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On Collecting: Condition Grading Game
Knowledgeable book dealers and collectors tend to use the following guide when describing the condition of books:  

Fine

Very, very minor signs of use, no discernible wear or rubbing, no fading of the spine, no dog-eared page corners.  May lack the "crispness" of a new book, but otherwise should be like new.
 

Very Good

A little more evidence of use than a fine copy.  Minor rubbing at book extremities. 
No foxing.
 

Good

Intact but shows some wear.  Minor chipping, lightly soiled.  May have previous owner's signature.
 

Fair

Shows much use and wear and has multiple problems and defects.  Damp stain, foxing, hinges cracked, tattering.  Not a desirable copy.
 

Poor

Shows excessive wear.  Only useful for content.

             Play the Game!

The following is meant as entertainment--and to provide a sense of the factors we consider when buying books. Note that this is not intended as an accurate measure by which to grade your books.

My Book is: HARDCOVER or PAPERBACK

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