Book Condition Guide

At Carmela's Books, every book is carefully examined and described as accurately as possible. We use condition terminology broadly consistent with accepted antiquarian and second-hand bookselling standards.

Where a book is supplied with a dust jacket, we provide separate condition grades for both the book and the dust jacket.

Condition grades provide a general guide only and should always be read alongside the full description, which will note any significant defects, including heavy foxing, tears, repairs, inscriptions, annotations, or other condition issues.

We aim to grade conservatively, preferring to understate rather than overstate condition.

New

A new book in the publisher's original condition.

As New

A book that appears virtually indistinguishable from new and shows no significant signs of handling, storage, or use.

Fine

An exceptional copy with no significant defects. The book may have been opened and read but remains in unusually well-preserved condition.

Near Fine

A particularly attractive copy showing only the slightest signs of handling or age. Minor imperfections may be present but are not significant.

Very Good

A well-preserved copy showing moderate signs of age or use. Minor wear, light rubbing, previous ownership inscriptions, and some foxing may be present. The book remains sound, complete, and highly presentable.

Where foxing, staining, tears, or other defects are more pronounced, these will be specifically noted in the description.

Good

A complete and serviceable copy showing noticeable signs of age, handling, or wear. Foxing, sunning, stains, annotations, or minor repairs may be present. The book remains structurally sound and fully readable.

Fair

A worn copy showing significant signs of use or age. The binding may be weakened, the dust jacket may be defective or incomplete, and defects such as heavy foxing, staining, or repairs may be present. The book remains complete unless otherwise stated.

Poor

A heavily worn copy with substantial defects. Pages may be loose, the binding compromised, or significant damage present. Offered primarily for reading, reference, or restoration.

Dust Jackets

Where present, dust jackets are graded separately from the book itself.

Dust jackets frequently show signs of wear that differ from the condition of the book, including rubbing, chipping, tears, creasing, fading, or loss. Significant defects will always be noted in the description.

Additional Information

We encourage prospective purchasers to read the full description and examine all photographs carefully. Additional photographs or condition reports are available on request, particularly for rare, antiquarian, and higher-value books.