|
 Book
Condition Guide
How
to Grade the Condition of a Book You Are Trying to Sell
or Buy
by Paul
Schildgen
Paul Schildgen of Yesterday's
Memories, and a ZGWS Member, has graciously provided this
list of key points on how to determine the condition of First
Edition Zane Grey books.
So you want
to sell or buy some books and are not sure of what the various
grades mean? Here is a paraphrase of the A. B. Bookmansf Grading
guide, developed in 1949 and in general use by booksellers today.
As New: As it comes from the publisher. No defects,
no markings, no library stamps, etc. Dust jacket if one was issued
must be immaculate.
Fine: approaches As New but not crisp. Again
no defects, markings, etc. If dust jacket has any minor damage
it must be noted.
Very Good: A used book that shows small signs
of wear, but no tears of either binding or paper. Any defects
must be noted.
Good: The average used and worn book, with all
pages and leaves present. Any defects must be noted.
Fair: A worn book that has complete text pages
including any maps or plates, but may lack endpapers, half title,
etc.
Often the terms
gnearlyh gexcepth or gelseh appear in an attempt to further
define the bookfs condition. While these terms serve that purpose,
the condition of the book is still the next lower level.
|
