Book Conditions

These terms are used  to describe books. This list has been put together from various sources and should be used for reference only.

New: A new book – perfect condition from the publisher or manufacturer.

Like New/Fine:  The book is in  excellent condition.  The book may have been opened and read, but there are no faults or defects to the book, jacket or pages. 

Very Good:  The book shows some small signs of wear – but no tears – on either binding or paper. Any defects should be noted.

Good: The average used worn book that has all pages or leaves present (complete). Any defects should be noted.

Fair: Worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title, etc. (which must be noted). Binding, dust jacket (if any), etc., may also be worn. All defects should be noted.

Poor:  The book is worn or well read.  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.

Other Descriptors 

Chipped – small pieces are missing from the edges of the boards or where fraying has occurred on a dust jacket or the edge of a paperback.

Dampstained – A light stain on the cover or on the leaves of a book caused by moisture such as a piece of food or perspiration. Generally not as severe as waterstains.

Darkening or Fading – When book covers are exposed to light, the color darkens or becomes more intense. 

Edgeworn – Wear along the edges of hardback book covers.

Ex-library – the book was once owned by, and circulated in, a public library.  This book could well be in any of the above general categories but more often than not has been well used.  May have library stickers, stamps, or markings.  

Foxed / Foxing– Brown spotting of the paper caused by a chemical reaction, generally found in 19th century books, particularly in steel engravings of the period.

Shelf Wear – Wearing that may be on the bottom edge of the covers as they rub against the shelf, to the dust jacket or exterior of the covers (when no dust jacket is present) as the book rubs against its neighbors, or to the head of the spine which some use to pull the book from the shelf.

Sunned – Faded from exposure to light or direct sunlight.

Uncut/Untrimmed – Edges of pages that are roughly cut.

Unopened – The leaves of the book are still joined at the folds, not slit apart.