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How We Rate Our Books

All books on this site, except where stated are second hand and so the condition and scarcity of the book will determine its value. The condition of the book will be included in the description, in the form of VG/VG, Fine/Good, VG/--, etc. The first part of this is the condition of the book, the second is the condition of the dust jacket. If a "/--" is stated, this means that the dustjacket is not present.

As New - Only used when the book is in the same immaculate condition to which it was published. There will be no defects, no missing pages, no library stamps, etc., and the dustjacket (if it was issued with one) is perfect, without any tears.

Fine (F or FN) - Approaches the condition of As New, but without being crisp. If described as Fine, there will be no defects, etc., and if the jacket has a small tear, or other defect, or looks worn, this will be noted.

Very Good (VG) - Describes a book that does show some small signs of wear - but no tears - on either binding or paper. Any defects will be noted in the description.

Good (G) - Describes the average used worn book that has all pages or leaves present. Any defects will be noted in the description

Fair - 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.

Poor - Describes a book that is sufficiently worn, to the point that its only merit is as a reading copy because it does have the complete text, which is legible. Any missing maps or plates will be noted. This copy may be soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.

Every effort is made to ensure that the book description accurately matches the condition of the book itself.