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All of our books are evaluated for size and condition accordong to the following guidelines:

Condition
Condition of a book is usually in the form of VG/VG or VG/--, for example. The first part describes the condition of the book, the second indicates the condition of the dust jacket. A "/--" usually means that the dust jacket is not available.

As New
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 library stamps, and so on, and the dust jacket (if it was issued with one) must be perfect, without any tears.

Fine (F or FN)
Approaches the condition of As New, but without being crisp. For the use of the term "Fine," there must also be no defects, and if the jacket has a small tear or other defect, or looks worn, this should be noted.

Very Good (VG)
Describes a book that does show some small signs of wear -- but no tears -- on either binding or paper. Any defects must be noted.

Good (G)
Describes the average used worn book that has all pages or leaves present. Any defects must be noted.

Fair
Worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title, et cetera (which must be noted). Binding, jacket (if any), et cetera may also be worn. All defects must be noted.

Poor
Describes a book that is so worn that its only merit is as a reading 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, and so on. These terms may be arbitrary, but whatever terms are employed, they may be useless or misleading unless both buyer and seller agree on what they mean in actually describing the book.
 
Book Sizes
4to (Quarto): A book that is up to 12" tall.
8vo (Octavo): A book that is up to 9 3/4" tall.
12mo (Duodecimo): A book that is up to 7 3/4" tall.
16mo (Sextodecimo): A book that is up to 6 3/4" tall.
24mo: A book that is up to 5 3/4" tall.
32mo: A book that is up to 5" tall.
48mo: A book that is up to 4" tall.
64mo: A book that is up to 3" tall.
Folio: A book that is up to 15" tall.
Elephant Folio: A book that is up to 23" tall.
Atlas Folio: A book that is up to 25" tall.
Double Elephant Folio: A book that is up to 50" tall.

Please click here for all of our current book auctions. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send us e-mail.