Book Grading Terminology

The following terms are internationally accepted definitions that are used throughout this website whilst describing the condition of our books on offer.
If you require any further clarification then please don't hesitate to contact us via the contact us page.

Very Fine or Mint - VF or M

The book and jacket have to be absolutely pristine with no faults at all, however minor. Many brand new books in bookshops do not live up to this grade, so it is not to be confused with 'as new'.

Fine or Near Fine - F or NF

The book should be clean, tightly bound and square. The dust jacket should be free from loss or tears and any real faults or blemishes. This grade carries a little age related room, it does allow for some loss of freshness in relation to the books age. It is acceptable to have a previous owners name, though this should always be noted in the description.
There is also a legitimate intermediate grade of 'near fine' this would denote a copy that does not quite meet the exacting standards but must still be a very nice copy.

Very Good - VG

Very good covers a condition that one might expect to find second-hand books in. That is to say, books have been clearly read and handled, dustwrappers may show loss, tears and wear. Fault should be mentioned separately such as inscription stamps, chipping and tears to the wrapper. Despite displaying some faults, the item should still qualify as a collectable copy to qualify for this grading.

Good - G

Good means that there can be some fairly major faults with both book or jacket. These should be mentioned individually. Unless a book is very rare and / or expensive, these copies should be avoided by collectors.

Poor - P

Poor means just that - expectations should be very low if buying such a copy. This term allows for just about anything - major faults, mark, soiling, even on the verge of being disbound.

Reading Copy

A copy that is flawed and is generally not suitable for a collector but is more suited to someone looking for a copy simply to read.

Price Clipped-Clipping

There is no need to down grade the condition of a jacket if the price has been clipped from it. However it must always be mentioned.

Ex Library

Copies that have been in public libraries are very common, this should always be declared as should a description or stamps, pockets, missing endpapers or a library binding.

Book Sizes

You may find any of the terms below in our book descriptions. The size of the book is shown alongside.

Double Elephant folio Up to 50 inches tall
Atlas Folio Up to 25 inches tall
Elephant Folio Up to 23 inches tall
Folio Up to 15 inches tall
4to Up to 12 inches tall
8vo Up to 9 ¾ inches tall
12mo Up to 7 ¾ inches tall
16mo Up to 6 ¾ inches tall
24mo Up to 5 ¾ inches tall
32mo Up to 5 inches tall
48mo Up to 4 inches tall
64mo Up to 3 inches tall