Book Descriptions

We take great pains to describe our books conservatively, accurately and thoroughly. Our grading is based upon the AB (Antiquarian Bookman) Bookman's Weekly, a highly-respected book trade publication now defunct whose guidelines have become the trade's standards.

We encourage all collectors, browsers and dealers alike to email or call us (302) 998-2886, should you need more information regarding any of our books.

Fine:  A book that has absolutely no flaws or defects whatsoever. If a dust jacket is present, this jacket must have no flaws whatosever, either. A beautiful copy.

Near Fine:  Book and dust jacket may have very, very minor flaws, but only a very few. A small tear to the jacket, light soil, mild rubbing, etc. could all be present. Overall, book and jacket are bright, clean and well-preserved with only the slightest of flaws detracting from the book. A handsome copy.

Very Good:  Book has no tears to the text or binding. The book shows evidence of being carefully read, carefully owned. A small amount of flaws by be present such as: light soil, a previous owner's name, slight spine lean, a bookplate. The dust jacket may have closed tears or small chips, some mild soil, the price may be clipped from the top/bottom of the front flap, light rubbing. A very good book is a clean, presentable, attractive copy.

Good:  Book may have some tears to the text or binding. The average used and handled book. The book shows evidence of being read, a sound reading copy. Flaws that may be present: soiling, chipped spines, rubbing to binding, ownership markings, etc. The most obvious and noticeable flaws are stated clearly. The dust jacket may have soil, chips, tears, but in general is worn, but intact, and accetpable.

Fair:  A worn book with major flaws, quite often, a good many of them such as, cracked hinges, soiled binding, pages with edge tears, etc. Usually described as a "reader's copy" or a "working copy." Possibly a former public library copy, if so, stated as such.