Condition is extremely important to many who collect SF material. Therefore, I grade carefully,
being conservative
when in doubt. Below are the standards I use to grade all Hardcover Books. Age is not a factor in
grading. Good for it's age is not a meaningful phrase
as age is not a factor in grading since all books are held to the same standards. There are just
not as many older books in the higher grades.
FINE- Excellent condition, with no tears or creases. Lustre remaining on laminated covers, pages closer to white than yellow. No tape anywhere
very slight wear-item has been read but carefully.
VERY GOOD- Shows some signs of wear. May have very minor creases. Paper not as white as fine.
Somewhat above average copy showing some wear. May not be taped.
GOOD- An average copy, in that it shows considerable wear, though it is not yet falling apart.
May be taped if acknowledged. Pages are more yellow than white. Bindings may be frayed.
FAIR- (or READING COPY)
Loose binding, loose pges, very yellowed pages, covers badly in need of repair. Undesirable for collectors
POOR-
Other than it can be read, nothing much can be said other than it has been sorely abused.
EX-LIB-
(Ex-library copy) Reading copy only. May be in any condition but generally of no collector interest unless rare.
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