Actual condition may vary depending on the severity of any defectsdamage. Booksellers always list the condition of the dust jacket after the condition of the book. Item may have minor cosmetic defects marks, wears, cuts, bends, crushes on the cover, spine, pages or dust cover. Item may have minor cosmetic defects such as marks, wears, cuts, bends, or crushes on the cover, spine, pages, or dust cover. Terms for describing book condition from ab bookmans dj mcadam.
Book condition descriptions for many years, the grading system defined by ab bookman was the standard in the antiquarian book trade. Most collectors want to have books in a 7 or better condition grade and this affects the prices people will spend on them. Then read our guide to common book terms, book size codes. Booksellers use standard terms to describe the condition of the used books that they sell.
In an advert i read recently a pen was described as excellent condition, and in further details it was revealed that the cap band was halfbrassed, the cap had a few nicks, the barrel had a depression due to posting of the cap, and the clip was partially brassed. It pays to become familiar with the basic descriptive terms used by used and rare booksellers to communicate a particular book s condition. The general condition guidelines do not apply to collectible books. We also identify any defects that a book may have when listing it in our inventory. A condition of the covers or boards of a hardcover book. All used books at have been designated with a descriptive condition code, listed below. Book condition guide finelike new f book may have been read. Kelley blue book assesses a used vehicles condition as fair if its tires need replacement, it has any rust which must be repairable to be classified in fair condition, it possesses some defects in the engine or other mechanical systems, or any visual flaws in the paint job or the interior. Fine f a book that has no defects in book or jacket, but not as crisp as it was when new. A comic book in fr condition may have nonstory elements such as coupons, portions of ad pages, or marvel value stamps cut or torn out of the book, but all story and art will be complete. On the listing form, you can choose from one of several preset item condition options, which vary depending on the category you list your item in. Bowed covers may turn inward toward the leaves or outward away from the leaves. This is the equivalent of mint condition in numismatics. A product that was inspected and graded by a qualified supplier a seller, vendor, or by amazon in working condition with no structural imperfections that could impact the functionality.
How to write a book description that sells with examples. The book is either very good condition for a book that is 10 years old or 150 years old. In the case of paper or board, the condition is caused by heat and humidity. We generally use this term only to describe new books. The importance of condition in buying or selling used books. The name may derive from the foxlike reddishbrown color of the stains, or the rust chemical ferric oxide which may be involved. If the cockled page is made of vellum, the condition is caused by humidity. Darkening or fading when book covers are exposed to light, the color darkens or becomes more intense. For information that can help you judge the condition of your book, please consult the state library factsheet on this subject. Poor describes a book that is sufficiently worn that its. Online sales used book condition descriptions used books. An unused, unread, clean and perfect copy of the book.
A brandnew copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Confused by the terms used to describe used, collectable or antiquarian books for sale. Another very important criterion for establishing value of the book is its physical condition. Technically, this term is used to describe any of the printings of a book, done from the original setting of type, at any time until the type is so altered as to constitute a second edition see edition. Books that do not have their accompanying cds, access codes or other supplemental materials must note this clearly in the description field. Often, the mull or backing can be seen through the crack when the book lies open. Many book condition terms are intuitive and will likely be understood by. Very good vg shows signs of use, but is still a very nice copy. Intellectual disability id, also known as general learning disability and formerly mental retardation mr, is a generalized neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significantly impaired intellectual and adaptive functioning. Given to a book that is slightly creased in the spine. Jul 31, 2011 a book with its spine cracked is one where the book automatically falls open to a place where the binding has been substantially weakened. The majority 80% of my books get listed as good or very good, and i dont sell many acceptable, like new, or new books. If, however, you receive a book from loganberry whether its a book search or not and you think the book is not as it was described, you may return it. The book description is the pitch to the reader about why they should buy your book.
Rare and collectible books may have cocked spine, cracked hinges, water stains. How big of a factor condition is in pricing a used book. How to write effective book descriptions bookthink. If you would like clarification on any term in a particular description, p. Fine f much like as new in condition, except that the book has been opened or carefully read. This is because items published with these qualifiers are legally binding and cannot be adjusted by sellers. Terms for describing book condition from ab bookmans. A nontraditional book condition description that generally refers to a book in readable condition, although no standard exists for this term, and the word can be used to describe a wide variety of actual book conditions. Book terminology or book terms are the vocabulary used in book collecting to describe the many different parts of the book. Our condition guide will tell you what to expect when you buy one of our used books.
