Terms for Describing Book Condition from AB Bookman’s

 

  1. Compleat AnglerAs New is to be used only when the book is in the same immaculate condition in which it was published. There can be no defects, no missing pages, no library stamps, etc., and the dust jacket (if it was issued with one) must be perfect without any tears. 
  2. Fine approaches the condition of As New, but without being crisp. For the use of the term Fine there must also be no defects, etc., and if the jacket has a small tear, or other defect, or looks worn, those should be noted.
  3. Very Good can describe a used book that does show some small signs of wear – but no tears – on either binding or paper. Any defects must be noted.
  4. Good describes the average used and worn book that has all pages or leaves present. Any defects must be noted.
  5. Fair is a worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title, etc. Binding, jacket (if any), etc., may also be worn. All defects must be noted.
  6. Poor describes a book that is sufficiently worn that its only merit is as a Reading Copy because it does have the complete text, which must be legible. 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.
  7. Ex-library copies must always be noted as such no matter what the condition of the book.
  8. Book Club editions must always be noted as such no matter what the condition of the book.
  9. Binding Copy describes a book in which the pages or leaves are perfect but the binding is very bad, loose, off, or nonexistent.

List © 1997 by AB Bookman’s Publications, Inc. Used by permission. Our thanks to AB Bookman’s. 

 

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