use the grades most second-hand booksellers use, and we lean conservative: if we’re torn between two grades, we choose the lower one. Every listing also names its particular faults in plain words.

As New

As it left the publisher. No marks, no wear, no remainder stamp.

Fine

Close to new and read with care. Perhaps the faintest shelf wear.

Very Good

A clean, tidy, well-kept copy with small signs of reading. Any defects are named.

Good

An honest reading copy: complete and sound, with general wear we describe.

Fair

Worn but whole. Text complete; expect creases, marks or a tired binding.

Poor

A reading copy only. Sold for the words, not the object. Faults are listed.

Words you’ll see in the notes

Ex-library

Ex-library copy with the usual stamps, pocket or labels.

Remainder mark

Remainder mark on the edge of the page block.

Highlighting

Some highlighting or underlining in the text.

Inscription

Previous owner’s inscription on the front endpaper.

Foxing

Light foxing (age spotting) to the page edges.

Water damage

Signs of old water damage; pages readable.

Jacket missing

Dust jacket missing.

Jacket torn

Dust jacket has small tears or chips.

Spine creased

Reading creases to the spine.

Foxing

Brown age spots on the paper, common on older books. Harmless to reading.

If you’d like another photo of anything before you buy, just ask.