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Abbreviations in Catalog Entries

• "hc" = Hardcover. Any book with a stiff cover, usually cardboard covered with cloth. The binding is sewn rather than glued. Hardcover books usually last longer than paperback, but they also cost more. Popular books from major publishers are usually printed first in hardcover, then are re-released a year later in paperback. New hardcover books rarely sell for less than $15.00.

• "pb" = Mass-market paperback. This is a small paperback with a cover size of about 4" by 7". The binding is glued and the paper is usually of lower quality, similar to newsprint. These books tend to deteriorate more quickly with use and time than do hardcovers, and any book more than 30 years old will probably have yellowed pages. These books may have a black-and-white photo insert in the middle (usually about a dozen pages) and black-and-white line drawings could appear elsewhere in the book. There are rarely any color illustrations. As the name implies, these books are mass-produced in large quantities and are aimed at a general audience. (A few large publishers produce the vast majority of mass-market paperbacks. You won't find technical books or small-press titles in this binding.) Current mass-market paperbacks sell for between $3.99 and $8.99. There could be some significant bargains here, as well as low-quality "pulp" titles.

• "trpb" = Trade paperback, also known as Quality Paperback. An improved paperback, usually larger than a mass-market paperback and printed on better paper that is less likely to yellow with a binding that lasts longer. High-quality illustrations are possible, including color photographs. Current trade paperbacks usually sell for between $8.99 and $24.99, and often go much higher for technical books and textbooks.

• "new" = An unused book in mint condition which we have obtained directly from a publisher or distributor.

• "used" = A book obtained from any source other than a publisher or distributor. The condition can vary greatly from "perfect" (indistinquishable from a new book) to worn or damaged. See below for the terms we use to describe the condition of each book.

• "xlib" or "flb" = Former Library Book. This book was once housed in a public library, which later removed it from its collection and sold it to the public. The book may bear the library imprint and catalog number, along with the word "Discard" or "Withdrawn" stamped on it. (We will only sell former library books if we are sure they have been officially discarded and not stolen.) Most discarded library books are hardcover, and they are often covered with a plastic sheath (or "wraps") to protect the book jacket. Most are in surprisingly good condition in spite of their public use. (We use the terms below to describe the book's condition, but because of the library markings, they are never higher than "VG-".)

• "DJ" = Dustjacket. Hardcover books are usually released with a paper dustjacket, which displays colorful artwork and promotional material for the book. Used books tend to lose their dustjackets with time and are noted as "no dj". For used books, the condition of the dustjacket can vary significantly and does not necessarily match the condition of the book. (We may evaluate the condition of the book and dustjacket separately.)

• "DJ in wraps" = Indicates that the dustjacket is covered with a plastic protective shealth. Libraries and some collectors use this method to protect the fragile dustjacket from wear. Our rating of the condition of the dustjacket is that of the underlying paper, not the plastic sheath. You can usually remove the plastic if you want.
• "pp" = Pages, as in 230pp. The number of pages in the book. This is usually an estimate based on the last numbered page.

• "1956 (1985)" = The year of first publication for this book (in this case 1956), and the year of printing for the copy we are selling (1985). The name that follows the date is that of the publisher.

• "orig. $5.95" = The original selling price of the book, as printed on the cover.

• "list $7.95" = The current list price of the book if you bought it new, which may be higher than the price on the cover.

Below are the terms we use to describe a used book's condition. If we don't say anything about the condition of a used book, "average" is implied. The condition of the book is reflected in its price. A + or - sign might denote an intermediate gradation. (E.g. "VG-" is about the same as "G+".)

• "As-New" = This is a new, shiny, crisp book, absolutely indistinguishable from one you bought new from a bookstore.

• "Fine" = The book is nearly indistinguishable from a brand new copy. There are no marks, creases or defects of any kind. It was probably bought by someone who never read it. The only perceptable difference from new might be a very slight rubbing of the cover that is the normal result of handling the book a few times.

• "near fine" or "NF" = An intermediate condition between "fine" and "VG".

• "very good", "VG" or "excellent" = If you look carefully you can tell that this book has been read or browsed, but there is very little wear and no blemishes, markings or defects. Typically, the only way you can tell this book is used is a small crease along the spine (for a paperback). For hardcovers, the original dustjacket is present and in almost-new condition (if the book was originally issued with a dustjacket). There may be other, very minor wear present, but nothing obvious or significant. There is no obvious writing in the book (e.g. no underlining or previous owner's name) and no fraying along the edges of the cover or pages. (A book may be designated VG- if it is in very good condition but has the previous owners name or some other writing inside.)

• "average" or "good" or "G" = The book displays normal wear consistant with being read before (and perhaps tossed around a bit) but shows no significant damage. The text is complete and the binding secure. No pages are missing or falling out There may be some blemishes on the cover, and its edges could be slightly frayed. Pages could be yellowed, especially for older paperbacks (more than 30 years old). For hardcover books, the dustjacket may or may not be present (and the condition of the dustjacket can range from very good to very poor). A previous owner could have written his name on the inside of the book. Passages could be underlined, and there could be notes in the margins. (Some people say this gives the book "personality.") This is a book for reading and reference, not for display or gift-giving. Some "average" books may be discarded library books (xlib).

• "Fair" or "F" or "Reading Copy" = The book is the same as "average" but seems unusually worn or frayed. There could be small tears or creases on the pages or cover. The binding or pages may be brittle. There may be some risk that pages will fall out in the future -- but for now all pages are attached, and all the information in the book is complete.

• "Poor" or "damaged" = The book is damaged in some obvious way, which we specify in our catalog listing. If any pages are missing, we will tell you which ones and whether the loss is significant. A damaged book could have a torn or missing cover, or some other kind of obvious cosmetic flaw (which we will specify). A damaged book may be fine for reading.

See ABE abbreviations page for other abbreviations and rating standards used by book dealers.

When describing a used book, we try to err on the side of providing too much information rather than too little. (E.g. "Small tear on page 117.") The descriptions tend to be more detailed for higher priced books, because you are making a greater investment and need to know exactly what you are getting.

Remember that our Money-Back Returns Policy applies to used books as well as new, so you may always return a book if it does not meet your expectations.

If you want to know more about the condition or content of any used book, call us during regular business hours (below). We can usually get the book from the shelf and answer any questions you might have about it. See Also: Philosophy of this Catalog | Ufomind vs. Amazon

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Created: 12/15/98
Revised: 3/13/99