Have you ever assumed you were reading a secret code when reading a description of a book you’re interested in? For example, what is browsing, and where are the boards on a book? If you’re looking for definitions of grading books and a glossary of terms to help you understand the different conditions books can be in. I’m here to help!
General Book Grading Terms
Step one, let’s talk about book covers. Remember that a book’s dust jacket is graded separately from the book itself. When it comes to grading books, the condition of the cover is a significant factor. A vintage book missing a cover degrades in value significantly. A book with a pristine cover is considered “Fine,” while a book with slight wear or creasing is considered “Very Good.” If an old book has significant wear and tear, it may be regarded as “Good,” while a book with a damaged cover may be graded as “Fair” or “Poor.”
The following terms describe the overall condition of the vintage or antique book, cover to cover.
- “Fine” condition: A book should be new, without visible flaws or damage.
- “Very Good” condition: A book may have slight wear but should still be in excellent shape overall.
- “Good” condition: A book may have some visible wear, such as creases, markings, or stains, but it should still be readable.
- “Fair” condition: A book may have significant wear and tear, with damage affecting readability.
- “Poor” condition: A book may be missing pages or have significant damage, making it unreadable.
- ” Reading Copy”: A copy of a book that is usually in poor to fair condition but has all of the text and is legible. It’s OK to read, but that’s all.
Photographs Are Important
When it comes to buying vintage books online, photographs are significant. They allow buyers to see exactly what they’re getting before they purchase. This is especially important for vintage or antique books because of their age and uniqueness.
Photos Provide Transparency
In addition, photographs help to describe the book’s condition, including any wear or damage so that buyers can make an informed decision. Transparency is crucial when selling vintage or antique books online. The photos should accurately represent the book’s condition, and any flaws or damage should be clearly visible. This helps to build trust between the buyer and seller, ensuring that the buyer is confident in their purchase.
Overall, the use of photographs in an online book market is essential. They allow buyers to see exactly what they’re ordering, and they can confidently purchase vintage or antique books with transparency. Do not hesitate to ask an online seller for specific photos, to help you decide.
Be Informed
Lastly, reading book descriptions carefully and keeping this glossary of terms handy is essential. Sometimes, book condition descriptions can feel like a secret code, but with this guide, you’ll understand exactly the difference between “Good” and “Fair” conditions.
In the end, book grading considers the condition of the cover, content, unique illustrations, and any damage that may affect the book’s readability. It’s important to read book descriptions carefully and use this glossary of terms to help you understand exactly what you’re buying. With this knowledge, you can add to your vintage book collection confidently.
Don’t worry; you’re not alone.
Happy reading, Pam of Reading Vintage
Handy Reference Guide
Keep this glossary of terms used in grading books handy when reading a description.
Physical Parts of A Book
Boards– The covers, front and rear, of a hardbound book.
Spine– The backbone of the book that connects the two boards.
Book Block– known as the text block- is all the pages or content of the book.
Binding– As a noun, the covers, and spine of a book. As a verb, the process secures a publication’s pages or sections to keep them in order and protect them. The binding can be stapled or sewn, sewn and wrapped in wrappers, or done by gluing the pages to the outside cover, but it usually means a hardcover binding.
Slip-case– An open-ended box, sometimes leather-covered, made to protect a book.
Dust Jacket– A paper cover protecting a book from dirt and wear, often with illustrations and information about the book and author, sometimes called a “dustwrapper.” Dust jacket artwork is used to promote and sell the book. The dust jacket condition is often one of the most essential factors in determining a book’s value.
Bindings– A term generally used in the antiquarian book world to mean fine bindings, of which there are numerous styles. Some examples include Antique, Cambridge Style, La Greque, Dos-A-Dos, Etruscan, and Spanish Cal.
Reinforced dust jacket– The previous owner has strengthened a dust jacket with tape.
Condition Terms
Bookplate– A label on the front pastedown, flyleaf, or sometimes elsewhere in the book, used to mark ownership. Unless it is the bookplate of a well-known person, this usually decreases the value of a book. Alternatively, a bookplate is sometimes signed by the author and then included in the book. While not as valuable as having the signature on the book itself, this can be a nice collectible
Browning– An overall discoloration found in the paper of some old books, sometimes due to the decomposition of the paper coating.
Dedication Page– The page on which the author writes his/her dedication, usually after the title page.
Edition– Comprises all book copies printed from the same setting of type. An edition may have multiple printings, but only the first printing (or impression) is accurate, even when the copyright page may state the first edition.
First Edition– The first appearance of an author’s work in book form.
Inscribed– A book in which the author has written an inscription to a specified person. This is not to be confused with a non-authorial inscription, a written name, note, phrase, or comment made by someone other than the author (usually a previous owner).
Plates– Whole sheet illustrations, instead of “cuts”, printed on text pages.
Title page– After the half-title page, it generally contains the title of the page, the author, the publisher, and occasionally the publication date.
Looking for More Information?
Here is a handy link for more information. The Independent Online Bookseller site has more information on terms with photos. If you are a visual learner, this will be beneficial.