Book collecting terms
JRR TOLKIEN; THE LORD OF THE RINGS comprising THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (12th IMPRESSION) (F/VF), THE TWO TOWERS (9th IMPRESSION) (F/-)and THE RETURN OF THE KING (9th IMPRESSION)(M/F) pub by G. ALLEN & UNWIN, 1963, FIRST EDITION, dws 13TH, 10TH, 9TH, 8vo, Hardback.
This might to some look like a nice set of books while others keep wondering
why these books are so highly prized. Book sellers have the tendency to
use a specific terminology and a grading system to tell the condition
of the books. The grading system defined below is called the IOBA's standard
and is used by most booksellers. Further more i list a lot of other terms
used by book sellers which might be helpfull when looking for Tolkien
books.
_/_ CONDITION normally shown as __/__ or F/F, denoting
first book & then dustjacket condition.
AS NEW (AN) or VERY FINE (VF) or MINT
(M): Without faults or defects, unread, in the same immaculate
condition in which it was published (Note: very few "new" books
qualify for this grade, as many times there will be rubs/scuffs to the
dustjackets from shipping, or bumped lower spine ends/corners from shelving).
FINE (F): Approaches the above, but not crisp. May have
been carefully read and dustjacket may have been slightly rubbed or spine
ends slightly bumped from shelving/shipping, but no real defects or faults.
(NOTE: From here on, there may be "+" and "-" in a
grade, which will mean that it is above the grade noted but not quite
to the next higher grade for "+", and that it is below the grade
noted but not quite to the next lower grade for "-".
NEAR FINE: Also used, although not contained in Bookman's
Weekly definitions, meaning a book or dustjacket approaching FINE but
with a couple of very minor defects or faults.
VERY GOOD: A used book showing some small signs of wear
on either binding or dustjacket. Any defects/faults must be noted.
GOOD: The average used and worn book that has all pages
or leaves present. Any defects must be noted.
FAIR: A worn book that has complete text pages (including
those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title page, etc.
(which must be noted). Binding, dustjacket, etc. may also be worn. All
defects/faults must be noted.
POOR or READING COPY: A book that is sufficiently worn that its
only merit is the complete text, which must be legible. Any missing maps
or plates should still be noted. May be soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted,
and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.
BOOK CLUB: Must always be noted as such no matter what
the condition of the book is. Most book club editions are made of cheaper
materials.
BINDING COPY: A book in which the pages or leaves are
perfect but the binding is very bad, loose, off, or non-existent.
Spread the news about this J.R.R. Tolkien article: