New/As New: A book that is in the same immaculate condition in which it was published. There are no defects, no missing pages, no library stamps, etc and the dustjacket is perfect without any tears or loss of gloss.

Fine: A book that is quite near 'As New' but the pages may not be as crisp (perhaps it has been read once, quite carefully). The dustjacket is normally quite glossy and any small tear or other minor defect will be noted.

Near Fine: A book that is almost Fine but has one or more very minor defects such as a single pale spot on the outer text block (which will be noted), etc. A near fine dustjacket may have a small tear, may be priceclipped or a soft rub to the gloss and these too will be noted.

Very Good: A book that shows small signs of wear but no tears to either binding or pages. Defects are generally noted although many times a Very Good copy is a copy that has no major defects and is simply a book that has obviously been read previously.

Good: An average used book that has all of the pages present and usually is somewhat worn but not 'worn out'.

Fair: A worn book that has the complete text present. This sometimes is considered by some to be a 'reading copy only' because it is not a book that would be placed out for display.

Poor: A book that is sufficiently worn yet still has the complete text present. Endpapers may be missing, the book may be scuffed, stained, spotted, may have weak hinges or pages that are coming loose.

Ex-library: We don't typically carry books that have previously belonged to a library. The few we do have are noted as such and should be expected to carry the usual library markings.

Book Club Editions: The few bookclub editions we carry are noted as such clearly. Book Club editions are typically a bit smaller than the original publication and sometimes of a lesser quality.

First Editions: We use the term First Edition to make you aware that a book is the First Printing of this title. In our bookshop you can safely assume that the term First Edition IS a First Printing unless otherwise clearly noted in the description.

First Thus
This term is used to describe a first printing by a specific publisher after the original First Edition. Typically a First Thus Edition indicates that information has been added (such as a new introduction) or revised thus calling for a new printing of an otherwise already published text.