Most bookstores that deal in used and rare books use this or a similar system for describing the condition of a book, so you will know what you are buying. We try to avoid using abbreviations and technical terms but some are unavoidable for the sake of brevity and precision.

F (= Fine) - Almost as published, with the merest hint that the book has not come straight from the publishers. Crisp, tight and fresh. Particularly good for its age, without obvious faults.

VG (= Very good) - Shows some signs of age but without significant faults; very slight traces of external wear. Perhaps very minor wear to spine ends or faint rubbing of the cloth at edges and corners, fading of covers and the like. May include slight foxing, signature in historical books (but not in collectibles).

Gd (= Good) - A typical 'used' book, showing more signs of wear and use, but where the book is structurally good, not requiring attention or rebinding. Slight inoffensive internal foxing or similar 'ageing' and such other faults as small tears, creases, chipping of DJ, a slightly loose hinge, library stamps (ex library always noted).

Fa (= Fair) - Any book with damage to the binding affecting the 'firmness' of the book and requiring repair, recasing, or rebinding (e.g., loose bindings or damaged covers), or damage to the contents (e.g., internal staining beyond slight foxing, torn leaves, detached or missing pages). A worn and used copy with faults.

P (= Poor) - A reading copy only, with complete text but offered only because of the scarcity of the item.

Dustjacket or soft covers always noted if present.

Other abbreviations used:
DJ - Dust jacket(s)
DJPC - Dust jackets in plastic cover
DJR - Dust jackets repaired
EPS - End papers
FEP - Front endpaper
HTP - Half title page
ND - Not dated
R - Reprint
REP - rear endpaper
SC - Softcover
TP - Title page