BOOK GRADING SCALE

AS NEW; FINE; Without faults or defects.

NEAR FINE OR EXCELLENT: a book approaching FINE (or AS NEW or FINE) but with a couple of very minor defects or faults, which will be noted.

[NOTE: From here on, there may be "+ (Plus)" or "- (Minus)" in a grade, which will mean that it is above the grade noted but not quite to the next higher grade for "+", and that it is below the grade noted but not quite to the next lower grade for "-", i.e., Very Good + (or Plus)/Very Good - (or Minus). Which means the book is better than Very Good and the dust jacket grade is less than Very Good.]

VERY GOOD: A book showing some signs of handling and wear. Any defects or faults will be noted.

GOOD: The average used book that is totally complete (as issued) and intact. Any defects will be noted.

FAIR / ACCEPTABLE: A worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title page, etc. Any defects or faults will be noted.

POOR or READING COPY: A book that is sufficiently worn that its only merit is the complete text, which must be legible. Any missing maps or plates will be noted. May be soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted, and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.

EX-LIBRARY (EX LIB): Will always be designated as such no matter what the condition of the book.

BOOK CLUB EDITION (BCE): When BCE status apparent, will always be noted as such no matter what the condition of the book. If no indication of BCE status anywhere in the book, and not so stated, buyer may research and inform us and we will be happy to update item description thus.

REMAINDER MARKS, BOOKPLATES, PREVIOUS OWNER’S NAME
: These are faults and will always be noted, if they apply.


When in doubt regarding grade, Mothergooseberry Books will always downgrade. You are more likely to get a book in better condition than described than you are to get a book in a more worn condition than described. If you have questions, please ask before purchasing.