Our books are described so that what you select is what you will reliably receive. Publishers are fully noted for foreign or domestic editions. Date is the actual printing date of that copy. HB= hard bound. DJ = dust jacket. NDJ = no dust jacket. When you see HB without any DJ notation: these copies are non-jacketed exactly as they came from the publisher. The cover may be pictorial, vinyl, leather, embossed or another original material as noted.
SB = softbound. PBK = pocket book. Ex-lib = ex-library. These can be an excellent reading value as they were often published with a higher grade paper to survive wide circulation. Many of our ex-libs show little evidence of library markings. All Books receive a professionally fitted archival-quality clear mylar jacket for lasting protection. These can easily be removed if you prefer but are recommended for preservation.
Condition Grading: Fine= that exact bibliographic description for "indistinguishable from new - as in mint". Presumably such books survive in near vaccuum being untouched by curious hands. Expect a copy which is "as new" in every respect. Otherwise:
NF = Near Fine: Nearly as new. Has been handled gently and with care. It will have no jacket chips, page smudges or binding wear. Expect it to be fresh and crisp from cover to cover. It may be a shelved but still otherwise new or unread copy.
VG = Very Good Condition: Shows light handling or shelf wear consistent with age and several readings. Expect a nice "better than average" copy with minor imperfections which has been treated thoughtfully by careful readers.
GC = Good Condition: Has been heavily read and often enjoyed but hasn't been badly abused. There are usually wear signs throughout that may have been carefully repaired. Expect it in sound condition. It is an average serviceable good reading copy.
FC = Fair Condition: Luckily it survived a pit fire. Or maybe we found it under the spare of a '52 junkyard Frazier. Perhaps it is waterstained or burdock infested. However it is fully legible and largely complete. Honestly? We don't stock many FC books. When you buy one you can be sure it is really dirt-cheap. We can be sure that you drive something rare or just plain weird - and thus something highly desirable. We will notify you if better copy becomes avialable - and thank you for giving this copy a happy home.