Dear Dr.

Dear Dr. Book:

I have been thinking about purchasing some of my old favorite and have done some online searching to find the best value. I have seen various terms used to describe the condition of volumes for sale, such as, FineFine,, Mint and Good. What do these terms mean in relation to the book’s value and condition?

EagerEager----totototo----BuyBuy Bibliophile

Dear Eager-to-Buy,

Are you interested in becoming a serious collector or are you simply looking for copies of your old favorites to re-read? Depending on your answer to this question, you could spend anywhere from a few dollars for a second hand in “Good” condition to hundreds, even thousands of dollars on a copy that is in “Fine” condition and has collectible value.

If you are considering becoming a collector, you may want to first check out the following information on :

••• Book Collecting 2000: A Comprehensive Guide by Allen and Patricia Ahearn ••• The Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America web site: www.aaba.org . ••• Rare Books and MManuscriptsanuscripts section of the Association of CollegesColleges aandnd : Your Old Books web site: http://www.rbms.nd.edu/yob.html

The terms you mention were proposed by AB Bookman’s in 1949 in an attempt to standardize condition descriptions to help facilitate transactions between the buyer and seller. They were used to describe the overall condition of used books offered for sale through catalogues and mail order. Through the years the terms have been widely accepted by booksellers. Currently there are over 7,000 dealers in the U.S. offering over 100 million used books for sale (Book Hunter Press, Survey 1999-03). To help you decide which copy is best suited to your needs you may want to familiarize yourself with these terms:

••• 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 stamps, etc., and the dustjacket (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 AsAsAs NewNew, 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, this 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 , 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 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.

Other terms you might see are:

••• ExExEx-Ex ---librarylibrary copies must always be designated 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.

Generally, sellers will describe the overall condition of an item using the AB Bookman’s system followed by more detailed information on specific defects. It’s important to understand the terminology and abbreviations for specific defects as well as the overall condition.

Condition of the book is generally the most important element in determining the value of a book, but it is not the only element. Other elements that determine the market value of a book and whether it is considered a collectible piece include: , provenance, fine bindings, notable illustrators or , whether it is an important work and in demand, and if it has the original bookjacket [Note: A bookjacket may increase the value of the book from three to ten times or more! As with the book itself, condition of the bookjacket is a factor in determining the value.]

Detailed descriptions for physical characteristics and defects, sometimes abbreviated, have also been standardized. You may wish to consult a glossary to familiarize yourself with the various terms. Check the Common Terms Glossary web site http://www.usedbookcentral.com/glossary.html.

Example of booksellers’ descriptions:

Steves, T. S. POEMS New York: Standard (1943) Stated First Edition. One of only 250 copies of the first impression. TEG. Some soiling, little wear to corners, spine dull; inscription by previous owner on the front free with scattered pencil checks in the text. Binding intact. In first issue dustwrapper with a $2.00 price. Very Good in a Fine dustwrapper. Scarce work. Price: USD 3,500.00

Steves, T. S. POEMS New York Standard Publishing (1943) First Edition. The more common second impression of 5000 copies. Very Good in worn later issue price-clipped dustwrapper. Price: USD 225.00

In the example above both entries are listed as “very good”, but there is quite a difference between prices. The first entry is a limited edition of 250 with the top edge gilt and is the first impression (i.e. first ), while the second entry is the second printing in which more copies were printed. As you can see the value is determined by several elements.

Because there is a good chance that you will be making your purchase sight unseen, and thus depending on accurate descriptions, you want to be sure to understand the terminology. If several copies of the same edition are available in similar condition but at widely varying prices, you may want to contact the bookseller and request a photo.

On a final note, once you’ve made your purchase, no doubt you will want your book to get the best of care. The most damaging elements to books besides poor handling is the environment. Books should be stored in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. For other Dr. Book articles on caring for your see the Preservation Services web site at http://lib.colostate.edu/preserve/drbook.html.

Enjoy your old favorites!

Signatures Newsletter Vol.6, No. 1, Spring 2004