Condition Guidelines
Within our catalog descriptions, we identify the condition of the book first and, if applicable, the dust jacket second. Thus, "F/VG" means that the book itself is Fine and the DJ is Very Good. Anything less than VG will be described in more detail for collectible books, while lower-priced books may not warrant a great deal of condition detail in their catalog description. Note that as a general rule, we rarely grade above a VG+, even if warrented.
Further reading material can be found on the International League of Antiquarian Boosksellers' Glossery.
“Remainder” indicates that the book was returned to its publisher by a new bookstore and is now being sold in a secondary market. Publishers mark remainders in a variety of ways and we describe the clipped dj, magic marker dot or line on the textblock or any other “branding” of a remaindered book
“Dampstaining” is mildew residue or what it has left behind. "Water Marking" is actual water spotting or other damage caused by liquid.
In modern usage, octavo refers to a standard sized book, like most novels, approximately 6-8 inches high and 5-6 inches wide. A larger book, between 8-10 or so inches in height or width, is a quarto, while an even larger book is called a folio or elephant folio. Most "coffee table books" are folios. A 12mo is smaller than an octavo and a 16mo is even smaller. Miniature books are usually around 1" x 2".
Fine (or mint): In “As New” condition, barely or never opened, often still in plastic shrinkwrap.
NF: Only different from Fine in that it has probably been opened, but the dj has no stains, chips or wrinkles and the book itself is pristine.
VG+: Some light wear, usually around edges, or what is called "shelfwear" with minor imperfections in the edges. Panels are free of stains or stains are minor, spine may be slightly faded.
VG: Has some or all of the following: chips, abrasions, especially corners and spine ends, some staining, spine may be seriously faded, but no major flaws. Minor water marking or dampstaining, minor chips or tears in dj
Good: Has some or all of the following: heavily water stained or dampstained, faded spine, abraded corners and unusual wear to the book. Joints and hinges may be shaky as well. At least one serious chip or missing part. Wrinkled closed tears, chipping at the corners of a more than minor nature, long closed tears across either panel, water stains or dampstaining.
Fair: Boards detached but present, reading copy only. Major portions of dj are missing but the dj is still intact and all parts are present and hanging together.
Poor/Reader Copy: Book and dj, if present, are severely compromised.
Ex-library: A former library book with all or some markings. Will also include a conditional code to describe.
Shipping & Delivery
Items will be wrapped and mailed in a protective covering. All orders will be shipped out within three business days of the payment recieved. Shipping is done by USPS, and will take, depending on weather, between 4 and 10 business days for Continental United States locations only. All territories and APO/FPOs will have different arrival times.