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Note: The following definitions reflect an idealized standard. Any particular bookseller may, in fact, have slightly different definitions of the terms below. These definitions are therefore offered as a general guide, rather than a definitive statement.
Book Conditions
The overall condition of a book is described using one of the five terms listed below (Fine, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor). These terms are used to give you a general sense of the appearance of the book in question. A more complete description of each book can be found in the "Comments from the Dealer" section. Any particular defects will be noted in this section. Sometimes dealers in their comments will list two conditions, separated by a slash ("/") -- for instance: "Fine/Very Good." In this case, the first term refers to the condition of the book; the second refers to that of the book's dust jacket.
Fine
Approaches the condition of a new book. Fine books should be completely without defects, although depending on how old they are, they may show some slight signs of age. Sometimes abbreviated in dealers' descriptions as "F" or "FN."
Very Good
Describes a book that does show some small signs of wear -- but no tears -- on either binding or paper. Sometimes abbreviated as "VG."
Good
Describes the average worn used book that has all pages or leaves present. Sometimes abbreviated as "G."
Fair
The condition of a worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title, et cetera -- which should be noted in the book's "comments" section. Binding and jacket (if any) may also be worn.
Poor
Describes a book that is so 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 in the book's "comments" section. This copy may be soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, and so on.
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