You can determine the condition of a vehicle by taking a condition quiz found on the equipment selection page, or by comparing the car to these category definitions. The older a book, the more subjective the condition code. Now before you come to the conclusion that a book s condition doesnt matter at all, let me disclose a few things. Music all original packaging and supplemental materials are included. There are photo examples of the terms but please keep in mind that book characteristics and conditions vary. Jun 08, 2020 the commonly used terms used in the book trade to describe condition are as follows.
Jan 15, 2016 the book s owners can often be determined by bookplates or signatures inside the covers. Ever how to interpret the condition, edition, and other terms included in the description of a book for sale. The book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. Use the following condition types for collectible books. 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. Online sales used book condition descriptions used. The pages or leaves, however, are in good enough condition to warrant the commission of a replacement binding. The book is new, unread, and unused in perfect condition with no missing or. Terms used and rare booksellers use to communicate a particular books condition. The details below are for reference only but you will find that each of our books is individually described.
We hope that these definitions of book condition and book defects may be helpful. A book in original condition, as it was released from the publisher. Inclusion terms lists of terms are included under some codes. Any exceptions to this condition description will be mentioned on the product detail page. Wraps or wrappers a flexible paper binding, otherwise known as a paperback. How to describe the condition of a used book with glossary. There are so many examples of how book descriptions lead to huge changes in sales.
Some basic descriptive terms are used by booksellers to communicate book. Its also required on listings in selected categories. World of books stocks millions of secondhand books, in varying conditions. Foxing is an agerelated process of deterioration that causes spots and browning on old paper documents such as books, postage stamps, old paper money and certificates. The book shown at left is almost completely separated along the spine. Fine f or fn is as new but allowing for the normal effects of time on an unused book that has been protected. And any time you find a book listed in less than anan condition, always feel free to contact the seller about the books defects if they are not listed in the description. To be considered collectible, a book should be unique in a way that could reasonably be assumed to increase the books value to a collector such as first editions and first printings. These ioba book condition definitions are used to describe both the book and the dust jacket. When a book has just been flawlessly printed and flawlessly bound and has.
If the book does include a cd or dvd, it will be noted in the book s condition description with cd. A book in collectors condition is in at least fine condition or at worst is at the high end of very good, with no notable faults. Mar 08, 2021 any visitor, guest, or account holder that violates these terms or any other applicable terms or conditions. A letter grade system is sometimes used for describing the condition of a paperback. Item condition lookup table specifying your items condition helps set buyers expectations in advance, helping to reduce claims and postsale concerns. If ioba booksellers do not use these guidelines they will prominently display their own definitions. List of used book conditions as new means that the book is in the state that it should have been in when it left the publisher. Kelley blue book divides the condition of used vehicles into four grades.
Glossary of terms used book condition terms used reading copy a book in poor condition. As new is to be used only when the book is in the same immaculate condition in which it was published. In general it is harder to find wellloved books that are in top condition. Finelike new f item has no defects, very little usage. Otherwise, there is no cd or dvd included, even if the term is used in the book s title. There can be no defects, no missing pages, no library stamps, etc. If you would like clarification on any term in a particular description, please contact us for further information. Very fine is a flawless copy, perfect in every way and probably never read. Bowed a condition of the covers or boards of a hard cover book. If an entire ad page is missing that would drop the grade to poor. Fair a book in very worn condition, but all of its important parts and dust jacket if one was issued must be present. Used textbooks do not come with supplemental materials.
May have any of the defects above to a greater degree, including highlighting, library markings, or loose bindings. The following is offered as a guide to convert book formats to approximate book sizes. Ioba condition definitions independent online booksellers. Nov 21, 2005 we must also choose the condition of the car. How to describe the condition of a used book with glossary glossary of used book condition terms. This could be the description for a book that has been lost in a warehouse for years, never shelved, thumbed or even opened yet may still be some years old. When considering the purchase of a book for your collection, the condition and, if applicable, the dust jacket are the most important factors affecting the value. The condition generally results from a rapid change in the level of moisture in the air and is caused by different rates of expansion or contraction of the pastedown and the outer material covering the board. A spine split is a spine crack carried to an extreme. If the book does include a cd or dvd, it will be noted in the books condition description with cd. Antiquarian and rare book glossary of terms you should know. The first half of the glossary contains terms az and is followed by two book anatomy illustrations, descriptions of the various book sizes, a guide to condition ratings, and the most common abbreviations used in the world of books. The dust jacket is intact, if applicable, with no noticeable or very tiny nicks or flaws. As a collector you want to buy your books in the best condition you can afford.
