When considering the purchase of a book for your collection, the condition and, if applicable, the dust jacket are the most important factors affecting the value.  It pays to become familiar with the basic descriptive terms used by used and rare booksellers to communicate a particular book’s condition.

The definitions below are for reference only. Booksellers use these terms, as well as unique terms not included in this list, based on their own criteria. If you would like clarification on any term in a particular seller’s description, please contact the bookseller directly for further information.