Learn about the terms used by sellers to describe used, rare and antiquarian books.
From As New to Reading Copy, our guide to book conditions describes how used and rare books are graded by booksellers. This guide is for reference only and criteria varies from seller to seller, and region to region. If you would like clarification on any term in a particular seller’s description, please contact the Eugene Bookstore for further information.
As New: The book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. This could be the description for a book that has been kept in a warehouse for years, never shelved, thumbed or even opened yet may still be some years old.
Fine (F or FN): A Fine book approaches the condition of As New, but without being crisp. FN means Near Fine. The book may have been opened and read, but there are no defects to the book, jacket or pages.
Very Good (VG): Describes a book that shows some small signs of wear – but no tears – on either binding or paper. Any defects should be noted by the seller.
Good (G): Describes the average used worn book that has all pages or leaves present. Any defects should be noted by the seller.
Reading Copy: A copy of a book usually in poor to fair condition that includes all text presented in a legible fashion. The copy is fine to read but nothing more.