Condition guide
Last updated November 2026
Two grading scales, so a reading copy and a collectible are never described with the same words.
Standard scale (reading copies)
New — unread, unmarked, as from the publisher. Like New — may have been read once; no marks, no wear. Very Good — light shelf wear, tight binding, clean pages. Good — a complete, readable copy with obvious wear: creases, bumped corners, maybe a previous owner’s name. Acceptable — all pages present but heavily worn, with notes, highlighting, or damage disclosed.
Collectible scale (rare & antiquarian)
Fine — as new, no defects. Near Fine — close to fine with one or two trivial flaws. Very Good — shows wear but no major defects. Good — average used copy with all defects noted. Fair — worn, soiled, possibly lacking the dust jacket or a blank. Poor — a reading or reference copy only. Dust jackets are graded separately and every defect must be listed.
What sellers must disclose
Ex-library copies, remainder marks, book club editions, missing pages or plates, water damage, writing, odours, and any restoration. Collectible listings must show at least three photographs of the actual copy.