Condition & Grading

How We Grade

All items at The New Rare are graded and described as accurately as possible. We use a standard rare books condition scale, supplemented by our own notes where the item warrants further context. If you have any questions about a specific item's condition, please get in touch before purchasing.

Condition Grades

Fine (F)

As close to perfect as the age of the item allows. No defects, no soiling. Tight binding, bright pages, no inscriptions unless noted. Dust jacket (if applicable) is crisp and unclipped.

Very Good (VG)

Shows some signs of wear but no major defects. Minor shelf wear, light fading, or small marks may be present. A solid, presentable copy.

Good (G)

Average used condition. Complete and intact but showing clear signs of use — worn spine, soiling, foxing, or previous owner inscriptions. Still a fully readable and collectible copy.

Fair

Heavily worn but complete. Significant soiling, heavy foxing, loose pages, or damaged binding. Suitable for reading or as a placeholder copy.

Poor

Severely damaged, incomplete, or heavily marked. Listed only where the item has significant rarity or research value despite its condition.

A Note on Hurt, Ex-Library & Reading Copies

We actively collect and sell hurt copies — books damaged in transit, storage, or handling — as well as ex-library copies bearing stamps, labels, pockets, or other institutional markings. We do not consider these lesser objects.

Many of the most interesting copies in existence carry the marks of their history. A library stamp from a significant institution, a bookseller's label, or a reading copy annotated by its owner can add rather than detract from an item's interest. We describe these features honestly and price accordingly.

Where an item is a hurt or ex-library copy, this will always be stated clearly in the listing.

Dust Jackets

Where a dust jacket is present, its condition is noted separately. Price-clipped jackets are noted. Facsimile or reproduction jackets are always identified as such.

Signatures & Inscriptions

Signed copies are verified to the best of our ability and noted in the listing. Previous owner inscriptions are described and photographed where relevant.