Mar 24, 2019 does anyone else think that it is high time that vintage pens had a proper lexicon of condition descriptions. An independent appraisal can confirm the vehicles actual condition. Near fine nf clean, with no defects, but may show slight wear at edges of book or dust. Hence, a premium price may be asked and received for them. A fine book approaches the condition of as new, but without being crisp. Iobas standards, listed below, do not fundamentally differ from those standards though they have been expanded upon, and defined a bit more specifically. On outofprint book searches we must often rely on someone elses description of the book, and they may or may not be as serious about these condition grades as we are. For example, anvg tells you that the book itself is in as new condition and the dust jacket is very good. In addition to the general condition guidelines, apply the following guidelines to new and used books new. No bookstore stamps on the edges, inside the front cover, etc.
The ioba book condition definitions standards codify these condition definitions so that ioba booksellers have a guideline for describing their books. Otherwise, there is no cd or dvd included, even if the term is used in the books title. Be in the know with this helpful glossary of book condition. A nontraditional book condition description that generally refers to a book in readable condition, although no standard exists for this term, and the word can be. Other specified and nec an index entry that states nec directs the coder to an other specified code in the tabular list icd10conventions.
This article enumerates frequently used terms for doing that and tells their customary meanings. Generally speaking, the closer a book is to its original when published condition, the more it will appeal to a collector. The 2 reputable thirdparty professional grading services both begin with c use the same scale, but not exactly the same criteria, but overstreet has collaborated with them for their newest grading guide. This collectibles shop page has the standard 10 point grading scale and definitions, as used in the overstreet guide. Not only will this allow the novice to correctly describe a book, this page will provide an easy reference to unknown book words allowing an intelligent decision before purchasing or describing a book to sell. It is defined by an iq under 70, in addition to deficits in two or more adaptive behaviors that affect everyday, general living. All original packaging and supplemental materials are included. It is best to assume that an acceptable book is in rough shape but still readable. A book in poor condition will be worth far less than the same book in fine condition. A previously owned book in good, reading condition.
Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as bargain or remainder, or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as new condition. Condition codes on collectible and rare books are defined broadly. As new describes a book that is in immaculate, crisp condition with a perfect dust jacket. Crabtrees collection old books uses a number of standard terms to define the physical condition of our outofprint books. Ioba book terminology independent online booksellers. Book terms and book conditions used by book collectors.
New item is brand new, unused and unmarked, in flawless condition. Poor describes a book that is sufficiently worn that its only merit is as a reading copy or for repair or restoration. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as bargain or remainder, or with any other labels attached may not be listed as new condition. Terms for describing book condition from ab bookmans dj. Like everything you buy at powells, if youre not satisfied with the condition of your used book, return it for a full refund. A hardcover in which the text block is loose, but still attached to the binding. The lookup table below shows the values and definitions by category. Condition definitions ioba members should guard against using language in their book descriptions which might conceal material defects, overstate a books condition, or mislead buyers in any other respect. Here are accepted abbreviations used to describe book and dust jackets alike by professional booksellers. Item condition by category being clear and accurate about your items condition lets the buyer know whether theyre getting something new, used, or something in between. Very good a description of condition implying some slight wear.
Most books are described today as either hardcover or wraps. If youre very, very good at writing descriptions, youll consistently. Book terminology terms, sizes, condition and defects glossary. Complete descriptions sell more books grading book condition. As new means that the book is in the state that it should have been in when it left the publisher. See the sellers listing for full details and a description of any imperfections. Shelf wear shelfwear describes damage caused over time to a book by placing and removing a book from a. Book collectors can use many confusing words to describe the condition of a copy.
Book condition guide, music condition guide half price books. However, if the requested return, exchange, or refund is a result of our error, we may offer you a store credit in an amount equal to all or some part of the original purchase price. It may be soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted, have loose joints, hinges, pages, but must have a complete, legible text. Ioba book condition definitions are here for two reasons. A book so described would usually be acceptable to all but the most condition conscious of collectors. Antiquarian and rare book glossary of terms you should. For many years, the grading system defined by ab bookman was the standard in the antiquarian book trade. Glossary of terms used in book descriptions booksellers and book collectors use various terms to describe books, their constituent parts and condition. We hope that these definitions of book condition and book defects may be. These terms are some of the conditions for which that code number is to be used.
185 1364 1259 1703 1643 395 530 1629 631 1329 181 1275 25 143 444 1279 634 401 1482 1755 1569 1486 792 604 1715 685 1181 1656 1805 245 1418 1773 1302 1009 418 292 1013