Grading books accurately is essential for both buyers and sellers in the rare book market. Understanding the nuances of book condition helps ensure fair pricing and realistic expectations. Two widely recognized grading scales are the Antique Trader Grading Scale (ATGS) and the AB Bookman Grading Scale (ABGS). This guide focuses on the AB Bookman’s grading system, a standard developed in 1949 to provide a more comprehensive and consistent approach to assessing the condition of used books.
The Antique Trader Grading Scale (ATGS)
The Antique Trader Grading Scale (ATGS), derived from the pre-1949 AB Bookman Standard, assesses a book’s condition based primarily on the tightness of its binding. This initial assessment provides a foundation for determining the overall grade.
- Fine: The book closes completely when placed on its spine and opened to a 45-degree angle, then released.
- Near Fine: The book closes, but the cover doesn’t completely close.
- Very Good: The book opens and the pages fan out.
- Good: The book lies flat when opened to a page.
The ATGS acknowledges that flaws such as foxing, dog-eared pages, or notes within the text can downgrade a book’s condition from its initial grade. Books in worse condition are classified as Fair (severely worn) or Poor (falling apart but readable), often referred to as “reading copies.” A “binding copy” describes a book that is falling apart but complete and suitable for rebinding.
A Deep Dive into the AB Bookman’s Grading Guide (ABGS)
The AB Bookman’s Grading Guide, developed in 1949, provides a more detailed and descriptive assessment of a book’s condition. Unlike the ATGS which primarily focuses on binding, the ABGS considers various factors affecting the overall grade. It is more encompassing and widely adopted in the book collecting community.
- As New: This term is reserved for books in the same pristine condition as when they were first published. There should be no defects, missing pages, or library stamps. If the book came with a dust jacket, it must be flawless, without tears. “As New” is preferred over “Mint” to describe such a perfect copy.
Alt Text: An image showcasing a book in “As New” condition, with a perfect dust jacket and pristine pages.
- Fine: A book graded as “Fine” approaches “As New” condition but may lack the same crispness. There should still be no defects, but a minor tear or wear on the dust jacket should be noted.
- Very Good: A “Very Good” book shows some small signs of wear on the binding or pages, but no tears. Any defects must be explicitly noted in the description.
Alt Text: A book rated as “Very Good”, showing slight wear on the cover but generally well-preserved.
- Good: This grade describes an average used and worn book with all pages present. Again, all defects must be noted.
- Fair: A “Fair” book is worn but retains complete text pages, including maps or plates. However, it may be missing endpapers or a half-title, which should be indicated. The binding and dust jacket (if present) may also show wear, with all defects noted.
- Poor: A book in “Poor” condition is significantly worn, primarily valuable as a reading copy. It must have a complete and legible text, although it may be soiled, scuffed, stained, or have loose joints, hinges, or pages. Any missing maps or plates should be noted.
Alt Text: Depicting a book graded “Poor,” exhibiting significant wear, including detached covers and damaged pages, while still being readable.
Special Considerations for Book Grading
Regardless of the grade, certain characteristics always warrant specific mention:
- Ex-Library Copies: These must always be identified, regardless of their condition.
- Book Club Editions: These should also be noted, irrespective of the book’s condition.
- Binding Copy: This term refers to a book with perfect pages but a severely damaged or nonexistent binding.
- Dust Jacket: The presence or absence of a dust jacket should always be noted if the book was originally issued with one. The condition of the dust jacket itself is a significant factor in the overall grade and value of the book.
The Importance of Accurate Grading
Accurate grading is crucial for fair transactions and maintaining trust within the rare book market. Both the ATGS and ABGS offer valuable frameworks, but the AB Bookman’s Grading Guide is generally preferred due to its detailed descriptions and comprehensive approach. By understanding these grading systems, buyers can make informed decisions, and sellers can accurately represent their books, fostering a more transparent and equitable marketplace.
