BINDING

Binding types include:

•	Advanced Reader
	Trade Paperback versions of books released to book industry insiders prior to the actual official release date. Oftentimes (but not always) these editions are printed with generic, text-only covers.
•	Board Book
	Great for small children, the pages of board books are made from sturdy cardboard to handle rough use.
•	Dust Jacket
	Also known as a dustwrapper (dw), the dust jacket is the (usually) decorative paper wrapper placed around a book for protection.
•	Hardcover
	A hardcover book (also known within the book industry as Trade Cloth), which may or may not have a dust jacket.
•	Library Bound
	A sturdy hardcover binding produced to withstand long-term use. Most Library Bound books do not have a dust jacket.
•	Mass Market
	A smaller paperback, the size you often find at a supermarket.
•	Pamphlet
	A small work, often stapled, generally bound in stiff paper back and front.
•	Slipcase
	A cardboard case covered in paper, cloth, or leather, the slipcase houses a book, leaving only its spine exposed.
•	Spiral Bound
	A continuous metal cord binding often used for workbooks or other "how-to" books.
•	Trade Paperback
	Usually taller, wider, with larger font, and printed on nicer paper than a mass market.
•	Uncorrected Proof
	Trade Paperbacks similar to Advanced Readers, but not released specifically for marketing purposes.
•	Vellum
	A fine parchment made from calf-, lamb-, or kidskin for writing on or for binding books. Vellum can also refer to heavy, fine-quality paper resembling this parchment.

 

CLASS

Book classes include:

•	New
	A brand new book.
•	Used
	A previously owned book in good, reading condition. All used books at Powells.com have been designated with a descriptive condition code, listed below. Like everything you buy at Powell's, if you're not satisfied with the condition of your used book, return it for a full refund.
•	Sale
	Books we've made available at substantial savings. A book classified as "sale" may show a small, black mark on the underside of its pages (or other identifying characteristics of publisher overstock editions) or possibly slight shelf-wear from its life in our stores.

 

CONDITION

Buying used books online shouldn't require any more guesswork than buying new copies. That's why all our used book listings contain a condition code. When you order a used book from Powells.com, you'll know exactly what kind of shape it's in. Prior to shelving, each book is graded appropriately.

The great majority of our stock falls into our "Standard" designation, and as you'll see below, we hold our buyers to high standards.

Whatever rating we apply to a book, our money-back guarantee applies. If you're unsatisfied with the condition, simply send it back within one month and we'll refund your money!

BOOKS

•	Standard
	What does "Standard" condition mean at Powell's? Books in good or better condition, free of writing or other markings in the text (with the possible exception of a previous owner's name in the front). The great majority of the books in our stock fall into this category. In short, when a book is listed as "Standard," you can expect it to be a high quality copy.
•	Less than Standard
	"Less than Standard" copies may show small stains or spots, or they may have sustained minor physical damage. Many of these copies once graced the shelves of an academic environment. At some point in its life, the owner of the book in question may have taken the pains to underline passages in pencil or pen, or perhaps marked them with a colored highlighter. Rest assured: none of the books on our shelves contain excessive comments in the margins or vulgar scribbles across the text, but now and then a copy slips past us with a few hidden markings. Often, "Less than Standard" copies are purchased by our buyers because they are out-of-print or hard to find. Comparably few of our listings fit this rating. Our "Less than Standard" titles are priced to reflect their imperfect condition.
•	Ex-Library
	"Ex-Library" titles at one time were the property of a lending library. As a result, these books generally show the markings, card pocket, stamping, and hallmarks of a library system. Though some may show signs of age and/or wear, the great majority would qualify for our "Standard" used book condition code if not for the library markings.
•	Student Owned
	Most of our used textbooks can be classified in "good" condition — generally clean; little damage to the binding, cover, and dust jacket (if present); and no missing or torn pages. However, these books also have the hallmarks of being used by students. As a result, there may be underlining or highlighting in the text, and older editions of a title may exhibit more wear and tear than the average used textbook. Also, student owned textbooks may or may not include the original access codes provided for access to websites related to the book.
•	Underlined
	At some point in its life, the owner of the book in question may have taken the pains to underline passages in pencil or pen, or perhaps marked them with a colored highlighter. None of the books on our shelves contain excessive comments in the margins or vulgar scribbles across the text, but now and then a copy slips past us with a few hidden markings. Often, "Underlined" copies are purchased by our buyers because they are out-of-print or hard to find. Comparably few of our listings fit this rating. "Underlined" titles are priced to reflect their imperfect condition.

DUST JACKETS

•	Standard
	Most dust jackets rated as "standard" are in as-new or very good condition. A small percentage may show minor shelf wear, small nicks, or a price clip.
•	Less than Standard
	The dust jacket may have tears, stains, large nicks, or be considerably worn.
•	Ex-Library
	The dust jacket has library markings (the book was at one time the property of a lending library) but is in otherwise good condition.
•	Ex-Library Less than Standard
	The dust jacket has library markings (the book was at one time the property of a lending library). Also, it may have tears, stains, large nicks, or be considerably worn.
•	No dust jacket
	The book does not have a dust jacket. The jacket may be missing or, alternately, the item is a hardcover originally issued without a jacket.

 

EDITIONS, VOLUMES, AND AUTOGRAPHED COPIES

At the end of the title of some books you'll see information relating to the edition of the book, the number of volumes, the number of the volume, and whether the book is autographed.

•	ISBN
	The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a 13-digit or 10-digit code assigned to books published after 1972. Each ISBN is unique to a specific book. A different ISBN is assigned to hardcover and paperback versions of the same title, as well as later editions with changes or additional content, or editions produced by different publishers. You'll generally find the number printed over the bar code on the book's back cover and on the title or copyright page.
•	1ed
	This book is a first edition.
•	2ed, 3ed, etc.
	These would be second and third editions, respectively.
•	3Vol, 2Vol, etc.
	If you see this at the end of a book's title it means it is a 3 volume set, or a 2 Volume set, and so on. The shipping on multi-volume sets is figured on a per volume basis (shipping a 3 volume set counts as shipping 3 separate books).
•	Vol3, Vol2, etc.
	These would be just volume 3 (of a larger set), just volume 2 of a larger set, and so on.
•	Signed
	If you see this in a title field, it means the book is autographed by the author. Powell's has many signed editions, not only in our rare book room but throughout the store. Many signed editions are no more expensive than ordinary editions of the same book. Some of our signed editions may also include an inscription from the author. Many authors who visit Powell's sign a number of copies of their work, sometimes right here in the aisles!