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Book Ratings

 

AB Bookman's Weekly (‘aka’ Antiquarian Bookman), one of the most well-respected journals in the book-selling trade, lists the following categories for judging the condition of used books. The criteria for each category have become the industry standard:

 

   As New is to be used only when the book is in the same immaculate condition in which it was published. There can be no defects, no missing pages, no library stamps, etc., and the dust jacket (if it was issued with one) must be perfect without any tears. (The term As New is preferred over the alternative term Mint to describe a copy that is perfect in every respect, including jacket.)

 

   Fine approaches the condition of As New, but without being crisp. For the use of the term Fine there must also be no defects, etc., and if the jacket has a small tear, or other defect, or looks worn, those should be noted.

 

   Very Good can describe a used book that does show some small signs of wear - but no tears - on either binding or paper. Any defects must be noted.

 

   Good describes the average used and worn book that has all pages or leaves present. Any defects must be noted.

 

   Fair is a worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title, etc. (which must be noted). Binding, jacket (if any), etc., may also be worn. All defects must be noted.

 

   Poor describes a book that is sufficiently worn that its only merit is as a Reading Copy because it does have the complete text, which must be legible. Any missing maps or plates should still be noted. This copy may be soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.

 

   Ex-library copies must always be noted as such no matter what the condition of the book.

 

   Book Club editions must always be noted as such no matter what the condition of the book.

 

   Binding Copy describes a book in which the pages or leaves are perfect but the binding is very bad, loose, off, or nonexistent.

 

Payment

          In US dollars, by personal check or money order. (Note: There is a five day bank hold on personal checks for $100 or more.)

         

Postage and Insurance

          Unless otherwise noted, the price of the book will include U.S. Postal Service priority mail within the U.S.A. There will be additional postage for special handling or for orders sent outside the U.S.A. Books are mailed the next USPS business day following receipt of payment, unless payment is by personal check for $100 or more (see Payment, above). Book orders for $100 or more are insured for their full value at no extra charge. Purchasers may elect additional insurance at cost.

         

Returns

Within five days of receipt for any reason. Please e-mail prior to returning book for instructions.

         

Searches

          We do searches with no charge unless advertising is desired or if the book is found and with customer’s consent purchased.

 

CONTACT

Please email proprietor@citybookservice.com with any questions or for additional information.