Genealogy Bookshop works in association with AbeBooks to offer secondhand genealogy books. Sometimes a search on our site may result in your being offered books for sale on an Abe Books website.
AbeBooks definitions of book condition are broadly in line with IOBA and other generally recognised book condition definitions. They offer the caveat that one particular bookseller may use slightly different definitions from another. Their book condition guidelines are therefore offered more as a general guide than a definitive statement. they also point out that any description may be useless or misleading unless both buyer and seller agree on what they mean in actually describing the book.
View links to AbeBooks.com Book Condition Guidelines and AbeBooks.co.uk Book Condition Guidelines
Book conditions
Book condition is usually described in the form of VG/VG, Fine/Good, VG/--, etc. The first part describes the condition of the book, the second the condition of the dust jacket. Where "/--" is indicated, it usually means that the dustjacket is not present.
New: a new book is unread, in print and in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages.
As New: To be used only when the book is in the same immaculate condition to which it was published. There can be no defects, no missing pages, no library stamps, etc., and the dustjacket (if it was issued with one) must be perfect, without any tears.
Fine (F or FN): Approaches the condition of As New, but without being crisp. For the use of the term Fine, there must also be no defects, etc., and if the jacket has a small tear, or other defect, or looks worn, this should be noted.
Very Good (VG): a book that does show some small signs of wear - but no tears - on either binding or paper. Any defects must be noted.
Good (G): an average used worn book that has all pages or leaves present. Any defects must be noted.
Fair: a worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title, etc. (which must be noted). Binding, jacket (if any), etc., may also be worn. All defects must be noted.
Poor: 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 must be legible. Any missing maps or plates should still be noted. A poor book may be soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.
When purchasing books through AbeBooks, please note that Genealogy Bookshop cannot be held responsible for inaccurate descriptions of book condition.
