Yearbooks Grading & Condition Definitions
- (VF) Very FineThe book and jacket (if applicable) have to be absolutely pristine with no faults at all, however minor. Many brand new books in bookshops do not live up to this grade, so it is not to be confused with "as new."
- (F) FineTo qualify as a fine copy it should be free from obvious faults. That is not to say absolutely perfect. It can show minor signs of age and ownership. The book should be clean, tightly bound and square. The dust jacket should be free from loss or tears and any real faults or blemishes. This grade carries a little age related room, it does allow for some loss of freshness and commonsense in relation to the books age. It is acceptable to have a previous owners name, though this should always be noted in the description.
- (VG) Very GoodVery good is a fairly broad term and more difficult to describe. Because of this many dealers employ sub-grades such as VG+ or VG-. Basically it covers a condition that one might expect to find second-hand books in. That is to say, books have been clearly read and handled, dustwrappers may show loss, tears and wear. Fault should be mentioned separately such as inscription stamps, chipping and tears to the wrapper. Despite displaying some faults the item should still qualify as a collectable copy to qualify for this grading.
- (G) GoodGood is a somewhat misleading term and has done much to cloud the defining of book condition. Basically it means bad ! There can be some fairly major faults with both book or jacket. Once again we would recommend mentioning these individually. Unless a book is very rare, and or expensive, good only copies should be avoided by collectors.
- (P) PoorPoor is basically a train wreck of a copy, expectations should be very low if buying such a copy. This term allows for just about anything it seems, major faults, mark, soiling, even on the verge of being disbound.
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