Book grading definitions and criteria:

The condition of a book is in the form of “Condition/Condition”. Example:  Fine/VG - The book is in Fine condition and the dust jacket is in Very Good condition.

Fine:

Most books purchased brand new usually do not meet this condition. This is a book with no obvious flaws, perfect in every way. Never a library copy.

Else Fine:

Nearly new. May not be crisp. No defects. Beautiful copy. Any small flaw will be noted. No bumps or tears to dust jacket. Dust jacket will be shiny and bright.

Very Good:

Mild shelf wear. Minor flaws. Book is tight. All flaws noted. Dust jacket bright with only minor bumping or very tiny tears.

Good:

An average used book. Shelf wear. All pages intact but binding may be rolled or loose. Dust jacket will show wear with small tears, bumping, rubbing. All defects are noted.

Fair:

Complete text but possibly missing end papers. Binding loose or rolled. Boards bumped, rubbed, mild fraying at edges. This is a book that is solid enough to read but not collectible or very pretty. Dust jacket will be rubbed, bumped, torn, dull, etc. Dust jacket will not be completely torn or have large chips. I try to describe these books in detail but they are often too flawed to list every defect.

Poor:

Complete text but possibly missing end papers. Binding is very weak or hinged (gutters showing). Pages may be loose. Heavy rubbing, bumping, scuffing, fraying, etc. Dust jacket will be in very poor shape, yellowed, crumbling, torn, chipped, etc. General flaws will be described but it would be time prohibitive to list every defect of a “poor” book.

Ex-Library:

A discarded library book. These are not desired by collectors but usually make very nice reading copies at a reasonable price. These are never graded higher than “Very Good”.

Book Club (BCE):

Book club editions are not usually desired by collectors. Usually a less expensive version of the original.

Photographs are available upon request.   Please do not hesitate to ask questions regarding descriptions, condition, edition, etc.

Policies:

Your satisfaction is my number one priority.  Contact me right away if you are not satisfied with your purchase to arrange a full refund.

Books are in stock and ship within one business day of receiving cleared payment.

Your book(s) will arrive carefully packaged and in the described condition. 

Shipping includes USPS media mail postage, delivery confirmation, and shipping materials (tape, tissue wrap, moisture protection, and package). 

Every book sold is cleaned of dust, sticker residue,  and most pencil marks.  Dust jackets are cleaned then covered in a clear, protective cover.

Authors and Illustrators