This page explains what information we put in our second-hand and used book descriptions and how we grade our second-hand and used books:

In general, soft cover or paperback books will be given an overall grade which will then be followed by a more detailed description of the book.

Likewise, hard cover books which do not have a dust jacket will also be given one overall grade which will then be followed by a more detailed description of the book.

However hard cover books with a dust jacket will have one grade for the book and another for the dust jacket. This will then be followed by a more detailed description of both the jacket and the book itself.

These descriptions will all include any defects noted and will usually finish with a size code and the number of pages in the book.

Wherever possible we will also include details of a book's publisher and the date of publication. This can be particularly useful in helping you to decide if this is the particular edition of a book that you are after ...

Book Grades

New or Mint - Is defined by Salopian Books as a book which has not been previously purchased or read by a buyer. Although they are unused, it is possible for a new book to be damaged. Any defects/damage to the book will be described in the description field. (Amazon Marketplace Equivalent – ‘New’).

Fine (or As New) - Approaches the condition of New, but without being crisp. For the use of the term Fine, there can be no defects or library stamps, etc. If the jacket has a small tear, or other defect, or looks worn, this will be noted. (Amazon Marketplace Equivalent – ‘Used – As New’).

Very Good - Describes a book that does show some signs of wear - but generally no tears - on either binding or paper. Any defects will be noted in the book description. (Amazon Marketplace Equivalent – ‘Used – Very Good’).

Good - Describes the average used worn book for its age - so it is worth checking the year of publication. It will have all pages or leaves present. Any defects will be detailed in the book description. (Amazon Marketplace Equivalent – ‘Used – Good’).

Fair - Worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title page, etc. Bindings or dust jackets (if any) are also likely to be worn. The book may have annotations or highlighted passages. Any defects will be noted in the book description. (Amazon Marketplace Equivalent – ‘Used – Acceptable’).

Poor - Describes a book that is sufficiently worn, to the point that its only merit is as a reading copy because it does have the complete text, which is legible. (No Amazon Marketplace Equivalent).

Salopian Books recognises that these terms may be subjective and hence we operate a no quibble 14-day returns policy on all purchases.

If you would like to see a picture of any of our books or have any queries about a book’s condition or any of the terms we use to describe our books then please feel free to contact us at salopianbooks@hotmail.co.uk

To see our terms and conditions then please click here