Condition Grading
I use the standard, traditional condition grading system used in the book trade. However, given that there is wiggle room in the system and some sellers grade more strictly than others, I'm going to give specific examples of my grading. In all cases I will note page tanning, spotting, tears, creases, previous owner names, underlining or margin notes, weak hinges, etc.
I do not sell books that are musty. The risk of having them on my shelves and infecting other books with mildew is too great.
These grades apply to book and dust jacket individually. So, for example, a book might be Fine with a Good dust jacket, or vice versa.
After the condition grades, I also provide a condition description with all specific flaws noted. If you are concerned about a book and would like details, please request photos. I normally respond quickly.
AS NEW (AN)
Blindingly perfect. Essentially mint condition, identical to the state in which the book left the publisher. Genuinely rare — most books don't make it to a bookstore shelf in this condition. And I almost never use this grade.
FINE (F)
As new but allowing for the normal effects of time on an unread book that has been properly protected. No flaws of any kind. I use this, but very sparingly. I will not have seen even the slightest nick, scratch, or rub mark on the book. And it must appear unread. Binding tight and square. Paperbacks will have no creases of any kind. Spine will be crisp and straight.
NEAR FINE (NF)
Approaching fine but with very minor flaws — a slight dulling of gloss on the dust jacket, or slight shelfwear to lower edge of boards for example. No tears, no writing or markings. Corners will not be bumped or dog-eared. Binding will still be tight and square. All defects will be noted.
VERY GOOD (VG)
A used book showing some small signs of wear but no major defects. Might have a bit of wear or a short closed tear to the jacket, light shelfwear, a slightly bumped corner, a previous owner's name — though it definitely won't have all of those flaws, that would drop it down to Good. At first glance it will appear to be a quite nice copy. There will not be any writing, highlighting, or underlining. There might be a previous owner's name but it will be noted if so. It will not appear shabby. The binding will be sound, though the book may have been read, so it won't be as tight as a Fine copy. A paperback might have a very faint spine crease but will still be square and tight. Any defects will be noted.
GOOD (G)
The average secondhand book. Complete, intact, solid. It will definitely have noticeable defects and clear signs of wear, but nothing missing and no severe problems. Dust jacket is likely a bit shabby but basically complete. Paperbacks will likely have spine or corner creases. It's likely not nice enough to be given as a gift. All defects will be noted.
FAIR
A very noticeably worn and shabby copy. Likely has tears, dampstaining, a weakened binding, or other significant problems. But it is complete and usable as a reading copy. Definitely not nice enough to give as a gift.
POOR
Barely worth listing. The text may be complete and legible, but the book is severely worn and may be missing endpapers etc. Only listed when the content itself has value and the book is otherwise unobtainable. I have rarely ever listed a book in Poor condition.
EX-LIBRARY (XLib)
The book has been in a library. Will have library markings of some kind. Must always be noted, regardless of the book's overall condition — it is a serious flaw and a significant factor for collectors. I don't like listing ex-library books, but do occasionally make an exception for uncommon titles.
BOOK CLUB (BCE)
A book club edition rather than a trade edition. Must always be noted, as book club editions are generally not collectible. Common indicators include a blind stamp on the back board, no price on the dust jacket flap, or inferior paper and binding. I always note book club editions specifically in my listings.